Lighting with matches

[Addiction]

I don't ever light with matches. When I do I seem to have a difficult time getting a nice even light. is there some trick to this technique, I ask because I anticipate the arrival of my first Dupont tomorrow and it just struck me as to how the hell will I light stogies with it given how it mirrors a match flame.

Teach me guys, I'm ready to learn.

[ucubed]

matches are a bit touch to use, as well as cedar. For me with any lighter or matches, I light all around the edges first. Using a match, you might need to use multiple matches, depending on the thickness. Good cedar will burn slow and a lighter, well you always have a burn. Make sure you get all of the edges first before you start puffing. You then begin puffing and let the fire burn through the middle, if it catches on fire, let it sit a bit and then puff, to see if you get an even burn on the cigar, blow the smoke, or just blow into the front of the cigar to see it heat up, any black spaces means not lit. For a torch you just tilt the lighter sideways and burn the middle and then then bring it back vertically and puff and burn. Hope that helps. If using a lighter is too hard, tilt the cigar forward a bit so it lights the middle before you start puffing as well...

[lenguamor]

With matches or a soft flame you're almost forced to light while pulling, which i don't like to do because it tends to suck sulfur and other impurities into the cigar.

The advantage of a torch is you make the cherry without taking anything into the cigar, then you can purge with one soft blow before you even take your first puff.

On the other hand, I've lit a cigar with the cedar wrappers that some come in and it did seem to impart a nice toasty flavor.

[carterwsu]

When you light with matches, you've got to be constantly rolling the cigar with your fingers, and don't let it touch the flame. If the cigar stops rolling, then you will get excess heat to one part of the stogie and start an uneven burn. Also, hold the cigar at about a 45 degree angle up, with the foot close to the flame tip (not touching). This will allow you to toast the foot, it will take at least a match or two depending on match length (only use wood matches). Then stick it in your mouth and light it with a fresh match, again rolling the cigar as you light and puff away.

[Addiction]

Thanks guys!

Tho this should have been titled lighting with a soft flame, because I plan on using the Dupont.

[Footbag]

It usually takes me more then one match to light a cigar. Don't get me wrong, I can light a cigar with a single match, but I'm afraid it warms it up too much, so I prefer to do it slowly.

I first light the first match and wait for the sulpher to burn off and toast the wrapper at the foot. I spin the cigar while I'm doing this so the wrapper toasts evenly.

Then I put the cigar in my mouth and light another match. I slowly draw and move the match to light the whole foot. Then I look at the foot and blow. If it looks good, I smoke it. If not I use the last match to fix it.

I personally prefer matches, but I'm not above using a Bic in a pinch.

[mistabman]

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/Free/Video

There's a video there on how to light a cigar with 3 matches without cutting the cigar. The biggest thing with matches I think is patience. I switch back and forth between my torch and matches depending on my mood. I usually prefer matches since my torch uses so much fuel. My best is using 2 small matches to light a ERDM robusto perfectly. I usually just use the torch for touch ups.

[JackSchwartz]

Dupont can fit the lighter with a cigar flame for you. I don't know how much it would cost but I know they do it (we have all our Duponts fit with the cigar flame before they ship). It's just a new fitting that has two openings to create a wider flame.

Eric

[Addiction]

Originally Posted by mistabman

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/Free/Video

There's a video there on how to light a cigar with 3 matches without cutting the cigar. The biggest thing with matches I think is patience. I switch back and forth between my torch and matches depending on my mood. I usually prefer matches since my torch uses so much fuel. My best is using 2 small matches to light a ERDM robusto perfectly. I usually just use the torch for touch ups.

I think I just found my new method, heck I take a minute to light my cigars when I use my jet lol.

[Freelee711]

I'm guessing you need to get the longer matches and not use the short ones that come with CI purchases. Where can you get the longer ones though?

[mistabman]

I use regular ol' large kitchen matches. I usually find them with the ziplock bags and paper plates in the grocery store. The short CI matches work just fine too, they're the same thing after all, it just takes more of them.

I'd really like to try the cedar sticks once though... Just to see if it tastes any different.

[Kaisersozei]

Originally Posted by Addiction

I think I just found my new method, heck I take a minute to light my cigars when I use my jet lol.

I've used the 3 match method for the past few months since finding this video on-line here. It's worked perfectly for me every time, with just 3 regular wooden kitchen matches. I use my torch for touch-ups, but my burn problems are rare since I found this technique (and dry-boxing!)

Hope it works for you, too!

[tsolomon]

Originally Posted by mistabman

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/Free/Video

There's a video there on how to light a cigar with 3 matches without cutting the cigar. The biggest thing with matches I think is patience. I switch back and forth between my torch and matches depending on my mood. I usually prefer matches since my torch uses so much fuel. My best is using 2 small matches to light a ERDM robusto perfectly. I usually just use the torch for touch ups.

Excellent, can't wait to try it. Thanks

[freakygar]

I'm a match man myself.

I love the whole lighting process. I use two matches held in a V formation to light after I toast the foot. I have some sulfurless matches but I don't seem to have a problem with any other taste in the cigar as long as I let the match burn that stuff off.

I have a great selection as some of the brothers here have sent them my way.

All the best.

Al

[Addiction]

Just lit two cigars this way it works flawlessly!

Originally Posted by mistabman

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/Free/Video

There's a video there on how to light a cigar with 3 matches without cutting the cigar. The biggest thing with matches I think is patience. I switch back and forth between my torch and matches depending on my mood. I usually prefer matches since my torch uses so much fuel. My best is using 2 small matches to light a ERDM robusto perfectly. I usually just use the torch for touch ups.