Wooden Matches?

[rodwha]

I was talking with a guy who was out at my house recently and cigars came up. He said the only proper way to light a cigar was with a wooden match, but relented on being much of a smoker.

I've read that it's mostly about toasting the foot prior to lighting and the source isn't such a big deal. What say you?

[tjhemp]

I've lit up with matches, cedar spills, torch lighters, standard lighters, and yes even a zippo ( I was desperate). Other than the zippo I would say that as far as taste goes I could not tell the difference between any of them. Matches and spills work fine but are limited to no wind situations and can be a little bit of a pain IMHO. For me its torch lighters all the way. I have more control and more time to make sure I get that nice toasting. Specifically for me I fell in love with the Black Label El Presidente flat flame lighter after I was gifted it for Christmas a few years back. I'm gonna wear it out and then get another one when its done.

[HIM]

I've seen videos of Pete Johnson and the Padrons using Bic lighters. I stopped caring after that. Really it's just about using the heat not the flame anyways.

Edit - +1 on the no Zippo though

[TheHobbyist78]

I have never noticed a difference between using matches and a bic lighter. I've certainly noticed a difference the one time I used a Zippo (never again). Maybe one day I'll get into torch lighters; as of now it would just be one more thing to try and find in the shop.

[Hermit]

I only use a magnifying glass.
(I can only smoke on sunny days.)

[jhedrick83]

I don't notice a difference between matches and a butane lighter. I do like matches though as long as it isn't windy because they are a slower, more peaceful process.

[Laynard]

For me, always butane - either torch or soft flame. Matches if my lighters out. I can't tell the difference.

[Engineer99]

Personal preference and whatever ritual you prefer...as long as fire meets tobacco and your stogie gets burning. There are things to be said about what various ignition methods add to the flavor of a cigar, but to me, over the years, whatever gets the tobacco burning, as long as it's not some wacky extreme thing, should suffice. If you want to do the three match method or stand on your head with matches from reclaimed pre-civil war wood, have at it...

[allusred]

I only use a magnifying glass.
(I can only smoke on sunny days.)

Wishing you Sunny Days Forever.

[piperdown]

That's kind of like saying the only way to travel is to ride a horse.
And yeah, no Zippos.