First off, This is only informational. I am not putting your down at all
We are all friends here.
The general message I'm getting from this thread is that buying butane lighters is risky business.
No . . . I believe the reason you are hearing some of these problems is normally due to user error, most by not refilling it correctly. A lighter - butane or zippo especially - is very simple mechanically. I do believe that buying a $100+ lighter (unless it is gifted or you have money to burn , pun intended) is freakin' rediculous. Buy a $10-35 lighter. any more and it seems to be a waste; nuthign in a lighter is worth that much...unless it is diamond studded...
As I said, they are very simple tools. I guess the looks and the "extra" quality, such as chrome finish and metal instead of lighter (wieght) plastic are the factors of cost... but worth and extra $100? . . . your choice. Personally, I dont think I will get a better performing lighter at $100 rather than a $10 due to it's simplicity. And besides, bottom line... If the less expensive one does break I can still buy 9 more and not spend as much. You said you have some zippo's. [As long as the zippo is lit... then let it burn for a second... people say the gases change the taste of the cigar.... whatever... I do it just incase and becuase it gets the lighter burning evenly...] Personally, I think using a zippo to light a cigar is the "coolest" way, due to the sight, sound, the way you can flip it open and etc. To me it just feels better to use a zippo, BUT it doesnt keep fuel but for no more than a week and one of mine had leaked in my pocket and made a nice "pee" spot and smelled odd lol...i say use a zippo if you dont have any other lighters around. but keep it filled and sitting up...
As far as matches go, I have never lit a cigar with matches, which would obviously take longer and more than one or two matches. If you do smoke outside the realm of your house, I wouldn't want to have to carry around matches all over the place. A $1 lighter is just as expensive and last alot longer anf should perform better than a box of mathces. One of the main factors is lighting outside. The matches will not stay lit lit, while the torch will stay lit in a 25 mph wind (maybe more depending on lighter) Matches are nearly usless outdoor with any wind present. Bloofington said it best,
Remember, when you're out in a 15 mph wind on a 25 degree day and you have to light a cigar, you don't care about looks!
Also, you can't put the used matches back in your pocket as with the lighter. . . The previous sentence had no bearing at all; it was just to find one more dumb excuse to use a lighter
Have a good day good luck with that humidor!