From: ????????????????????????????
Subject: Matches and other lights

> Ami Silberman asked, awhile ago, about matches for pipe smoking, and
> recommended Swan Vestas. Well, after 3 or 4 boxes, I really have to say that
> I like Diamond Safety Matches (the kind in the pocket-size boxes) better,
> because they're both longer and less expensive. My only gripes with Diamonds
> are that they're _hard_ to find (finally tracked them down at an Acme
> supermarket in Flemington!), and they are a bit hard to keep lit initially,
> especially in a breeze (though I think Vestas have the same problem).

For outdoors, it's awful hard to beat a simple Bic Butane lighter.  I
normally use a somewhat classy lighter (i.e., it cost more than ten
bucks), but for whatever reason, the Bics are simply easier to keep lit.
(I figure it must be the little metal screen around the nozzle).  Too,
you don't feel bad if you lose one.

> Oh, yes - one fellow at last month's soiree' offered me some tobacco, which
> I accepted. When I scratched a match to light it, he retorted, "Forget that
> stuff!" and produced a lighter, which I accepted out of politeness. I have
> to say that I'm philosophically opposed to lighters - they burn the lip of
> the bowl if they're up too high or if you're lighting a fresh pipe.

True.  If I'm sitting around the house smoking, esp. a new pipe, I'll
reach for a match.  Too, my best pipes don't leave my apartment, for fear
of having them lost or banged up.  Anything I walk around with, I'm willing
to light with butane.


>Also,
> there's something much more aesthetically pleasing about lighting a pipe
> with a match (they don't hiss, for one thing!) 

Ah, but let's see you blow out the match and then stick it back in your
pocket 8-)
 
> The _ne plus ultra_ of pipe smoking is, of course, to pick up a coal from a
> wood fire and use that to light your pipe - you taste the wood and tobacco
> smoke, and it just feels so comforting. (Make sure to use tongs, or it
> won't! :-)

Anybody tried those cedar sticks some cigar smokers use ?

Alternately, the true die-hard (or those, like myself, in fits of
desparation) can light his pipe using his car's cigarette lighter.  No
chemical tastes there !


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Bill Thacker			att!cbema!wbt	     ??????????????????



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