Lighting with a zippo

[bluenoser]

So I've noticed both on the previous forum and a couple other's I've landed on people seem to take issue with lighting a cigar with a zippo. I've used mine since I got into cigars and never noticed any kind of "taste" from the fuel, though I usually let it burn for about 30 seconds before lighting. I do have troubles getting a good even toast sometimes but it's usually wind related as well. Would a butane torch lighter really make much difference in my enjoyment of a cigar?

[Demuths1770]

maybe a better toast from a butane. if you wanna give it a try to see if you notice a difference you could grad a cheap ronson jetlite or try a local B&Ms butane torch first when you smoke at there lounge. never tried with a zippo 1. because the ronson was so cheap and 2. i hate filling zippos up every week lol

[bluenoser]

That's my biggest issue, since lately I've only had 1 or 2 a week it seems every time I grab the thing I need to refill it. No local b&m's/lounge around here so can't try there. Maybe I'll try to tack a ronson onto my next order to give one a try. I have seen z-plus and Thunderbird butane inserts for a zippo which would be kind of cool, could still use my zippo but with without the constant refueling.
Might have to give one a try.

[jp1979]

I swapped out my lighter fluid zippo insert with a thunderbird butane soft flame insert. Wayyyyyyy better

[jp1979]

http://vectorkgm.com/official/thunderbird-lighter/

[Emperor Zurg]

IMO no. I use a zippo for pipes and cigars both. Never noticed a fuel tast beyond the first couple puffs and even then it doesn't bother me. I've done the torch and toast thing and although it's easier to get a good solid light that way, once the cigar is underway there isn't any difference that I can tell. Others however, fill argue fiercely to the contrary.

[bluenoser]

would the soft flame be better than the torch?

[Chadderkdawg]

I just ordered the Thunderbird 2 flame torch this morning, will gladly report back once I have a chance to use it.

[tmoran]

I have a double flame torch insert and it works great. I imagine the soft flame version works very well, too, as long as you're not out in the wind.

[bluenoser]

I might pick one of the torch inserts sometime to try. Other than constantly needing to refill the zippo the wind is my biggest issue. If I smoked inside it wouldn't but I'm always outside and the wind never stops in in Saskatchewan so the torch would probably be best.


I just ordered the Thunderbird 2 flame torch this morning, will gladly report back once I have a chance to use it.

Please do, I'd like to know how well they work

[jp1979]

I have 3 or 4 torch lighters already, I got the soft flame insert to try it and for taking to the cigar shop.

[Brent Strande]

You're not constantly refilling torch lighters?

[Demuths1770]

You're not constantly refilling torch lighters?

after usually 8-10 lights i have to a zippo is a every week afair because the fuel evaporates usually

[jp1979]

You're not constantly refilling torch lighters?

yes, but I still have my initial bottle of butane from a year and a half ago. So it obviously doesn't take much to fill it up.

[Cool Breeze]

would the soft flame be better than the torch?

Most people think so. The soft flame isn't as hot and won't scorch the foot of the cigar like a torch can if you get it too close.

Personally I think the method of lighting is one of the most overrated aspects of cigar smoking. I may get flamed for this, but I use a Bic 3/4 of the time. I toast the foot and light it up with no issues or bad taste. I only pull out the torch if it is windy and I have trouble keeping a Bic lit.

Flame on. :)

[Emperor Zurg]

yes, but I still have my initial bottle of butane from a year and a half ago. So it obviously doesn't take much to fill it up.

You're also probably not putting the lighter in the freezer for 5 minutes or so before filling it so you get a partial fill.
Chill before fill and it'll last a long time

(... and with that, here come the 'purgers' http://awardfabrik.de/forum/images/smilies/smileys-weitere/its_raining_shit.gif)

[SeaGarr]

Most people think so. The soft flame isn't as hot and won't scorch the foot of the cigar like a torch can if you get it too close.

Personally I think the method of lighting is one of the most overrated aspects of cigar smoking. I may get flamed for this, but I use a Bic 3/4 of the time. I toast the foot and light it up with no issues or bad taste. I only pull out the torch if it is windy and I have trouble keeping a Bic lit.

Flame on. :)

LOL! I don't know if you'll get flamed for that or not - but I do know I will not be the one doing it... it's whatever.

I know that I really enjoy the ritual of lighting a cigar. I think it's because it reminds me to slow down and enjoy. Of all the possible methods, my absolute favorite method of lighting a cigar is off of a gas range. Just something about standing in a kitchen and lighting up a cigar.

Beyond that, I am a huge fan of the match. My 4" matches force me to slow down before getting into the cigar the most. I love my single flame torches more than any other lighter as I can touch up a cigar with them like nothing else. That and they work better than anything ese I have ever used on the golf course.

There is something to lighting an expensive stick with a Bic that I enjoy more than lighting a less expensive stick with one... but I really dislike Zippo's. When the fluid leaks out of it inside my jeans pocket - the reaction it has with my skin has left me... disliking the tool.

[Sigaar]

I smoke indoors during the winter, and like a soft flame. Been using a Zippo with the thunderbird butane insert for about 2 months. I give it a 9 out 10 for indoor use. Only issue is I sometimes need to give the lighter a good tap when I get a tiny flame. I'm guessing the jet gets a bit clogged. After a couple taps, it always seems to go back to
normal.

[Cool Breeze]

There is something to lighting an expensive stick with a Bic that I enjoy more than lighting a less expensive stick with one... but I really dislike Zippo's.

lol
I do occasionally use a more refined method. I bought a Davidoff Nicaragua a couple of months ago and thought it deserved more than the Bic so I broke out a cedar spill and got all fancy with it. :)

[SeaGarr]

lol
i do occasionally use a more refined method. I bought a davidoff nicaragua a couple of months ago and thought it deserved more than the bic so i broke out a cedar spill and got all fancy with it. :)

f.a.n.c.y :).

Lol

[bluenoser]

So being that I smoke entirely out doors I probably would benefit from a torch, less troubles getting a decent light

[Hardheaded]

I have not noticed much flavor difference with a zippo. Ive only had a few from the last few weeks. My wife was nice enough to buy me an engraved zippo so I'm going to use it. Too bad its not a standard size zippo or I would just get a butane insert.

[bluenoser]

I think that's the route I'll take. Mine doesn't have any sentimental value but I've had it for as long as I can remember. Now single flame or double?

[TCBSmokes]

That's my biggest issue, since lately I've only had 1 or 2 a week it seems every time I grab the thing I need to refill it. No local b&m's/lounge around here so can't try there. Maybe I'll try to tack a ronson onto my next order to give one a try. I have seen z-plus and Thunderbird butane inserts for a zippo which would be kind of cool, could still use my zippo but with without the constant refueling.
Might have to give one a try.

Yeah, a member on PUFF once mentioned and demonstrated on video that you could use the insert from a Bugatti inside a zippo and have a butane zippo. Best of both worlds! :)

However, bear in mind, some butanes have trouble lighting in sub-freezing temps! So I'm actually in the market for a Zippo for wintertime use.

[AlanS]

Blake I have a better question maybe you can help. What good is a lighter when the cigar is FROZEN? Lol

[bobajob]

zippos stink of lighter fluid. If part of your smoking experience has become the aroma of lighter fluid, you may miss it!
Personally, I really dislike it. For me it's the equivalent of putting coke in scotch.
However, if you enjoy it it doesn't matter does it? Churchill used to dip his sticks in port FFS!

[SeaGarr]

Yeah, a member on PUFF once mentioned and demonstrated on video that you could use the insert from a Bugatti inside a zippo and have a butane zippo. Best of both worlds! :)

However, bear in mind, some butanes have trouble lighting in sub-freezing temps! So I'm actually in the market for a Zippo for wintertime use.

Zippo purchase justified! Now, just to add a few other items for the free shipping and all is good.

For The Win :).

[Indyhp]

I smoked cigarettes for 30 years and tried all kinds of lighters.

I gave up Zippos when I got tired of the freshly-refilled Zippo leaking in my pocket and irritating the skin on my leg.

I gave up refillable soft flames when I got tired of them not working and constantly having to be refilled.

After a lot of years, I settled on the simplicity and reliability of a Bic.

I gave up cigarettes some years ago, and recent got into smoking cigars. Since I always smoke outside, I prefer a torch.

Since I only smoke a few cigars a week, I don't mind having to refill it. The single flame is best for touch ups, and the triple is way overkill.

I'm in the market for a good double flame cigar lighter with a punch to carry in my pocket, but until then I've got a few single flame torches I use.

[CamoSutra]

I was listening to Cigar Dave's show Saturday, and he mentioned that Zippo now has an "odorless" lighter fluid that apparently doesn't impart much naptha-taste/odor to a cigar. Dang, I gave away the last of my Zippo lighters years ago, switched to torches (better for toasting the foot) and Bics (for backup when the torch runs out of butane).

[droy1958]

Most people think so. The soft flame isn't as hot and won't scorch the foot of the cigar like a torch can if you get it too close.

Personally I think the method of lighting is one of the most overrated aspects of cigar smoking. I may get flamed for this, but I use a Bic 3/4 of the time. I toast the foot and light it up with no issues or bad taste. I only pull out the torch if it is windy and I have trouble keeping a Bic lit.

Flame on. :)

I'm the same way. I use a Bic most of the time, and my torch on a windy day. I never liked a Zippo as I can taste the lighter fluid even with a cigarette. Just never cared for the taste....

[Chadderkdawg]

Please do, I'd like to know how well they work

Got the thunderbird in this weekend, and I really love it. Great torch but has the zippo look and feel that I really like. Don't hesitate, grab one of these today. Got mine for 15 bucks from lighters direct, they said that the tank was drained, but it lit right up for me out of the packaging.

[Branzig]

The Zippo is the single greatest lighter ever made!!! I have had multiple butane lighters fail me in sub-0 temps, but my Zippos just keep on keeping on. If you take a few seconds to let the Zippo burn a bit before lighting, I find a lot of the odor dissipates as well.

Don't soak the cotton so full of fluid, let the wick burn a bit before charring, and keep distance from the flame and you will be fine with a Zippo and a cigar. I think a lot of the fluid taste complaints are due to poor lighting technique, not the almighty Zippo.

But then again, what do I know, I am just a dumb piper :p

[Mulley]

Got the thunderbird in this weekend, and I really love it. Great torch but has the zippo look and feel that I really like. Don't hesitate, grab one of these today. Got mine for 15 bucks from lighters direct, they said that the tank was drained, but it lit right up for me out of the packaging.


The Zippo is the single greatest lighter ever made!!! I have had multiple butane lighters fail me in sub-0 temps, but my Zippos just keep on keeping on. If you take a few seconds to let the Zippo burn a bit before lighting, I find a lot of the odor dissipates as well.

Don't soak the cotton so full of fluid, let the wick burn a bit before charring, and keep distance from the flame and you will be fine with a Zippo and a cigar. I think a lot of the fluid taste complaints are due to poor lighting technique, not the almighty Zippo.

But then again, what do I know, I am just a dumb piper :p

How many cigars are you guys getting per fill?

[Branzig]

How many cigars are you guys getting per fill?

My filled Zippo(s) lasts me anywhere from 5-7 days without a refill.

That is while smoking pipes and cigars.

[tnlawyer]

I don't notice any taste issues with using a Zippo, but lighting a cigar takes time, and I do notice my Zippo gets insanely hot. Almost too hot to handle.

[Ilroy]

I don't notice any taste issues with using a Zippo, but lighting a cigar takes time, and I do notice my Zippo gets insanely hot. Almost too hot to handle.

That would seem to be the beauty of a zippo though...You can just set it on a table or other flat surface and it stays lit while you toast your foot.
I haven't tried a zippo for cigars so I can't speak to the possible odour/flavour problem.

[Ropey]

Keep in mind that Bic lighters use isobutane rather than butane. Isobutane has a lower vaporization temperature, which means that it will light reliably down to I think 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal butane will lose enough pressure that it won't burn under about 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

[Sticky B]

I smoked cigarettes for 30 years and tried all kinds of lighters.

I gave up Zippos when I got tired of the freshly-refilled Zippo leaking in my pocket and irritating the skin on my leg.

I gave up refillable soft flames when I got tired of them not working and constantly having to be refilled.

After a lot of years, I settled on the simplicity and reliability of a Bic.

I gave up cigarettes some years ago, and recent got into smoking cigars. Since I always smoke outside, I prefer a torch.

Since I only smoke a few cigars a week, I don't mind having to refill it. The single flame is best for touch ups, and the triple is way overkill.

I'm in the market for a good double flame cigar lighter with a punch to carry in my pocket, but until then I've got a few single flame torches I use.

Really sounds like Ronson fits the bill for you pretty well

[CamoSutra]

Keep in mind that Bic lighters use isobutane rather than butane. Isobutane has a lower vaporization temperature, which means that it will light reliably down to I think 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal butane will lose enough pressure that it won't burn under about 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Good to know. This explains why my Bics keep lighting on the coldest days, while my torches give up when they get cold. (I generally keep one of each in a dashboard compartment of my car during winter and early spring, but stash the torch in my pants pocket when it warms up -- I've blown a few gaskets leaving them in the car on hot summer days. The Bics' flames barely change with temperature, until they're almost empty.)

[Deke]

Yeah, a member on PUFF once mentioned and demonstrated on video that you could use the insert from a Bugatti inside a zippo and have a butane zippo. Best of both worlds! :)

However, bear in mind, some butanes have trouble lighting in sub-freezing temps! So I'm actually in the market for a Zippo for wintertime use.

1. My understanding is that the insides of the Bugatti B-1001 will fit in a standard Zippo. About $15 on CBid. Nice thing is that the insert has a clear fuel tank, so you can see exactly how full it is.

2. I've seen outdoor retailers discuss problems with butane in cold weather. Better butane will work better in colder temps.

[Deke]

I'm in the market for a good double flame cigar lighter with a punch to carry in my pocket, but until then I've got a few single flame torches I use.

Try Bugatti B-1001 on CBid for around $15. Always lights, has a punch, and two flames in a pyramid.

[ky70]

1. My understanding is that the insides of the Bugatti B-1001 will fit in a standard Zippo. About $15 on CBid. Nice thing is that the insert has a clear fuel tank, so you can see exactly how full it is.

2. I've seen outdoor retailers discuss problems with butane in cold weather. Better butane will work better in colder temps.

I can confirm that the Bugatti insert fits inside a zippo. I'm running 3 zippos with butane inserts (1 is a soft flame insert).

As an cold weather smoker, I can confirm that butane will not light if it gets too cold. To combat this, I keep my lighter in my pants pocket so it's against my body and then I don't have any trouble with em lighting.

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv291/ky70/Cigars/4D9E2392-F60F-415E-B5B1-4CE48E4ADBBD_zpswsy9xvat.jpg (http://s693.photobucket.com/user/ky70/media/Cigars/4D9E2392-F60F-415E-B5B1-4CE48E4ADBBD_zpswsy9xvat.jpg.html)