Scorched Thumb Syndrome
ghostsofpompeii
Master
For any outdoor pipe smoker using a cheap disposable Bic Lighter, I'm pretty sure you've found yourself victim to the dreaded Scorched Thumb Syndrome. As you light your pipe an uncooperative wind or slight breeze redirects the flame from the tobacco to your thumb. It doesn't happen as often - or hardly ever - with a Zippo Pipe Lighter because of the way the lighter is engineered. But the flame from a disposable Bic lighter seems to have a mind of it's own. And more often than not I find the flame redirected towards my thumb.
After a while the skins seems to toughen up - or else I'm so used to it by now that I seldom scream like a woman when it happens - but I became more acutely aware of the problem when I developed Type 2 Diabetes and have to prick my finger every morning to test my blood sugar. I try to rotate my fingers so I'm not always pricking the same ones - but when I get to the right thumb ... well ... it gets an automatic pass because of my Scorched Thumb affliction.
I've found no cure for the Syndrome - other than use a Zippo Pipe Lighter. It can happen with wooden matches as well, but not as often since you can hold the match at the very bottom away from the flame. But that damn disposable Bic Lighter puts your thumb directly over the bowl right in the path of the flame.
I'm currently looking for a celebrity spokesperson to sponsor a Telethon for those afflicted with Scorched Thumb Syndrome. We must make people aware of our plight ... our screams should no longer go unnoticed. Send me a $5000.00 donation and I'll see what I can do about it. I'm sure I can find a good use for the cash.
Comments
I have one of these in the Soft Flame variety. It works pretty good and its refillable. http://www.jetlinelighter.com/shop/proto-pipe
I like my Jetline soft flame. I like that exposed gear one you linked...especially for the $13.99.
I have two Vectors. Vectors are expensive and they suck. Both have been sent off for repair twice.
An American classic.
Same here. I prefer the butane insert to the Zippo lighter, but I often find myself either borrowing a Bic or using one often when I'm walking my pipe (I'd say lunting, but I know how much @Londy3 would prefer another word
Note: Also a Type2 diabetic with hypertension, but by walking my pipe, relaxing with a daily smoke and controlling my diet, I've reversed my diabetes and my blood pressure. (Not bragging, just a statement to the benefit that my pipe smoking has brought to my health/life).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Pack-MINI-BBQ-Grill-Lighter-Refillable-Butane-Gas-Candle-Fireplace-Kitchen/273321641423?hash=item3fa33d45cf:g:EMYAAOSw2DdbMcA5
EDIT ADD: Later on, I came across a listing for a 3-pack of these lighters for only $2 more than a single one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Pack-MINI-BBQ-Grill-Lighter-Refillable-Butane-Gas-Candle-Fireplace-Kitchen/273321642354?hash=item3fa33d4972:g:4dAAAOSwDcpbMcCH:rk:30:pf:0
When you said "walking your pipe", I got a picture of a pipe with a dog collar and leash on it, trotting down the walk
@PappyJoe
I have several Colibri lighters. I bought one of the first butane Jet type lighters, the fluorescent orange with black rubber surround (kind of "tactical" looking), way before I ever started up the pipe. I used it for hunting/fishing/camping. It worked for a long time...I think it still works, but the dang lid hinge broke with the daily front pants pocket carry. I have bought two others, one with a carabiner type latch to clip onto packs etc. I think they all still light, except the hinges on the lids are all broken, and the carabiner clip is cracked. The one with the carabiner clip is aluminum...still broken. Apparently they hate being carried in a pocket all day. I have lots of Zippo's, I have yet to break or even damage a lid hinge. The Jetline is awesome for piping, the fold out tools actually pivot on the correct end (the bottom of the lighter). I dislike the lighters where the tools pivot from the flame end...like a T-Handle. Sometimes I wish the tools were longer. I have some deep chambered pipes where the tools won't reach the bottom. I have to be careful not to "bash" the rim of those pipes with the bottom of the lighter when tamping. I usually have one of my longer tampers with me for those pipes. I could just use my finger, but I am a wuss and don't need the other maladies, SFS (scorched fingertip syndrome), or AFS (ash finger syndrome).
I use the Linse on the rear deck occasionally, as I've left them in several places around the house, like reading glasses
I never use the Old Boy, because I'm afraid of losing it. (It was a gift.)
but I wind up using these:
The lighter above I (would) use indoors (which never happens) or on the rear deck; the wicking for in the garage.
Wicking's still the best way, IMHO. It just isn't practical.
Funny enough, I'm the guy behind the following Instagram account
Should be just fine to leave one of in all the "usual places" where one tends to repeatedly pause to pipe.
The random color they sent me was a solid red, not one of the neon colors in the picture.
Mine showed up today also. Trial run tonight. I got the assortment pack so I'm not without a lighter again.
Yea, but mine is refillable, and does not stick one in the nether regions when in a front pocket🙂
Although, I have refilled Bic lighters from the top.
I am surprised after 10-15 years? of that lighter being in my truck in the sun that it hasn't exploded......knock on wood.....knock, knock, knock