Lighters for Pipes - What are the Characteristics?

A pipe lighter, as the name suggests, is used to light a pipe but can also be used for lighting a cigar. A pipe smoker can hardly do without this essential tool.

Below, we want to highlight what makes a pipe lighter so special and why it is an indispensable accessory for pipe smokers.

The Key Features

The main feature of a pipe lighter is the angled flame or the side exit of the flame. The angled flame is usually set at a 45-degree angle.

This design is based on the shape of the pipe bowl. The tobacco should be lit evenly, and the angled flame significantly facilitates this process. Additionally, careful use of the pipe lighter can help prevent damage to the upper area of the pipe bowl.

There are pipe lighters with flint or electronic ignition. Most modern and recommended pipe lighters are gas-powered.

A gasoline lighter is not suitable for lighting pipe tobacco because the smell of gasoline would severely affect the taste of the tobacco.

Furthermore, these lighters have a large, refillable gas tank. This is advantageous since the pipe tobacco often needs to be relit multiple times during smoking.

Some classic pipe lighters feature an integrated pipe tamper that disappears into the base.

Different Types of Ignition Systems

Due to the frequent relighting of the tobacco, the ignition systems of pipe lighters are more heavily used than those of other lighters. There are now several different ignition systems. The most well-known and oldest type is the one that works with a flint and a friction wheel.

Another option is the piezoelectric ignition, also called Piezo ignition. The first lighters with this type of ignition appeared in 1967. These lighters generate the spark not through the flint but via piezoelectricity.

In simple terms, when the ignition button is pressed, a spring-loaded hammer strikes a piezoelectric crystal. This generates a voltage of 8-10 kV. Due to the high voltage and the short distance between contacts, a spark is created that ignites the gas.

The electronic ignition comes in versions with battery power, solar energy, integrated circuits, and quartz electronics. By pressing the ignition button, different versions generate varying voltages that ignite the gas-air mixture. Another alternative is the electromagnetic ignition system.

Another noteworthy ignition system is the Nainen technology (Nainen means "internal combustion" in Japanese).

This technology is used for turbo and jet flame lighters. Both types are windproof and have been on the market since the late 1980s. These models direct a butane-air mixture under high pressure into a small cylinder, where it is ignited by a spark.

Not to be forgotten is the gasoline lighter. In this case, a wick soaked in gasoline is ignited by simple friction. The most famous lighter of this type is the Zippo windproof lighter, which is also available with a side-exiting flame.

Pipe Lighters for Every Price Range

Of course, there are various pipe lighters available for every price range. From disposable lighters like the "BIC/Sidekick Bong Lighter" to rarities and classics like the Dunhill Unique.

In the lower price ranges, the Atomic pipe lighter is unbeatable. This affordable lighter features a movable side flame and is powered by a piezoelectric ignition. The gas tank is refillable, making it ideal for everyday use, especially when on the go. The most famous pipe lighter is likely the IM Corona Old Boy.

IM stands for Ishimitsu Metal Works, which released the Corona lighter in 1984. Since then, it has gained a reputation for legendary reliability and offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio. There are many different versions of the Old Boy with various designs.

This lighter is modeled after the Dunhill Unique and has since inspired many competitors with similar designs and technologies across various price ranges.

For example, the Stanley by Pearl or Rattray's Old Boy models.