Which lighter should you choose for your pipe?

Unlike cigarettes and cigars, a pipe is lit from the top of the bowl. An ordinary lighter cannot do the job. So what kind of lighter should be used to light a pipe? Here is what you need to know.

Lighting a pipe in the best conditions

To light a pipe once it has been filled, you bring the flame close to the tobacco until it is evenly alight. At the same time, draw 2 or 3 times very gently. Your pipe may go out. That is normal. To relight it, remember to tamp the tobacco down lightly with your tamper to even it out. Light the tobacco again, then draw slowly and at fairly long intervals. This keeps the pipe from heating up. After that, moderate your draw so as not to overheat the briar.

A soft flame or matches for the best light

As you probably know, pipe smoking is often described as an art. It calls for dexterity and care, so a light touch is recommended at every stage. Do not rush, or the result will suffer later on. The same goes for the way you light your briar: not every kind of flame will do, and the wrong one can damage the pipe.

Soft-flame lighters

Soft-flame lighters are the best option for lighting a pipe, provided you have the knack. This accessory is therefore the one to go for if you are already used to it. Avoid petrol lighters, on the other hand, as they can give the tobacco a very unpleasant taste. Refined butane gas is neutral in taste and smell, so it will not alter the tobacco from beginning to end.

Matches

For beginners, or for anyone worried about damaging their pipe, matches are ideal. Here too, though, a word of caution: cardboard matches are often made with chemicals, and so give off harmful particles as well as an unpleasant taste.

To be sure of getting it right: the pipe lighter is purpose-built

After a trial period, if you take to the pipe, you can invest in a pipe lighter. These have a longer or angled nozzle compared with an ordinary lighter, which makes lighting easier without damaging the bowl.

Some pipe lighters also have a wider flame to make lighting easier and more even. Whatever you do, do not confuse a pipe lighter with a torch lighter, which risks damaging your pipe.