Members' Lighting Technique

[SmokyFontaine]

With the wealth of experience and knowledge here, it would be fascinating if folks elected to upload a video of their various lighting techniques. I understand the notion of toasting, but I would love to see if my definition aligns with Ken's welding torch approach (per El Pres) or if it's closer to the majority opinion. If a video is a pain to setup as a demonstration, maybe details of what you're using and the amount of time you allocate to it. 

For me personally, it's almost exclusively a single torch due to smoking outside and some wind. I've grown to work a ring around the wrapper for around 30 seconds or so, then another 30-45 on binder and filler, pausing a couple of times to blow on the foot to see if it's balanced. I used to then puff off of the flame, but have stopped doing that. So at absolute most, around a minute of toasting with a torch, trying to keep the flame from directly touching the cigar. 

How about ya'll?

[Cigar Surgeon]

I've been lighting before I cut for almost 5 years now. I have to recreate the video as I've changed media companies 2 years back and would rather link it with the new company.

I consistently have the least amount of burn issues of our 4 panelists.

[Mtlk77]

Bit lazy to make a video but since recently smoking a bit inside I really like to take the time to toast and see the cigar lighting up slowly before puffing.

I use a double torch, outside with the light of the sun and some wind sometimes I can't see sh** of what my flame is doing, when I see the filler
going black everywhere I start puffing while still using the torch. 
I simply realize I need to torch way more and just puffing as few as I need

[El Presidente]

I will do a quick vid before I light up with ken  next review. 

 

in short, whatever ken does.....do the opposite 

[Joeysmoke]

I toast with a single flame butane torch until the entire foot will glow with a gentle blow.

I use the exact single flame torch pictured. Found at my local discount tools store for less than $4 USD. #AllClass. It's outperformed and outlasted Colibri and Xikar (both piezo igniter issues) and, in ten years, I've used two. The first was stolen at Big Smoke LV 2011. ?

[TheCigarslayer]

Indoors/low wind I use a V flame soft lighter to warm up the foot, then slowly pull trying to not touch the flame to the foot but get close. 

Outdoors/high wind, I toast in a circle then puff with a single torch.

 

Lowest heat to light wins 

[sho671]

Not my video, and you have to disregard the fact that he doesn't know the difference between radius and circumference, but pretty much how I light my cigars. Unless it is an unfinished foot, in which cast I puff while toasting.

[Bram Smoker]

If you have the time I would entertain the Three Matches method of lighting a cigar. CA posted a video on it a number of years ago. If you google it, you will find it. I've done it a handful of times. It is rather enjoyable and highly impractical.

[Akela3rd]

Off subject, but nice to see the correct use of an apostrophe in the OP title.

Thank you, carry on people

 

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

[SmokyFontaine]

1 hour ago, Akela3rd said:

Off subject but nice to see the correct use of an apostrophe in the OP title.
Thank you, carry on people

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
 

Sometimes its...err...it's the little things that matter.

Your [sic] welcome.  

[jazzboypro]

On 2/25/2020 at 4:27 PM, sho671 said:

Not my video, and you have to disregard the fact that he doesn't know the difference between radius and circumference, but pretty much how I light my cigars. Unless it is an unfinished foot, in which cast I puff while toasting.

Does anybody know what lighter he's using ?

[Doctortrent]

Light it

smoke it
Enjoy it

pretty simple concept!!!

[Cigar Surgeon]

16 hours ago, jazzboypro said:

Does anybody know what lighter he's using ?

Looks like a Bugatti to me:

https://bugattilighters.com/shop/

[Corylax18]

I'm of the opinion that people over think much of the cigar smoking process, storage mainly, but cutting/lighting are a close second. I try to KISS whenever possible and I've found that worrying less about some of the non smoking aspects of cigar smoking has greatly increased my overall enjoyment. 

While I have several high dollar Lighters (mostly gifts) I've found myself gravitating towards the cheaper/simpler lighters over the years. Single or triple torch, either works for me, the cheaper the better, the larger the reservoir, the better. I'm past caring about the aesthetics. 

Lighting technique? I cut the cigar, test the draw, then run the flame around the entire foot of the cigar a couple times, then take a couple light puffs with the flame touching the foot. I blow that smoke onto the foot to "test" if I've got a cherry over the entire foot. If so, I'm off to the races, if not, I'll touch up the unlit area without drawing on the cigar. I agree that less heat is key, and fewer puffs on the cigar while its exposed to the flame is also beneficial.

[T.52]

I am always open to learning more and improving.  Cigar lighting is no different.

[avaldes]

I like the thoughts of Corylax. Its a bundle of dried leaves. Add fire, enjoy. I try to spend as little time lighting and more time smoking as possible. I tend to think that spending a lot of time charring the cigar foot adds some funky flavors, which is why I like to get it lit and let it settle out. To each their own and it is worth figuring out what you like....don't take someone else's word.

[jazzboypro]

7 hours ago, Cigar Surgeon said:

Looks like a Bugatti to me:

https://bugattilighters.com/shop/

Thanks for the link, looks like it indeed.

[renos]

To each his own, as mentioned. I enjoy the whole experience from the cut to the nub, fun, relaxing, and often therapeutic.  I also saw the three matches technique as stated above, and would like to try it, but I'm unable to smoke inside so I haven't had a calm or warm enough day yet.  I have used cedar spills (also need a calm day) which can be fun and adds a nice aroma to the lighting process.

Using a cedar sheet from an old cigar box, I break off a thin piece and light the end of the cedar then toast the cigar with it.  Its much longer than a match so it usually lasts long enough to try and toast the cigar and get it lit without puffing.  Small reward when it's done right.  Cedar spills can be purchased but my local B&M provides cedar sheets no charge so no brainer.

[TheGipper]

On 2/25/2020 at 12:08 PM, SmokyFontaine said:

I've grown to work a ring around the wrapper for around 30 seconds or so

Well stated.  This right here is the secret to a good light.  Get the outside evenly lit, and most sticks will get a good burn going in short order.

If after doing that, you end up with an uneven burn, then it's always due to construction (bunching) issues.

Only thing I'd add is that I'm a believer in a soft lighter (or match, or cedar split) for the initial light.  Torch for touch ups only.  But you rightly note outdoors often requires a torch.  Focusing on the outside ring is helpful in that case.