Thanks @motie2 for the info. Why is buying a pipe lighter (soft flame) so hard that is not over $100? Most reviews I see on these items are horrible on almost all pipe lighters. The only exception is Zippo. That is the only pipe lighter that gets good reviews and it's not expensive. I am just reluctant because of the fuel it uses. I had no idea it would be this difficult.
It seems like the Zippo with butane insert is the best of both worlds. Relatively inexpensive and butane. I still use a regular Zippo pipe lighter when outside because I don't mind the fluid smell. However, I've always thought those cool butane inserts that @PappyJoe mentioned were intriguing. For those who use one, how well do they work?
@jfreedy - In my opinion, they work better for pipes than a normal Zippo pipe insert. There is no fluid leakage, they are easy to refill and adjust the flame. The only problem I have with it is the same I have with any Zippo or Bic lighter, you have to watch which way the wind is blowing or else you burn your fingers.
Thanks to everyone for the help and information on lighters. I decided to buy the American classic, the Zippo pipe lighter, my very first. I tried it for the first time yesterday and I love it. There was zero fluid taste (with premium fluid). I let it burn for three seconds before touching the tobacco and it was a great light. It was easy to char the entire bowl without touching the pipe or burning my fingers. Way better than the Bic.
Just got my Linse lighters in yesterday. They are a great alternative to expensive pipe lighters. Basically a Bic with a moveable spout. They work really well too. I'll be traveling with these for sure!
@Londy3 -- the wrapper does come off to leave solid black. However, the sticky residue wasn't worth it. I used acetone to remove it, but it dulled the shiny plastic. The sticker doesn't bother me... much.
Re: Zippo pipe lighters. The lighter fluid used in the Zippo can make a big difference in how badly the flavor seems! I have found that Zippo brand fluid has the least odor &/or taste. If you let the lighter burn a few seconds, the taste of the fluid seems to me to be greatly decreased. At least I can light my pipe outside. Hope it helps!
I have a Zippo. I got rid of the lighter fluid taste by using one of the refillable gas inserts. I buy two or three Linse when they are available at the local B&M.
I gotta say, I really like my pipe Zippo. Not only does it look cool, it's great for outside, has a great flame, and the special design works great. As someone else stated, let it burn for two seconds then light, no fuel taste at all. Plus, it's classic.
My only issue with my Zippo pipe lighter is that it seems to run out of fuel all the time. It must be drying out between uses. Feels like I’m always refilling it.
A special friend gave me a $145.00 Corona OldBoy (the one that shows the various pipe shapes on its case). I love it. Great looking; feels good in the hand; reliably lights; one refill from the big butane can lasts a long time -- no leakage). But blows out in a breeze.
I still find the disposable Linse pipe lighter to be the best value for the money.
Bic and matches for me I started to buy a nice pipe lighter but could not see spending the money when a bic and matches do the trick. I do have a few pipe zippos but rarely use them.
Hey Buddy, Vaseline is a petroleum product. Lighter Fluid is Naptha which is distilled from petroleum sometime during the process of (I think later in the distilling process) obtaining gasoline. Being the makeup of Vaseline being petroleum based it will be dissolved or at least thinned out by any naptha that would come in contact with it. As an owner of zippo lighters myself I have never filled my lighters without some fluid leaking out in the process. Bottom line, I think shortly after filling a zippo type lighter and sliding the case back on, the vaseline would diluted and thinned and probably be gone.
We were taught (thank you US Military) if you are going to be somewhere without your lighter fluid (not recommended to carry) you should fill 2 lighters, 1 for now, and tape the lid shut on the 2nd to avoid evaporation for use a little bit later. Always seemed to work. I STILL keep a second lighter in my truck taped shut. It is a hard habit to break.
@pwkarch -- I know what you mean about lighter fluid leaking. If you carry a leaky zippo in your pants pocket, it gives you really nifty thigh burns, even without ignition
As to the vaseline trick, your argument is logical, but I used it back in the day, and it worked to prevent fluid evaporation. What can I say?
@motie2 & @pwkarch — I think I’ll try both your ideas. Of course, I also have 3 Linse lighters now. So traveling & lighting in the wind is pretty simple. I love my Zippo, but someday, I’d still like an OldBoy.
Comments
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/beretta-m9-tactical-butane-lighter-403484480
neglected to mention it doesn't work, I tore it apart to "fix" it, and it is unrepareable.
Stay away from this one, guys.
The wrapper comes off too.
Re: Zippo pipe lighters. The lighter fluid used in the Zippo can make a big difference in how badly the flavor seems! I have found that Zippo brand fluid has the least odor &/or taste. If you let the lighter burn a few seconds, the taste of the fluid seems to me to be greatly decreased. At least I can light my pipe outside. Hope it helps!
I still find the disposable Linse pipe lighter to be the best value for the money.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/146-5321250-3048267?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Linse+lighter
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Linse+lighter&_sop=15
It's a BIC for pipes. And yes, the stupid wrappers peel cleanly off.
Hey Buddy, Vaseline is a petroleum product. Lighter Fluid is Naptha which is distilled from petroleum sometime during the process of (I think later in the distilling process) obtaining gasoline. Being the makeup of Vaseline being petroleum based it will be dissolved or at least thinned out by any naptha that would come in contact with it. As an owner of zippo lighters myself I have never filled my lighters without some fluid leaking out in the process. Bottom line, I think shortly after filling a zippo type lighter and sliding the case back on, the vaseline would diluted and thinned and probably be gone.
We were taught (thank you US Military) if you are going to be somewhere without your lighter fluid (not recommended to carry) you should fill 2 lighters, 1 for now, and tape the lid shut on the 2nd to avoid evaporation for use a little bit later. Always seemed to work. I STILL keep a second lighter in my truck taped shut. It is a hard habit to break.
As to the vaseline trick, your argument is logical, but I used it back in the day, and it worked to prevent fluid evaporation. What can I say?