it says you can manually apply a safety. does that mean i don't have to worry about fumbling with a safety when i ignite it?

What they're talking about is a little red cap that comes with the torch that locks the gas valve into place so it can't spin. it's a little red clip that clips over the igniter and knob in the back

Has anyone used a different brand of butane other than Blazer with this torch? All Blazer butane is on backorder.

I use Power 5x&it works awesome. U can get a case of 12 cans on Amazon for around $30. I've been buying&using this brand for a couple years now&buy it by the case(12). I use several different torches all day long&this Blazer torch is my favorite by far. I know I'm answering a question about the fuel used in this torch,but I have to say I would recommend this torch to ANYONE looking for an awesome,HOT,pin point torch. I use it more than any of the other 7 we use at work,i,including a dual head flame throwing torch. This Blazer blows all others out of the water! We have bought&returned more than 14 torches in the last yr&this is by far the favorite around the shop! 10 stars for this bad boy&the Power 5x brand fuel can't be beat for the price. I give the Power5x 10 stars as well!

With use on titanium, how is the noise level compared to a plumbers propane torch?

Its honestly not as loud. Ive had this torch for about 3 months now, only thing to watch out for is to make sure the knob is COMPLETELY tightened otherwise the gas will leak out...found that out the hard way >.> but as for noise id put a plumbers torch at 8/10 and this torch a 5/10 for noise