I thought I read here that it is a bad idea to use bulk flints, or even Zippo brand flints or butane in my Old Boy lighter. If true, is there a suitable alternative to the IM Corona flints? It's not so much economy and more about availability. I'm sold on the butane thing after having a bunch of lighters go wonky, so I'm stocked with quality, filtered butane...and a pile of Zippo flints for use in my Zippo pipe lighters.
...but I don't want to damage my precious using crappy flints.
I've used Zippo or Ronson flints exclusively in my Zippo lighters to light thousands of cigs (which I've quit) and never had a problem. I also realize that I use my Old Boy (or Zippo pipe lighter) 3-5 times per smoking session versus a single time with when lighting a cig and I've noticed that the flints don't last as long, even when using my Zippo with pipe insert.
So, what is the consensus?
...but I don't want to damage my precious using crappy flints.
I've used Zippo or Ronson flints exclusively in my Zippo lighters to light thousands of cigs (which I've quit) and never had a problem. I also realize that I use my Old Boy (or Zippo pipe lighter) 3-5 times per smoking session versus a single time with when lighting a cig and I've noticed that the flints don't last as long, even when using my Zippo with pipe insert.
So, what is the consensus?