[pct-l] Replacement for the faithful bic?

[Mike Saenz]

Sorry if this is a duplicate response (I opened this after deleting
several response posts)...

I saw a lighter in several convenience stores which lit like a tiny
propane torch- a fine point of high pressure blue flame. I'd bet that it
would stay lit in a high wind!

Because it burned like tiny pocket-rocket, it probably eliminates the
tilt problem the mini Bics have

I also bet it runs out of fuel quickly, but it was small and cheap. Sold
on the counter right next to the mini Bics.

I'll get one next time I see it and see how well and long it burns.

Anyone else see these?

Michael  Saenz
Associate Partner

MVE & Partners, Inc. | Architecture + Planning + Interiors 
Irvine + Oakland + Honolulu

1900 Main Street, Suite 800 | Irvine, California 92614-7318 | T
949.809.3388 | www.mve-architects.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Deems
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 5:09 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Replacement for the faithful bic?

Perfecting fire is like perfecting the mouse trap. I like the mini bic,
and 
I pull the safety stop on every one. I carry two for my adventures and
never 
get beyond #1. This lighter looks neat, but it has an extra moving part,
and 
more parts introduce potential for problems. Refillable seems like an
obtuse 
need, when a new bic is an easier answer. However, I bow to any artistic

expression of fire..for it is old as man..
~~~
Like many of you, I'm sure, I carry a mini-bic lighter for emergencies,
petzel failure on my stove, and the occasional fish-fire. One thing I've
never liked about the mini-bic (or any lighter for that matter) is that
I usually have to hold it as such an angle that I end up singing my
thumb and/or forefinger before anything lights. Also, when making a
tinder-ball, I can't light it in the center, but only on an outside
edge.

Yesterday I was tooling around the local grocery store (Albertsons, I
think) and found this on the check-out shelf (they make these displays
for impulse buyers like me....)

http://acme-usa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1350

I looked up the manufacturer online to find a picture of the product and
that is it. It's about the size of a standard bic (not mini) and weighs
about the same. BUT, it had a retractable lighting tube, on/off switch,
and it's refillable (butane). Cost me $4.99!

Basically, a palm-sized, retractable bbq lighter, but I think it will
work very well for the uses above, too.

Thanks again,

Perry 


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