Best Matches?

Jaynaff · February 2018

I'm always looking to stock up on the best matches for pipe smoking. I'm a sucker for cool packaging. I just used up the last of my Iwan Ries boxes and honestly, while I love the branding and nostalgia, wasn't crazy about the matches themselves. Anyone have recommendations?

motie2 · February 2018

https://www.linselighters.com/
Better than matches.
Better than a BIC.
No worries if you lose it, because unlike my Corona Old Boy, it's cheap.

TaylorJDutton · February 2018

The restaurant i work at has matches as the favor for the guest, so i use those. As far as best, I’ve seen people use the big boxes of green tip strike anywhere matches, they seem to work well

Jaynaff · February 2018

@motie2 thanks for the recommendation. Some of the reviews say that the Linse lighters run out of fluid fairly quickly - has this been your experience?

motie2 · February 2018

Welcome @Jaynaff -- Not at all; it lasts about as long as a BIC.
I purchased a package of six from eBay before summer of 2017 and am still using the first one.
The only problem is slowly peeling the stupid striped wrap from the lighter.
But if you do it slowly it can be removed without leaving a trace of stickum.

I have a leather wrapped Vector butane I won in the monthly drawing at TPL, the Linse lighter, a Sportsman's Guide windproof, and a Corona Old Boy.
The Old Boy never leaves the house, as I am so afraid of losing it.
I use the Linse and Vector at home; whichever is at hand.
The Sportsman wind proof has a jet type flame, not real good for lighting a bowl, but excellent for charring the rim.

Bonanzadriver · February 2018

These...

https://www.dollartree.com/Diamond-Greenlight-Large-Kitchen-Matches-300-ct-Packs/p332815/index.pro

Pick em up here @ our local Dollar Tree for $1 per box. Works out to 3 matches for $0.01. That's right. 1 penny for 3 matches. As you may have guessed, I'm a bit of a csob. ;-)

Kmhartle · February 2018

I agree with @Bonanzadriver. The best matches for the price are the large kitchen matches from the dollar store. (The small boxes are useless for lighting a pipe, IMHO) I keep a couple of jars of the large kitchen matches around for when the Zippo runs out of fluid.

motie2 · February 2018

Have not been able to find strike anywhere wooden matches near here.

PappyJoe · February 2018

I'm beginning to think they outlawed the strike anywhere matches.

ghostsofpompeii · February 2018

Glad to know I'm not the only one who can't find strike anywhere matches. I thought I was shopping in the wrong place. They used to be available everywhere, but I haven't been able to find them in quite some time. Back when I was a Boy Scout I had one of those silver tube matches container and always had it stocked with strike anywhere matches.

buflosab · February 2018

I just carry a Zippo lighter, I find it easier. Obviously you have to make sure it's filled and have a good flint. You can carry a new flint right in side the lighter. I do carry a bic in my car just in case I haven't followed the above steps. It doesn't happen often.

TaylorJDutton · February 2018

https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-GreenLightTM-Kitchen-Matches-anywhere/dp/B004B5KAF0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519106055&sr=8-3&keywords=strike-anywhere+matches

motie2 · February 2018

Thank you, @TaylorJDutton

TaylorJDutton · February 2018

@motie2 you got it *thumbs up*

xDutchx · February 2018

The problem with most matches, is that they contain sulphur, and will contaminate the taste and flavor of your favorite pipe tobacco or cigar. If you want a clean light using a wooden match, I would suggest sulphur free matches, such as these offered by the Squire. Best of all, they are "strike anywhere," so you can look cool striking one off the heel of your boot, just like in the old westerns.

https://www.thecountrysquireonline.com/product/swan-vestas-4-sulfur-free-matches/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Vesta

@motie2, I am including pics and links for your consideration and reference porpoises, because I am just that thorough! :>)

motie2 · February 2018

Thank you, @xDutchx -- There is something not mentioned in this discussion, so far. It is, in my mind, the most excellent -- if seemingly stupid -- way to light a pipe: Hemp wicking. It can only be reliably used at home because the slightest breeze can blow it out, but that is true of the sine qua non pipe lighter: the Corona Old Boy.

https://twistedbee.com/
http://www.hemplights.com/products.htm

xDutchx · February 2018

@motie2, I have been meaning to try the hemp method, since it keeps the pipe temps extremely low. In my mind it would be a superior method, which would provide maximum flavor. Thanks so much for the links you provided.

motie2 · February 2018

@xDutchx -- My friend, hemp wicking would be not only the best way to light a pipe, but the only way to light a pipe..... if it wasn't so redundantly stupid. Folks who use hemp wicking are usually seen seated, in a comfortable chair, next to an end table with a burning candle, and a bit of a preferred spirit.

I can't smoke in the house (SWMBO forbids!). But I've used a Linse to light me a wick, on a becalmed summer day, out on the rear deck.... and it's the. only. way. to. light. a. pipe.

Best Matches?

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