Using matches at home.

jd50ae · February 2015

Big wooden matches 100% of the time when lighting up at home. Have to use a lighter when I am out but otherwise it is wooden matches. Don't ask me to explain, but I do notice a difference, and it is good.

jgibv · February 2015

rsherman24 · February 2015

jlmarta · February 2015

I prefer an adjustable torch - one that can produce a soft flame or a torch flame. That's the kind I use most of tube time. What I dislike about most torch lighters is that they're "thumb-burners". Jeeze, I hate that.

SM0K3Y · February 2015

I really like the "old school" factor of using matches, I think jd might be right about a difference, trouble is, you either have to have giant wooden matches or line a few up on the table, pre-light, that way you can drop the burnt one and immediately strike the next, to continue lighting. I've been using a torch for many years, (don't ask) and the thumb burn can be mitigated with practice, unless it's a cheapie torch. But I think I can tell between wood and torch lit, but I'm not sure i can explain the difference either. I think after the many cigars of January that I've smoked, I'm getting the torch lit stogie down to a science though, and it's a far more effective and reliable good light for my stogies. This post makes me want to shop for some good big wooden matches, maybe I just need more old school match practice Lol

peter4jc · February 2015

Hays · February 2015

Well, there actually IS a difference. The burning temperature of matches vs. soft-flame lighters vs. torch burners (starting from approximately 700· F) is a significant difference , and the ignition point of tobacco is really only about 500· F. As such, I´ve found that torch lighters - though unquestionably much faster to light with - run a greater risk of overheating the tobacco and charring the foot. At this point, I´m comfortable enough with all the variables in using a torch lighter to feel confident using one, but even still I use only a soft-flame lighter on a regular basis, matches when inside, and keep the torch lighter for the beach house. When using matches, yes the bigger matches help, but also striking two at a time (versus one) and puffing on the cigar while lighting (as opposed to the typical toasting of the foot) generally works quite well.

The3Stogies · February 2015

Matches here, strike anywhere, then use a bic to touch up if needed during smoking. I do put 2 together, kind of split them to adjust flame.

aschwendt13 · February 2015

I always use matches at home, and light fully before cutting. Thats just the method that works best for me

Patrickbrick · February 2015

I have those long fireplace matches and every once in a while I use them, but more often than not I use my bic. I have torches but find that for some reason I prefer that soft flame.