The Zippo and Cigar Controversy | Lifestyle

by DaveSabot

While there are many reasons to buy Zippo lighters, lighting cigars is generally not considered to be among them. These lighters are powered by lighter fluid which has a characteristic taste and odor to it. When lighting a cigar with one of these lighters, that taste and odor is transferred to the tobacco and it can effectively ruin a good smoke. Most cigar smokers prefer to use one of two other methods to light their stogies.

The oldest method used is cedar strips and wooden matches. It would be hard to get more purist unless one actually employed flint and tinder. This method imparts no flavor to the cigar save for the cedar which many feel compliments the flavor of tobacco quite nicely. This method, of course, is far from convenient. To use this method, a smoker must carry cedar strips, matches and a cutter all separately. For this reason, many smokers prefer butane lighters to any other method.

Cigar lighters oftentimes come equipped with cutters built into the lighter itself. This eliminates the need to carry around a clipper separately. These lighters produce a reliable flame and get a great many lights off of a single reservoir of fuel. For that reason, they are generally the most popular method of lighting up among those who love a fine cigar.

There are some smokers who prefer to use a combination of wooden matches and cedar strips to light their cigars. While this may score some style points, it is much less efficient than using a lighter. The matches, of course, are subject to wind and moisture as are the cedar strips. Carrying these items around is a much bigger hassle than simply putting a lighter in one's pocket, as well. This method has one other significant drawback.

These lighters are available in all price ranges and in a wide variety of designs. Generally, cigar smokers opt for the multi-purpose types which eliminate the need to buy a separate clipper. Remember that the clippers attached to these devices are sharp enough to be dangerous. The butane is easily refilled and eliminates the worry that one's lighter is affecting the taste of their cigar. This is of great comfort to those who truly enjoy a good stogie.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including zippo pipe lighters, Dave also owns an online humidors store.