Alright Pipe Smokers. It's the question that has destroyed countless friendships.

[Nick D]

When I use a lighter I use an Imco Slimline (now owned by Esbit). About the size of a Zippo, fits nicely in a vest pocket, and the removable fuel tank is very convenient for pipes. Lights more consistently than my Zippo and the fuel seems to last longer. I like the vintage-like look, too.

http://www.amazon.com/ESBIT-Windpro...&qid=1396888499&sr=1-12&keywords=imco+lighter

 

[jamespowers]

Usually one of these:

View attachment 12335

Not only convenient, but also has a built in tamper, which I otherwise lose with regularity. I like using matches too when available, but they are more fussy and the lighter is simply easier and more reliable.

I have a similar blue Lucerne lighter that I use.

 

[BriarWolf]

I was thinking yesterday if you could use some form of slow match to light you pipe? Practicalities aside.

Yes, as a matter of fact. This method turns up in 17th century tavern scene paintings every so often.

 

[Giftmacher]

I prefer matches and from 80's and older in particular, it was made from a better
wood than current production from India. Luckily I have a stock of it.

 

[jamespowers]

I prefer matches and from 80's and older in particular, it was made from a better
wood than current production from India. Luckily I have a stock of it.

 

[Giftmacher]

[video=youtube;Qbtnr6t0NFk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbtnr6t0NFk[/video]

 

[Nick D]

I love his pipe. Long slender stem, tall but not huge bowl.

 

[Guttersnipe]

I'm sure the pipe snobs will have a thing or three to say about this, but does it really matter if you use matches or a lighter? I've smoked a pipe off and on for 15+ years and never noticed a difference. In all those years, the only time I've ever had a problem was when I bought some super cheap, slightly sketchy "off-brand" fluid for my Zippo; that stuff gave everything -- pipes, cigars, even cigarettes -- a nasty gasoline taste. But it went away after a puff or two.

 

[HudsonHawk]

I'm sure the pipe snobs will have a thing or three to say about this, but does it really matter if you use matches or a lighter? I've smoked a pipe off and on for 15+ years and never noticed a difference. In all those years, the only time I've ever had a problem was when I bought some super cheap, slightly sketchy "off-brand" fluid for my Zippo; that stuff gave everything -- pipes, cigars, even cigarettes -- a nasty gasoline taste. But it went away after a puff or two.

With a flame lighter, other than the potential for the off flavor, there's not much difference in matches and a lighter. Now a torch lighter, on the other hand...

 

[Stanley Doble]

I used matches for years, paper or wood, what's the difference? When the Bic lighters came out I found them good until they got lost or ran dry so usually had a few books of matches around.

Zippos are for unfiltered Camels. I have a few but only used them on cigarettes.

 

[stevew443]

When I wish to smoke my pipe I will use what ever flame source is available. At home I use wooden matches for the initial char (too many wooden matches can fill up an ash tray very quickly) and a Zippo with a pipe insert for any other needed lightings. In my car, I keep a Bic handy. I always carry a Zippo when I am out and about. I have been known to use twigs from a campfire to light my pipe. As long as there is a flame that can be used, then it will be used. I really don't care how the tobacco is lit, just as long as I can enjoy the smoke.

 

[greatestescaper]

I myself prefer matches. While I have always desired myself a proper Zippo, and more so once I found they had the pipe lighting insert, I find the smell of a Zippo burning very unpleasant. Especially while lighting my pipe. I figure that the ritualistic nature of pipe smoking requires the patience to use matches.

 

[emigran]

Zippo with insert since 1966... the sound of that click is what makes it...!!!

 

[Rodney]

It used to be matches. New matches are safe to the point of being fireproof. I swore never to waste my time and money on them again after the last box I bought. Now I just use a Bic and am thinking about getting a proper vintage pipe lighter.
Why are torch lighters bad? Because it's too easy to scorch your pipe with them.
Rodney