I’ve been using Zippos for decades. It was my first lighter before I even started smoking. I smoked cigarettes for over a decade and ALWAYS had it on my persons and felt naked without it. I quit smoking cigarettes years ago but still smoked cigars on occasion and recently got into pipes. I never understood the snobs who claimed it was a sin to light a cigar with a Zippo…. I’m with you maybe you smell/taste it the first puff or two but it definitely goes away. They are a fantastic product and the best value for what you get. They are reliable, durable, have a lifetime warranty, and are one of the few products still made in the States! Their customer service is fantastic! Although they don’t repair inserts anymore they do send you a brand new one if you send in your lighter. You can even keep the old one. That’s how I turned mine into a pipe lighter. I sent it in to have the hinge repaired and requested a pipe style insert and they obliged.
I find it sad that I really dislike the fuel taste. Because I love Zippos. There is just something deeply satisfying with the "clong, zschk, click" cycle. 😅
Ha! Zippo's are made in my hometown (Bradford, PA)! I worked in that factory (cleaning) when I was a teenager looking for extra money... _HIGHLY_ recommend folks go visit the museum there if you haven't yet and are finding yourself nearby -- you _WON'T_ be disappointed!
Completely agree with your rankings here. I bought a box of matches with my first pipe. Went through 4 or 5 before even getting a good char light. Tried a Bic I had laying about the next time. It was passable, but I wanted a more permanent solution. Stopped at a smoke shop while I was traveling and saw the coolest Zippo-a sort of pirate ship&map thing. I used that for a while until I saw someone mention that Zippo made pipe inserts. Immediately orded one and I've been using it ever since. I really like how customizable Zippos are, and appreciate how simple they are. Easy to use, easy to refuel, easy to maintain. Just a great tool.
The zippo drawback is that if it’s left for a week or so, it’s usually out of fuel. Also can be a messy process to refill. The fuel evaporates fast. That being said it’s still a must have and provides a great flame.
You can buy an insert that has a reservoir for butane that slides in the Zippo casing so you don't have to worry about it drying up or pouring lighter fluid all over you. Walmart sells one Z Plus is the brand you can get a pipe insert or a torch insert. You get the look of the classic with a modern twist.
@@kennethjames9999 True and that is what I use, the soft flame insert. However, I don't think they make a soft flame pipe insert. That one uses the regular lighter fluid. The butane soft flame works just fine though.
@@Slater6377 The one pipe lighter insert I have is the Z Pipe from the same company, it's a butane insert with a soft flame. I also have the torch insert which is the Z Plus.
I’ve noticed that the fuel evaporates very fast as well…as a kid, I don’t remember my dad or anyone for that matter having that problem…I remember my dad filling his zippo maybe 2-3 times a year…but I could be mistaken 🫤
What a wonderful and important video, Wilson. I think I agree with you 100%. As an ex engineer and an American, my favorite lighter is the zippo. I have a zippo lighter collection, and until 15 months ago, never used it to light any kind of smoking implement. I just loved the fact that they were designed in the 30s and a virtually unchanged because of how sound the design was. They are made in the United States, and they have never charged even a dime to fix one. I actually had somebody give me one that had no lid and I told him that, and I said I wanted to pay for the repairs because I did not purchase it. They would not let me give them any money. They replaced the lid and the insert for free. So I want to spend my money with them. If I go outside, zippo is all I use because it never lets you down. If the flame is too large, you can cut the wick back to make it smaller. All of that being said, my favorite lighters for inside are the old boy style. I have four of them and cherish them all. I think for a butane lighter, the most reliable is the ones that use a flint and a striker wheel. My other favorite is the Saint Dupont style, both that and the old boy style use a Flint and Striker. Have never had good luck with the peso-electric butane lighters until I purchased a Calibri. I have found all of them fail within as little as a month to six months. But since I started using premium Calibri fuel, I think it might have been a clogging issue rather than the electronic failure. When I used Bic lighters for my pipes, they seemed to run out of fuel very quickly. For my first charring light and my first real light I like to use a wooden kitchen matches. After that, I always use a soft flame for all of my relights. You have a blessed week, my friend.
@@scottsmith3236 Yes. I have been there twice. I also love Case knives, so it was twice the fun. For the last 15 years, I was just wasting lighter fluid. Now I have a good use for them. I bought 4 pipe inserts.
I have had the good fortune of working for both companies, 17 years at Zippo and 10 at Case. Still have many friends at both. I use a variety of lighters, but outdoors in the wind, nothing beats a Zippo.
Excellent video sir. I always stuck with the original Bic. I don't get burned, as when I light up, I don't turn the lighter over, I tilt my pipe to the side. Works a charm. Thanks for your time.
Hey 👋, new to the crew and got my first pipe today for Father's Day. (From a gas station for 20$,,, dont judge me too harshly.) Just wanted to say thanks for the education and the opportunity for a good threshold. Starting off with Bugler tobacco. 😢but hey, got to start somewhere.
I just bought a gold zippo with pipe insert today with a new meerschaum. I’ve used them but never owned a zippo. I love this thing, I really hope I don’t lose it. This is the exact size item I lose.
Zippo makes a soft butane yellow flame for pipes about 15 dollars. They also make a regular flame pipe insert from 14 to 19 dollars depending on the finsh you get.
Yep! Zippo for me! Reliable, easy to use. Inexpensive. Easy and cheap to maintain. And they're just cool! I agree about the odor and taste. I smell the fuel for a second after lighting. But I can't say I've ever tasted it; maybe the very split second of initial light, but that's it. Nothing that's ever bothered me.
If people dislike the classic zippo thing, you can always go to a tractor supply or the like and buy pure naptha. And to fix evaporation which is another concern, you can get gaskets.
Happy I found this channel. For me, im a zippo lover too. I use one of the thicker zippo armor cases with the antique finish and a pipe insert. My backup I use for both cigars and pipe is another zippo armor case, but I got one of the vector dual flame inserts (single jet and soft flame) that has worked great for me.
I use the Zippo with the pipe insert, and you're right about all the pros and cons there. I was thinking that I could find something a little better for the wind, since I'm smoking more outside during breaks at work. But honestly, the Zippo is great. I also find that the lighter fluid taste that people talk about is overrated. I get that for maybe a second, then it's all tobacco taste. Great list!
I'm only a few months into the hobby and I ahve to agree witht he zippo. They work great in the wind and I've tried so many other methods and I always come back to the zippo.
100% agree that Zippos with the pipe insert are the way to go. If the fuel taste is an issue, letting it burn for 5+ sec before putting it to the tobac seems to reduce the taste some, but I've grown to like that taste a bit at the beginning, haha
I used to own several Zippos when I smoked cigarettes 30 years ago. I agree with everything you've said about them. I really appreciated the build quality and my only reservation about buying another one now is that they may be of lower quality. Can you confirm that they are still solidly built and nicely finished? Many thanks from the UK
Good info. I always enjoy your videos. One thing you didn't mention ... I prefer my Old Boy because the Zippo fluid evaporates too quickly. I have to refill my butane lighter MUCH less frequently than the Zippo.
Very true, I don't smoke often, but when I want to my Zippos are always empty. They are good lighters but you need to use them regularly, that's why I'm interested by getting a Corona.
Love watching your videos, and smoking a bowl with you. Agree with the Zippo pipe lighters. I also think that tasting the lighter fuel when lighting pipe is a bunch of bull. Even just a taste is noticed, it's worth it to enjoy the rest of the bowl. With matches I always seem to need several, and always nearly burn my fingers. God Bless and keep you and yours safe.
Zippo for me. One of the cons is that they will dry out after a bit. I just get in the habit of topping off the fuel once a week. As far as smelling or tasting fuel I find that letting it burn for just a couple seconds before touching it to the pipe gets rid of any excessive fumes and taste (if any)
A solid overview. I'm a Zippo guy and I think the fuel taste debate gets blown out of sorts. My pipe bag always has a couple Bics for back up if I run out of fuel. Excellent video Wilson. Enjoyed your interview on the Pipe and Tobacco Talk Podcast.
Vector lighters make a model " Optimus ". It has a retactable tube that allows you to go deep in the deeper bowled pipes. It has an electro peizo lighting system. It is a soft butane flame for about 36 or 37 dollars.
I always liked a wood match but they have their cons. I use Bic lighters most frequently, not distinguished or elegant but they serve the purpose and are basically maintenance free.
I bought a zippo with the pipe insert. I love using a zippo and playing with them. The Peterson lighter is pretty slick though. I definitely like the look but I don’t want it if it’s finicky. I love the long stem bic lighters too for reliability and convenience but it cheapens the experience of pipe smoking for me. I love using wood matches but only when indoors or where there is no wind at all which is very rare.
I’ve got my eye on some nicer lighters, but for now I’ve tried several of the cheaper options. I used bics and matches a good bit, but wanted something refillable and basic. I picked up a metal clipper on Amazon for ten bucks, and it’s been a simple, reliable, and the larger flame when you tip it works nice.
👍 I myself keep a regular sized zippo and a bic for backup in my pipe pouch. Also had it sent to zippo for exchanging the insert for the pipe style (only paying the shipping) 😉
Don't forget that matches are great in that they'll never char your pipe. Interestingly, matches burn hotter than Zippos it seems! I don't know if links to other RUclips videos are welcomed here but there's a fella that compared the different flames (matches, Zippo, generic butane, and butane pipe lighter) with a thermo coupler. Just search "realistic flame temperature comparison between matches, Zippo". That should be enough to get you to NV Projects channel.
Excellent video! I keep wanting to get a snazzier looking lighter, but at the end of the day continue to enjoy my Zippo with the pipe insert. I have never had a problem with tasting the fuel. It works great and has that classic "click." Still, I am going to head to your Amazon link to browse a bit. Thanks!
My number 1 is a Corona old boy. Very reliable, and ergonomically the easiest for me. Second choice is a big wooden match, third is a bic, but only if I’m out of the nest.
If no wind, I use my torch lighter (gave up cigars) and use them to light stick matches. Burns the sulfur off right away, But most of the time I use Bic extended tubes and buy them online directly from BIC. Good price even compaired to Walmart prices. Tired of always running out of fuel for my Zip's or Propane.
I change fairly often on what I use, if I am fishing on my boat I tend to go for a zippo (picky on what fuel I use zippo brand only others have left weird tastes) if I am at home matches or my Peterson lighter. If I’m driving it’s almost always a bic, just in case I drop it.
Got a zippo with the butane pipe insert and I would not recommend it for sure. It is difficult to not burn your hand with it because you have to hold the trigger down the whole time. Just ordered the lighter fuel one though. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the video, i'm currently considering obtaining a dedicated pipe lighter. I used to have one but it jumped from my hands and broke (i actually did the typical clumsy thing and tried to catch it but instead made the situation worse by whacking it faster to the ground)
Great info to pass along to folks! I've used just about all the lighters you talked about. The clipper lighters with the long nose if you will are great and are refillable. Thanks for the great video!!
For your zippo, If you haven’t rerouted your wick and switched the felt seal out for just a corner of a freeer bag, that really helps with the fuel lasting a long time. I can easily get a week and that’s using it a lot. Probably can stretch it out to 2 weeks if you use it less.
I have 3 pipe lighters. Bought a zippo pipe insert, I have a $15 Captain Black refillable Gas light I got off Pipes and Cigars webpage, and an IM corona pewter pipe lighter with all the different pipe shapes on it that I received as a gift a long time ago. The zippo insert I couldn’t seem to pull the flame down enough to get an even light, the IM I still have packed away,so the Captain Black lighter is the one I prefer to use. It’s a soft flame lighter. Long neck Bic lighters are good , if you can find them but there are some refillable long neck ones as well
My favourite is a Zippo too, they or some are quite elegant too imo. I do use the Zippo made butane pipe insert though. Pro tip I learned about long stem bic type lighters, the knock offs non-bics at the dollar store are surprisingly, refillable, but not bic brand I believe. I’m going to purchase a 20$ pipe lighter soon they look effective and good, and one day a kiribi.
Just a tip for those in the market for pricier lighters: P&C occasionally has 20% off cart deals, and with the free shipping, you could spend around $100 and get a really nice lighter and a few blends to boot.
I really need to listen to you and get the one with the pipe insert part of the chimney but boy, I'm fighting with myself. There's a lighter that's a replica of a lighter from a show. I really love used by one of my favorite characters. I wanted so bad, it's a cool lol but it's more of your standard zipo tipe
I have a decent “old boy” style butane lighter from JM Boswells that serves me well. Matches I’ve noticed get me a better char and light faster then most soft flame lighters. Unfortunately my taste buds are too prissy for the zippos 😂
I found a big box at my local Ace Hardware store. They’re still out there. I dip them in wax, to make them waterproof, and it helps keep them lit in a breeze.
I was gifted a Zippo pipe lighter when I left my old job. Can't fault it at all, tremendous Before that, and when I misplace my zippo, I use matches and use my old cigar torch lighter to relight them so I get more out of them I suppose the only drawback of zippos is that the fuel evaporates over time, not recommended for occasional users; you'll waste a lot of it.
Hey Wilson. I also prevere Zippo lighters, but in Germany they are much more expensiv. 😓 Thank's for present your lighters. Greetings from Mittelhessen
Wow i have the same zippo down to the design on the case, i came here thinking I'd be told there were better ways. Imagine my shock when i found out the good ol zippo wins again.
I have to say first that i used a Zippo for cigarettes over 50 years ago and i had no problems except when filling the fluid would leak and burn my leg. The fluid was much better back the and even smoking 2 packs a day, i only filled the lighter about every week. Flash forward...I smoke a pipe and i decided that i wanted a light and i saw Zippo had a pipe lighter, so i bought one. It needed to be filled about ever 3 days, but it worked. I saw that Zippo had a butane insert so i tried that. That proved to be a piece of junk that just wouldn't light. This week i have a few items coming in. I bought a diferent make electric butane insert. I'll see if that works to my satisfaction. I also have a package of Bic lighters coming in. I know that they will light. I thought about matches, but then i need an ash tray to put the used matches in. Many years ago before lighters, everyone lit their pipe with matches. I never planned on getting this involved for a simple task as lighting a pipe!
I keep going back to the zippo. I’ve had just about every variation of a butane lighter from a bit to an older boy, it genuine. I am corona I keep going back to the zippo. I’ve had just about every variation of a butane lighter from a bit to an im corona old boy, but I keep coming back to the zippo because it works better. butane lighters don’t work well outside or in a room with a ceiling fan and all the rooms in my house have ceiling fans. One thing no one talks about with butane lighters as that they’re generally pretty poor quality. The Bicks are actually really good quality, especially when he factor that they’re like three bucks. But the more expensive butane lighters that have the electric ignition. I’ve never had one last more than a month or two before the ignition stop working.
Has anyone tried a Tesla coil electric ark-type lighter? They’re really trouble free, but are they too hot? Do they burn the tobacco and produce too much smoke?
Peterson's lighters do have a design fault when lighting them on a low setting they can have a flame like a blow torch, the cause of this is because there are two flame adjustment screws when the top adjustment screw is altered it sometimes interferes with the second adjustment screw seated underneath the top one.
My zippo 100% dependable but something really nostalgic using matches. I use matches when I can but outside its zippo everytime. My palette doesn't register the fuel taste.
I find the zippo made for pipes to require a much harder draw in order to light my tobacco. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but it feels like I have to draw hard to get that flame to come down.
Are you using "soft flame lighters" as a category or to differentiate between those and the Bic lighters? I was under the impression that a Bic had a "soft flame".
Last month I bought a Vertigo Governor butane lighter, and after two pipes, it stopped lighting. It sparks, I put new butane in it. It just won't light. So I'm back to the cheap, disposable Djeep lighters that are tried and true.
the guys at the cigar lounge utterly hate it when i use my zippo to light my pipe. they say "USE A FUCKING MATCH HOLY SHIT" all the time. i dont care, i have a pipe insert and i like the way my zippo feels and looks! let me use it, snobs. i have way too many matchboxes now due to the owner just throwing them at me
So I’ve been smoking pipes for about 8 months now, and I think I’m doing something wrong; I have 2 that are getting charring/blackened on the OUTSIDE of the bowl. I think it’s because I’m smoking them too hot? Every time I smoke the bowl gets too hot to handle, but I don’t know how to smoke slower, I go for like 30-40 minute sessions. But I don’t want to ruin my pipes, and I’m afraid I’ve done so. Any advice my friends?
If the bowl is getting to hot, you are smoking a bit to fast. You want to smoke as slow as possible and in short puffs...like your trying to sip wine as a analogy. How you pack a pipe will also help with how long your pipe will stay lit. I would recommend watching videos on how to pack a pipe, there are several fantastic vids on RUclips on how to pack a pipe properly. Also, letting your tobacco dry out before packing it into a pipe can help it stay lit longer and make it easier to light as well. Also, after a puff or two, let the pipe cool down for a bit before the next puff, that way the pipe cools down and you don't burn yourself since the smoke will become hot as well if you smoke to fast. I hope this helps! P.S. After smoking a pipe, and you start cleaning it, don't remove all of the ash from the inner walls, the layer of ash can also help keep your pipe cool, especially with briar pipes.
If it's just black on the rim it's ok, it's just a build up of carbon, tar etc. It can be cleaned of generally. If it's really marked and burned it shouldn't really be. I think it can be fixed but you should try avoiding keeping the flame a long time over the bowl. Cheers
Both aesthetically and practically zippos are great, but the taste is a real issue if you’re someone who is sensitive to it. I really wish I could use it for anything other than a backup because it is so effective, but those fumes mess up my sense of taste/smell for the first half of the bowl or so. I think it’s something that just varies from person to person. Some people claim cilantro tastes like dish soap, but it’s fine to me (as long as you don’t confuse it for parsley and put it n an Italian dish). Lighting up with a zippo feels like I’m taking a big whiff from the back end of my weed eater after starting it.
Agree totally with the review on zippos. Some guys make it sound like you use one and your whole smoking experiences tastes like lighter fluid. Just not true at all.
my pipe smoking friend, you left out one of the cons with the zippo. It’s probably the biggest con of all the lighters. The collectibility. once you get used to the zippo and he figure out that it is the superior way to light your pipe, all those variations that you talked about combined with the low cost make it a very slippery slope to start collecting them. And before you blink, you’ve got a dozen. And then blink again and you got two dozen.
I’ve been using a xikar Verano flat flame torch lately. I bought it for cigars but it works great for pipes too. Not to hot and easy to control. I paid $50.00
I only use standard BIC gas lighters. Preferably the standard sparky ones. They cost under a buck if you buy a couple of them. I have not felt the urge to spent money on a lighter. Nothing is as reliable as a BIC lighter. The fancier they get, the less reliable they are. You needed to strike your other lighters three times to get a flame.
I hate the taste of my zippo. It was my first pipe lighter when I was new. Maybe mine is defective because I dropped it a few times. I might buy another to see if that's the case.
I’ve been using Zippos for decades. It was my first lighter before I even started smoking.
I smoked cigarettes for over a decade and ALWAYS had it on my persons and felt naked without it. I quit smoking cigarettes years ago but still smoked cigars on occasion and recently got into pipes. I never understood the snobs who claimed it was a sin to light a cigar with a Zippo…. I’m with you maybe you smell/taste it the first puff or two but it definitely goes away.
They are a fantastic product and the best value for what you get. They are reliable, durable, have a lifetime warranty, and are one of the few products still made in the States! Their customer service is fantastic! Although they don’t repair inserts anymore they do send you a brand new one if you send in your lighter. You can even keep the old one. That’s how I turned mine into a pipe lighter. I sent it in to have the hinge repaired and requested a pipe style insert and they obliged.
I find it sad that I really dislike the fuel taste. Because I love Zippos. There is just something deeply satisfying with the "clong, zschk, click" cycle. 😅
My son gave me a Zippo 24 years ago. I still use it today on my pipe.
Ha! Zippo's are made in my hometown (Bradford, PA)! I worked in that factory (cleaning) when I was a teenager looking for extra money... _HIGHLY_ recommend folks go visit the museum there if you haven't yet and are finding yourself nearby -- you _WON'T_ be disappointed!
Completely agree with your rankings here. I bought a box of matches with my first pipe. Went through 4 or 5 before even getting a good char light. Tried a Bic I had laying about the next time. It was passable, but I wanted a more permanent solution.
Stopped at a smoke shop while I was traveling and saw the coolest Zippo-a sort of pirate ship&map thing. I used that for a while until I saw someone mention that Zippo made pipe inserts. Immediately orded one and I've been using it ever since.
I really like how customizable Zippos are, and appreciate how simple they are. Easy to use, easy to refuel, easy to maintain. Just a great tool.
You should have stayed with the Bic as they are very dependable. I can't say as much for the Zippo.
The zippo drawback is that if it’s left for a week or so, it’s usually out of fuel. Also can be a messy process to refill. The fuel evaporates fast. That being said it’s still a must have and provides a great flame.
You can buy an insert that has a reservoir for butane that slides in the Zippo casing so you don't have to worry about it drying up or pouring lighter fluid all over you. Walmart sells one Z Plus is the brand you can get a pipe insert or a torch insert. You get the look of the classic with a modern twist.
@@kennethjames9999 True and that is what I use, the soft flame insert. However, I don't think they make a soft flame pipe insert. That one uses the regular lighter fluid. The butane soft flame works just fine though.
@@Slater6377 The one pipe lighter insert I have is the Z Pipe from the same company, it's a butane insert with a soft flame. I also have the torch insert which is the Z Plus.
ranger straps
I’ve noticed that the fuel evaporates very fast as well…as a kid, I don’t remember my dad or anyone for that matter having that problem…I remember my dad filling his zippo maybe 2-3 times a year…but I could be mistaken 🫤
What a wonderful and important video, Wilson. I think I agree with you 100%. As an ex engineer and an American, my favorite lighter is the zippo. I have a zippo lighter collection, and until 15 months ago, never used it to light any kind of smoking implement. I just loved the fact that they were designed in the 30s and a virtually unchanged because of how sound the design was. They are made in the United States, and they have never charged even a dime to fix one. I actually had somebody give me one that had no lid and I told him that, and I said I wanted to pay for the repairs because I did not purchase it. They would not let me give them any money. They replaced the lid and the insert for free. So I want to spend my money with them. If I go outside, zippo is all I use because it never lets you down. If the flame is too large, you can cut the wick back to make it smaller. All of that being said, my favorite lighters for inside are the old boy style. I have four of them and cherish them all. I think for a butane lighter, the most reliable is the ones that use a flint and a striker wheel. My other favorite is the Saint Dupont style, both that and the old boy style use a Flint and Striker. Have never had good luck with the peso-electric butane lighters until I purchased a Calibri. I have found all of them fail within as little as a month to six months. But since I started using premium Calibri fuel, I think it might have been a clogging issue rather than the electronic failure. When I used Bic lighters for my pipes, they seemed to run out of fuel very quickly. For my first charring light and my first real light I like to use a wooden kitchen matches. After that, I always use a soft flame for all of my relights. You have a blessed week, my friend.
Been to the Zippo/ Case knife museum and factory in Bradford PA. I also buy them for that reason too (being made in the USA).
@@scottsmith3236 Yes. I have been there twice. I also love Case knives, so it was twice the fun. For the last 15 years, I was just wasting lighter fluid. Now I have a good use for them. I bought 4 pipe inserts.
I have had the good fortune of working for both companies, 17 years at Zippo and 10 at Case. Still have many friends at both. I use a variety of lighters, but outdoors in the wind, nothing beats a Zippo.
@@gerrystevens1475 I’m jealous. I like both as well. Have a blessed week my friend.
Excellent video sir.
I always stuck with the original Bic. I don't get burned, as when I light up, I don't turn the lighter over, I tilt my pipe to the side. Works a charm.
Thanks for your time.
Hey 👋, new to the crew and got my first pipe today for Father's Day. (From a gas station for 20$,,, dont judge me too harshly.) Just wanted to say thanks for the education and the opportunity for a good threshold. Starting off with Bugler tobacco. 😢but hey, got to start somewhere.
Congrats! Check out Sutliff 's bulk blends. They are cheap and far better than Bugler.
I just bought a gold zippo with pipe insert today with a new meerschaum. I’ve used them but never owned a zippo. I love this thing, I really hope I don’t lose it. This is the exact size item I lose.
If you want something retro and unique (if you can find one) is a Nimrod lighter
Zippo makes a soft butane yellow flame for pipes about 15 dollars. They also make a regular flame pipe insert from 14 to 19 dollars depending on the finsh you get.
Yep! Zippo for me! Reliable, easy to use. Inexpensive. Easy and cheap to maintain. And they're just cool!
I agree about the odor and taste. I smell the fuel for a second after lighting. But I can't say I've ever tasted it; maybe the very split second of initial light, but that's it. Nothing that's ever bothered me.
I wrap a hemp Wick around my pipe stem light the hemp Wick with a match and use the wick to light the pipe
Good advice. Thanks. Like the books too!
I don’t deal with electric anymore. Gotta have flint, gotta be refillable. Jus got the yellow flame zippo insert. Love it
Your bookshelf is incredible. Definitely need to get that Systematic Theology by Berkhof.
And the Great Books of the Western World series! Cheers for that!
I borrowed a copy once and never read it, lol.
If people dislike the classic zippo thing, you can always go to a tractor supply or the like and buy pure naptha.
And to fix evaporation which is another concern, you can get gaskets.
Happy I found this channel.
For me, im a zippo lover too. I use one of the thicker zippo armor cases with the antique finish and a pipe insert. My backup I use for both cigars and pipe is another zippo armor case, but I got one of the vector dual flame inserts (single jet and soft flame) that has worked great for me.
I use the Zippo with the pipe insert, and you're right about all the pros and cons there. I was thinking that I could find something a little better for the wind, since I'm smoking more outside during breaks at work. But honestly, the Zippo is great. I also find that the lighter fluid taste that people talk about is overrated. I get that for maybe a second, then it's all tobacco taste. Great list!
I'm only a few months into the hobby and I ahve to agree witht he zippo. They work great in the wind and I've tried so many other methods and I always come back to the zippo.
100% agree that Zippos with the pipe insert are the way to go. If the fuel taste is an issue, letting it burn for 5+ sec before putting it to the tobac seems to reduce the taste some, but I've grown to like that taste a bit at the beginning, haha
I used to own several Zippos when I smoked cigarettes 30 years ago. I agree with everything you've said about them. I really appreciated the build quality and my only reservation about buying another one now is that they may be of lower quality. Can you confirm that they are still solidly built and nicely finished? Many thanks from the UK
Good info. I always enjoy your videos.
One thing you didn't mention ... I prefer my Old Boy because the Zippo fluid evaporates too quickly. I have to refill my butane lighter MUCH less frequently than the Zippo.
Very true, I don't smoke often, but when I want to my Zippos are always empty. They are good lighters but you need to use them regularly, that's why I'm interested by getting a Corona.
Love watching your videos, and smoking a bowl with you. Agree with the Zippo pipe lighters. I also think that tasting the lighter fuel when lighting pipe is a bunch of bull. Even just a taste is noticed, it's worth it to enjoy the rest of the bowl. With matches I always seem to need several, and always nearly burn my fingers. God Bless and keep you and yours safe.
I'm a zippo piper. Other than being surprised by being out of fuel... it is the lighter I'll always be using. I have enjoyed your review of lighters.
Zippo for me. One of the cons is that they will dry out after a bit. I just get in the habit of topping off the fuel once a week. As far as smelling or tasting fuel I find that letting it burn for just a couple seconds before touching it to the pipe gets rid of any excessive fumes and taste (if any)
Yeah I forgot to mention the drying out issue. That's probably its biggest drawback
A solid overview. I'm a Zippo guy and I think the fuel taste debate gets blown out of sorts. My pipe bag always has a couple Bics for back up if I run out of fuel.
Excellent video Wilson. Enjoyed your interview on the Pipe and Tobacco Talk Podcast.
The long neck bic lighters are definitely my favorite. But, because of this video I have ordered the zippo pipe lighter!
Vector lighters make a model " Optimus ". It has a retactable tube that allows you to go deep in the deeper bowled pipes. It has an electro peizo lighting system. It is a soft butane flame for about 36 or 37 dollars.
I always liked a wood match but they have their cons. I use Bic lighters most frequently, not distinguished or elegant but they serve the purpose and are basically maintenance free.
I bought a zippo with the pipe insert. I love using a zippo and playing with them. The Peterson lighter is pretty slick though. I definitely like the look but I don’t want it if it’s finicky. I love the long stem bic lighters too for reliability and convenience but it cheapens the experience of pipe smoking for me. I love using wood matches but only when indoors or where there is no wind at all which is very rare.
I’ve got my eye on some nicer lighters, but for now I’ve tried several of the cheaper options. I used bics and matches a good bit, but wanted something refillable and basic. I picked up a metal clipper on Amazon for ten bucks, and it’s been a simple, reliable, and the larger flame when you tip it works nice.
👍 I myself keep a regular sized zippo and a bic for backup in my pipe pouch. Also had it sent to zippo for exchanging the insert for the pipe style (only paying the shipping) 😉
Don't forget that matches are great in that they'll never char your pipe.
Interestingly, matches burn hotter than Zippos it seems!
I don't know if links to other RUclips videos are welcomed here but there's a fella that compared the different flames (matches, Zippo, generic butane, and butane pipe lighter) with a thermo coupler.
Just search "realistic flame temperature comparison between matches, Zippo". That should be enough to get you to NV Projects channel.
Excellent video! I keep wanting to get a snazzier looking lighter, but at the end of the day continue to enjoy my Zippo with the pipe insert. I have never had a problem with tasting the fuel. It works great and has that classic "click." Still, I am going to head to your Amazon link to browse a bit. Thanks!
My number 1 is a Corona old boy. Very reliable, and ergonomically the easiest for me. Second choice is a big wooden match, third is a bic, but only if I’m out of the nest.
If no wind, I use my torch lighter (gave up cigars) and use them to light stick matches. Burns the sulfur off right away, But most of the time I use Bic extended tubes and buy them online directly from BIC. Good price even compaired to Walmart prices. Tired of always running out of fuel for my Zip's or Propane.
I have a reusable match which is really cool.
I change fairly often on what I use, if I am fishing on my boat I tend to go for a zippo (picky on what fuel I use zippo brand only others have left weird tastes) if I am at home matches or my Peterson lighter. If I’m driving it’s almost always a bic, just in case I drop it.
I use a torch lighter due to the wind, plus I'm new to pipe smoking so I'm not so good at keeping it lit yet. Getting better at it though!
Got a zippo with the butane pipe insert and I would not recommend it for sure. It is difficult to not burn your hand with it because you have to hold the trigger down the whole time.
Just ordered the lighter fuel one though. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the video, i'm currently considering obtaining a dedicated pipe lighter. I used to have one but it jumped from my hands and broke (i actually did the typical clumsy thing and tried to catch it but instead made the situation worse by whacking it faster to the ground)
Great info to pass along to folks! I've used just about all the lighters you talked about. The clipper lighters with the long nose if you will are great and are refillable. Thanks for the great video!!
For your zippo, If you haven’t rerouted your wick and switched the felt seal out for just a corner of a freeer bag, that really helps with the fuel lasting a long time. I can easily get a week and that’s using it a lot. Probably can stretch it out to 2 weeks if you use it less.
You can buy a pack of 10 rubber plugs that fit the bottom of the fuel tank. They last me 2 weeks or so and they have a small door for refill.
@@benarnold7241corner of a freezer ziplock last me about the same amount of time and are basically free. You can get a ton from one bag
I have 3 pipe lighters. Bought a zippo pipe insert, I have a $15 Captain Black refillable Gas light I got off Pipes and Cigars webpage, and an IM corona pewter pipe lighter with all the different pipe shapes on it that I received as a gift a long time ago. The zippo insert I couldn’t seem to pull the flame down enough to get an even light, the IM I still have packed away,so the Captain Black lighter is the one I prefer to use. It’s a soft flame lighter. Long neck Bic lighters are good , if you can find them but there are some refillable long neck ones as well
My favourite is a Zippo too, they or some are quite elegant too imo. I do use the Zippo made butane pipe insert though. Pro tip I learned about long stem bic type lighters, the knock offs non-bics at the dollar store are surprisingly, refillable, but not bic brand I believe. I’m going to purchase a 20$ pipe lighter soon they look effective and good, and one day a kiribi.
Yeah I was at that competition and saw you use matches. And that's the only thing I'll say about that event. 😊
Hahaha
Corona old boy is a my favorite. A zippo w butane pipe insert a close second
Just a tip for those in the market for pricier lighters: P&C occasionally has 20% off cart deals, and with the free shipping, you could spend around $100 and get a really nice lighter and a few blends to boot.
I love using cedar spills to initially light my pipes. Great video!!!!
I really need to listen to you and get the one with the pipe insert part of the chimney but boy, I'm fighting with myself. There's a lighter that's a replica of a lighter from a show. I really love used by one of my favorite characters. I wanted so bad, it's a cool lol but it's more of your standard zipo tipe
Clipper makes a long neck like the bic that is refillable and adjustable. I’ve been using the same one for almost a year now.
I have a decent “old boy” style butane lighter from JM Boswells that serves me well. Matches I’ve noticed get me a better char and light faster then most soft flame lighters. Unfortunately my taste buds are too prissy for the zippos 😂
I just want light anywhere matches back 😢
I found a big box at my local Ace Hardware store. They’re still out there. I dip them in wax, to make them waterproof, and it helps keep them lit in a breeze.
You can also buy the Zippo pipe inserts separately if you already have a Zippo.
I love my three beattie jet lighters, very pipe specific lighter
I was gifted a Zippo pipe lighter when I left my old job. Can't fault it at all, tremendous
Before that, and when I misplace my zippo, I use matches and use my old cigar torch lighter to relight them so I get more out of them
I suppose the only drawback of zippos is that the fuel evaporates over time, not recommended for occasional users; you'll waste a lot of it.
That’s my biggest gripe, I like my zippo well enough, but I don’t smoke often and the fuel evaporates between smokes.
Hey Wilson.
I also prevere Zippo lighters, but in Germany they are much more expensiv. 😓
Thank's for present your lighters.
Greetings from Mittelhessen
Wow i have the same zippo down to the design on the case, i came here thinking I'd be told there were better ways. Imagine my shock when i found out the good ol zippo wins again.
I have to say first that i used a Zippo for cigarettes over 50 years ago and i had no problems except when filling the fluid would leak and burn my leg. The fluid was much better back the and even smoking 2 packs a day, i only filled the lighter about every week. Flash forward...I smoke a pipe and i decided that i wanted a light and i saw Zippo had a pipe lighter, so i bought one. It needed to be filled about ever 3 days, but it worked. I saw that Zippo had a butane insert so i tried that. That proved to be a piece of junk that just wouldn't light. This week i have a few items coming in. I bought a diferent make electric butane insert. I'll see if that works to my satisfaction. I also have a package of Bic lighters coming in. I know that they will light. I thought about matches, but then i need an ash tray to put the used matches in. Many years ago before lighters, everyone lit their pipe with matches. I never planned on getting this involved for a simple task as lighting a pipe!
Thank you for this video, what is the make and model of the pipe you were handling in the video?
Great run thru of lighter options.
Thank you for that information and your review on the lighters. It was helpful! Have a wonderful day!
Where do you get your vests from? They look good. Are they tweed?
I keep going back to the zippo. I’ve had just about every variation of a butane lighter from a bit to an older boy, it genuine. I am corona I keep going back to the zippo. I’ve had just about every variation of a butane lighter from a bit to an im corona old boy, but I keep coming back to the zippo because it works better. butane lighters don’t work well outside or in a room with a ceiling fan and all the rooms in my house have ceiling fans.
One thing no one talks about with butane lighters as that they’re generally pretty poor quality. The Bicks are actually really good quality, especially when he factor that they’re like three bucks. But the more expensive butane lighters that have the electric ignition. I’ve never had one last more than a month or two before the ignition stop working.
Has anyone tried a Tesla coil electric ark-type lighter? They’re really trouble free, but are they too hot? Do they burn the tobacco and produce too much smoke?
Sweet stache bro. Zippo all the way
Hard to beat matches for indoor use and zippo for outdoor.
Peterson's lighters do have a design fault when lighting them on a low setting they can have a flame like a blow torch, the cause of this is because there are two flame adjustment screws when the top adjustment screw is altered it sometimes interferes with the second adjustment screw seated underneath the top one.
My zippo 100% dependable but something really nostalgic using matches. I use matches when I can but outside its zippo everytime. My palette doesn't register the fuel taste.
Nice review! Where did you get that vest?
I find the zippo made for pipes to require a much harder draw in order to light my tobacco. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but it feels like I have to draw hard to get that flame to come down.
Are you using "soft flame lighters" as a category or to differentiate between those and the Bic lighters? I was under the impression that a Bic had a "soft flame".
Last month I bought a Vertigo Governor butane lighter, and after two pipes, it stopped lighting. It sparks, I put new butane in it. It just won't light. So I'm back to the cheap, disposable Djeep lighters that are tried and true.
You definitely have enough matches! That box you got was packed!! 😂
🤣Very true!
i prep using matches
Okay am I missing something?? I thought butane was cleaner burning than Zippo fuel. 🤔
the guys at the cigar lounge utterly hate it when i use my zippo to light my pipe. they say "USE A FUCKING MATCH HOLY SHIT" all the time. i dont care, i have a pipe insert and i like the way my zippo feels and looks! let me use it, snobs. i have way too many matchboxes now due to the owner just throwing them at me
Am i stupid or something ? How do i do this without burning blisters all in my mouth and tongue
I use torch lighters and do not lie
I like a zippo or IMCO.
best pipe lighter is dunhill unique
Let me make it easy; ZIPPO
So I’ve been smoking pipes for about 8 months now, and I think I’m doing something wrong; I have 2 that are getting charring/blackened on the OUTSIDE of the bowl. I think it’s because I’m smoking them too hot? Every time I smoke the bowl gets too hot to handle, but I don’t know how to smoke slower, I go for like 30-40 minute sessions. But I don’t want to ruin my pipes, and I’m afraid I’ve done so. Any advice my friends?
If the bowl is getting to hot, you are smoking a bit to fast. You want to smoke as slow as possible and in short puffs...like your trying to sip wine as a analogy.
How you pack a pipe will also help with how long your pipe will stay lit. I would recommend watching videos on how to pack a pipe, there are several fantastic vids on RUclips on how to pack a pipe properly.
Also, letting your tobacco dry out before packing it into a pipe can help it stay lit longer and make it easier to light as well.
Also, after a puff or two, let the pipe cool down for a bit before the next puff, that way the pipe cools down and you don't burn yourself since the smoke will become hot as well if you smoke to fast.
I hope this helps!
P.S. After smoking a pipe, and you start cleaning it, don't remove all of the ash from the inner walls, the layer of ash can also help keep your pipe cool, especially with briar pipes.
If it's just black on the rim it's ok, it's just a build up of carbon, tar etc. It can be cleaned of generally. If it's really marked and burned it shouldn't really be. I think it can be fixed but you should try avoiding keeping the flame a long time over the bowl.
Cheers
The best way to light your pipe is anyway you have available
Both aesthetically and practically zippos are great, but the taste is a real issue if you’re someone who is sensitive to it. I really wish I could use it for anything other than a backup because it is so effective, but those fumes mess up my sense of taste/smell for the first half of the bowl or so. I think it’s something that just varies from person to person.
Some people claim cilantro tastes like dish soap, but it’s fine to me (as long as you don’t confuse it for parsley and put it n an Italian dish). Lighting up with a zippo feels like I’m taking a big whiff from the back end of my weed eater after starting it.
Agree totally with the review on zippos. Some guys make it sound like you use one and your whole smoking experiences tastes like lighter fluid. Just not true at all.
I like my pipe Zippo
my pipe smoking friend, you left out one of the cons with the zippo. It’s probably the biggest con of all the lighters.
The collectibility. once you get used to the zippo and he figure out that it is the superior way to light your pipe, all those variations that you talked about combined with the low cost make it a very slippery slope to start collecting them. And before you blink, you’ve got a dozen. And then blink again and you got two dozen.
I’ve been using a xikar Verano flat flame torch lately. I bought it for cigars but it works great for pipes too. Not to hot and easy to control. I paid $50.00
I like wooden matches.
I only use standard BIC gas lighters. Preferably the standard sparky ones. They cost under a buck if you buy a couple of them.
I have not felt the urge to spent money on a lighter. Nothing is as reliable as a BIC lighter. The fancier they get, the less reliable they are.
You needed to strike your other lighters three times to get a flame.
I hate the taste of my zippo. It was my first pipe lighter when I was new. Maybe mine is defective because I dropped it a few times. I might buy another to see if that's the case.
Zippo!
I could taste the Ronson fuel in a zippo but the zippo fuel works great and zippo has a lifetime warranty
Zippo purchased ronson years ago
Real pipe smokers use matches. I use Bic lighters unless I happen across my fancy lighter and it actually has fuel in it.
God sheds a tear and the devil burns a soul for every bowl lit by a jet lighter.
all i use is a zippo
First~
You can’t light a pipe with a match you shouldn’t be smoking a pipe