New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart

[Benwoo]

Yeah i guess that's the step i missed early on in the restoring research... Salt and Alchy with stem removed >.<

[Mister Moo]

Yeah i guess that's the step i missed early on in the restoring research... Salt and Alchy with stem removed >.<

After you clean the pipe you have smoke by the fireplace, in the kitchen, surrounded by your loving family, just like Mister Moo.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs926.snc4/73942_466933974849_541254849_5450087_1332183_n.jpg

[Benwoo]

Well a couple estate pipes showed up this week, i hope to get some pics up soon. This one is some what troubling though. I really love this Jeantet pipe I picked up but it looks like it maybe suffering from burn out. Can I get some Old Farts to chime in please :confused:

http://67.222.135.199/vb/picture.php?albumid=162&pictureid=4914

Thank you
Chris

[BigFrank]

Take some picks let's see what ya got going on.

FWIW most estate pipes that I have acquired ( especially from EGay ) require a lot of love, work, booze, butt load of pipe cleaners, and elbow grease to get back into smoking condition.

[Benwoo]

This pic didn't come through? I see it in the post >.<
Let me see what else I can try...
How about this?
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/2213/jeantet.jpg

[Mister Moo]

I see a little irregularity in the cake - no biggie, that. Smooth it out a little and make sure no unburned flakes are trapped in those chunks. Why are you suspecting this pipe is burned out?

A burnout is going to grossly enlarge the airhole where it enters the chamber, make a pretty obvious pit on the wall of the chamber, create a burn mark on the outside of the pipe and, maybe, tip itself off with a super-hotspot you feel while smoking the pipe before something else pops up.

[Slow Triathlete]

Just get some ultra fine sandpaper and wrap it around your finger and give it a few spins through there. That will even it out.

[Benwoo]

I had thought it maybe a burn out because it looked to be deeper into the wall then an area that looked to be clean briar but it could just be a lighter section of cake. I'll clean it up guys, thanks

[BigFrank]

Chris I found that using a dull butter knife works best for me. I purchased a adjustable reamer, but I found that for evening out cake the butter knife works best. Just dont use one with a serrated edge :c....

[MarkinAZ]

...Just dont use one with a serrated edge :c....


:D...You have some new designs on the inside wall of the bowl Frank?

[hotreds]

When I'm wet sanding a black stem with micro mesh, why do I get brown residue? Am I supposed to continue until I don't get any more brown residue? Even if the stem appears black?

[Mister Moo]

When I'm wet sanding a black stem with micro mesh, why do I get brown residue? Am I supposed to continue until I don't get any more brown residue? Even if the stem appears black?As surface oxidation is cleaned off with light rubbing the stem goes to black; rub out evenly with finer and finer cloth until polished to a wet-glass sheen.

Practice on making a mirror finish on your thumbnail if you want to see how it works. When you're done you can look into it and comb your hair if the light is right. :D

[gijoey959]

So I've been looking into pipe smoking for the past week since my cigar costs are going through the roof and I stumbled onto the pipe section here :tu I am such a newb it hurts, because I have no idea what anyone is talking about on most posts.

I started reading the beginning of this thread and found a few helpful pointers

I found a decent corncob pipe based on a post somewhere in the first few pages
http://www.corncobpipe.com/product.php?productid=16140
What else do I need for it? Filters, new stems, etc... like the suggested items section says? Do I still need all the tools and pipe cleaners since its a corn cob pipe?

I also read that I should start with pipe tobacco that is commonly available in drug stores and grocery stores, but I looked and the stores around here don't have any, I asked too, and i'd have to go into Austin (an hour drive) so what's available on the internet that might be good for a newb like me who is used to cigars?

Finally, is there a website that has how to's for filling the pipe, etc...? Because I don't know a single person who smokes a pipe in the real world and I have a feeling finding out exactly how to do everything through this post would be time consuming, and I know there are probably things I wouldn't even know to ask since I've never even held a pipe before :r

Basically, I have no idea even where to start except that site for corn cob pipes, and sites that sell pipe tobacco listed here in the pipe section of CA

Thanks

[Mister Moo]

You can lose the filters - almost everyone does. Yes to fluffy-type pipecleaners and yes to a cheap multi-tool scraper/tamper or, as many prefer, a big-ass nail with the point ground off or a golf tee. They have golf tees in Texas, do they not? :D

The cob that's best is made by Missouri Meerschaum; China and Korean imports kinda suck. No need for extra stems if you don't sit on the pipe or starting chewing on it real munchy-like.

Carter Hall, Prince Albert or Half&Half are good starters. If you can't find any at a grocery or drugstore check out jrcigar.com pipe section. Lots of online options.

[gijoey959]

Thank you for the answer :tu

I'll be ordering the Great Dane Egg after I get back from SC in december, and that will give me time to research some pipe tobacco and smoking technique

And I can get a golf tee :r

[Mister Moo]

Thank you for the answer :tu

I'll be ordering the Great Dane Egg after I get back from SC in december, and that will give me time to research some pipe tobacco and smoking technique

And I can get a golf tee :rSC? That is the land of abundant pipes and tobacco.

[BigFrank]

I want to remove that, well whatever it is from the inside bowl of my Peterson. Would I be ok with just sanding down the inside with some 100 grit sandpaper?

[gijoey959]

SC? That is the land of abundant pipes and tobacco.

Haha, but my wife's family is full of cigar smokers, so that's where november's tobacco budget went. I'll definately be starting pipes asap though, the more I look, the more interested I get, its definitely looking like something I could really get into

[Commander Quan]

I want to remove that, well whatever it is from the inside bowl of my Peterson. Would I be ok with just sanding down the inside with some 100 grit sandpaper?

You can sand it out, but the consensus is that it is easier to just smoke a couple bowls in it than it is to sand out and risk scraping up the rim.

[Mister Moo]

I want to remove that, well whatever it is from the inside bowl of my Peterson. Would I be ok with just sanding down the inside with some 100 grit sandpaper?If it's a new Pete, you are talking about nasty stain. If it's an old Pete you're talking about - nasty cake? Which it is?

[RevSmoke]

I want to remove that, well whatever it is from the inside bowl of my Peterson. Would I be ok with just sanding down the inside with some 100 grit sandpaper?

Don't go near it with sandpaper, especially if you want to keep the rim in good shape. What that stuff is, is a carbon cake applied to the inside of the bowl to ease the break-in period. Not sure if it helps or not. But, it isn't a big deal to just leave it.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Emjaysmash]

Thank you for the answer :tu

I'll be ordering the Great Dane Egg after I get back from SC in december, and that will give me time to research some pipe tobacco and smoking technique

And I can get a golf tee :r

I have a great Dane Egg and I love it! MM cobs are awesome!

[gijoey959]

I have a great Dane Egg and I love it! MM cobs are awesome!

Great to hear :tu i'd hate to buy a bad pipe for the first impression

[Benwoo]

Well the Jeantet has had it's cake "adjusted". I tried w/ some 400 grit sand paper but I couldn't really get my sausage fingers in there and I was worried about miffin up the rim too much. The bowl also seems to kind of flare as it gets deeper, almost a slight oval cut not a straight chamber. I ended up w/ a smooth butter knife as BigFrank had suggested and it worked quite well. I shaved down a lot of the irregularities and smoked it the other day. Seems to smoke great though maybe a bit hot, could be me as well, or the Lane 1Q (seemed tempting at the time). The remaining crevices are already filling in nicely. Now it's on to cleaning the new Brebbia, Calabash, and Peretti sitter I picked up =D

Thank you guys very much
Chris

[gijoey959]

A few more questions

Since I've tracked down which pipe I'm going to start off with, and its a corn cob, anything I should know? There appear to be a ton of kinds of pipe tobacco, and from what I read, they can leave after tastes, is this a concern with a cob pipe? How often should I clean it, and how should it be cleaned?

I know it was recommended that I start with the drug store stuff, but I happen to be the kind of person who shoots straight for the good stuff just because I like to hit the ground running. Since I'm not new to smoking, just pipes, is it still a concern to start with something that generally has good reviews from more seasoned smokers? Or is it a don't waste good stuff when you don't know how to fill a pipe sort of thing? Reason being, there is a pipe store close that I normally buy cigars from and since I never looked at the pipes there, I didn't even remember they sold them there (its even called Pipe World :r) I assume they have good tobacco, and might even have the cheap stuff, so I am going to be starting pipes before I leave more than likely (got someone to buy a few of the handout cigars I was going to take with me :tu) so I will probably buy the pipe, cleaners, and some tobacco (I already have a golf tee :P)

The short version:
What should I know about corn cob pipes?
What should I know about putting different types of tobacco in the same pipe?
Is it necessary to start with drug store tobacco? What if I buy more expensive stuff
Any last advice before I go buy a pipe, pipe cleaners, and tobacco? I.e. should I buy anything else?

[Commander Quan]

What should I know about corn cob pipes?
Take out the paper filter, and throw it away. I prefer the Straight stems over the Bent stems. The kink where the stem bends makes it difficult to pass a cleaner. The first couple smokes may taste like burning wood until you char the inside of the bowl and the stem in the bottom
What should I know about putting different types of tobacco in the same pipe?
Cobs don't have the tendency to ghost the same way that briar pipes do.
Is it necessary to start with drug store tobacco? What if I buy more expensive stuff
Go for it it's your money you can smoke whatever you want.
Any last advice before I go buy a pipe, pipe cleaners, and tobacco? I.e. should I buy anything else?
That will get you started

[gijoey959]

Thanks! :tu

[BigFrank]

You can sand it out, but the consensus is that it is easier to just smoke a couple bowls in it than it is to sand out and risk scraping up the rim.

If it's a new Pete, you are talking about nasty stain. If it's an old Pete you're talking about - nasty cake? Which it is?

New Pete with dipped stain and that pre carbon crap in the bowl. I swung into Home depot on my way home today and picked up 100-150-220 sandpaper. Did the trick nicely. Also used some 91% booze with q-tips to remove stain. Worked well.

[hotreds]

Anywhere I can buy Boswell's tobacco other than Boswell? They don't have online ordering.

[Mister Moo]

New Pete with dipped stain and that pre carbon crap in the bowl. I swung into Home depot on my way home today and picked up 100-150-220 sandpaper. Did the trick nicely. Also used some 91% booze with q-tips to remove stain. Worked well.I'm one of those who hates the taste of stained bowls. I either avoid such pipes of soak it out before smoking. Others smoke through it out without complaint. Go figure. -(P

[Commander Quan]

Anywhere I can buy Boswell's tobacco other than Boswell? They don't have online ordering.

No, you have to call them.

[hscmit]

So I have been cleaning and finished with the salt/alcohol mix and am about ready to start looking for a few pipe tobaccos to taste.

These were my grandfathers and hadnt been touched in at least 10-15 years. They have actually come along way to get to this point.

http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p430/hscmit/101_0633.jpg
http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p430/hscmit/101_0634.jpg
http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p430/hscmit/101_0635.jpg
http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p430/hscmit/101_0636.jpg

[BigFrank]

I'd recommend reaming the inside of the bowl back to bare wood and performing another booze + salt treatment.

[hscmit]

I have been trying to build up my nerve to stick a butter knife in there and scrape/cut the old cake out. I am worried about cutting the wood.
with the salt/ booze mix, does finer salt work better say kosher salt?

[Mister Moo]

Conventional widsom says kosher (no added iodine) salt. I never used anything but - no idea what happens with plain table salt. Anyone know firsthand?

Briar is plenty tough if head to head with the dull edge of a butterknife or pipetool scraper. As you drag an edge along that mess (over a wastebasket or outdoors - not over a white tablecloth) and the black chunks and fine black powder sift out you will have plenty of time to see bare wood grin through the carbonization. Work slowly, carefully, under a good light - no drama. You don't need to apply much force to scrape that stuff out, by the way.

In your "bowls eye view" photo the two on the left need work for sure, the two on the right look like they were reamed recently and the one in the middle could use some evening out. The middle one, in another photo, also looks like it is burned on the outside - possibly a defect in the briar or grandpa smoked that pipe hard and fast. If you scrape it out a bit you may find a bad spot inside the bowl, through from the black mark. Go careful with that one - if there is a defect (and you love the pipe) it might be patchable with some pipe mud. Or it might have a little smudge of black paint on the outside in which case, forget what I just wrote. :)

[hscmit]

thanks
great info

[Sancho Fuente]

I have had a pipe for a few years. I smoke it maybe once a week but enjoy it hardly ever. I am having a real problem with keeping bowls lit, and the bowls get fairly hot. As far as I know I am filling the bowl correctly using the gravity/3 push/roll up way that everyone says is best. I am using estate Savinelli briars, which are in excellent shape and very well taken care of since I am very anal about cleaning. I have been smoking a mostly flavored Boswells sampler that I was given with the pipes when I bought them, with the occasional sopping wet store brand thrown in. It seems they all taste very bland to the point where it becomes a chore to make it past a quarter of the bowl.

Now for the questions after my life story.
1. Being a cigar smoker, is it best to get some heavy blends now (like GL Pease Odyssey/Abingdon) that I can really taste the flavors in? I am guessing that some of my problem is user error puffing entirely too fast to try to keep these bowls lit and actually experience some sort of flavor.
2. I think I am going to order a MM Country Gentleman to try new tobaccos in until I find the right blends/styles that I like. Thoughts?
3. What other brands would you recommend for someone who is used to a cigar type taste and not mildness for starting out to really get a feel for pipe flavors?

Thanks in advance old farts.

[Mister Moo]

I have had a pipe for a few years. I smoke it maybe once a week but enjoy it hardly ever. I am having a real problem with keeping bowls lit, and the bowls get fairly hot.
Thanks in advance old farts.After filling the pipe (before lighting) is the draw resistance anything more than verrrrrrrrry slight? I mean, if you put a match to it and draw, does the flame go straight down or is it packed too tight for that to happen? Whattaya think?

[gijoey959]

Alright, as some may have seen, I got a pipe :tu

I have some questions about smoking technique
When I fill it, I just lightly fill the bowl, then push the tobacco all the way down as far as it will go while still being mildly springy, then another loose fill and push down until mildly springy. It usually fills 3/4 of the bowl, and the draw is exactly how I like it, like drinking a thick milkshake when tested pre light if that makes sense. Am I doing it right?

When I light it, I do the false light thing by lighting it, tamping it down, and lighting again. I find that after I light it fully, I have to tamp it every puff to get a decent amount of smoke (remember, my frame of reference is cigars) is there something wrong or do pipes not produce mouthfulls of smoke? I also haven't had problems with the pipe going out, but that's because I've been tamping it every puff

How often should I puff? I wait 15-30 seconds a puff

Do I remove the ashes and stuff with the pipe tool when I'm done? I'm careful not to hit the edges with the scoop on the czech tool, but I am mainly after ashes and un burned tobacco

How much tobacco do you guys think I'll need for 2 weeks? :r I'm a pretty heavy smoker I guess, I've smoked 5 bowls all day, but I didn't touch a single cigar, so it was a little more heavy than I'd normally smoke. I have an Missouri Meerschaum uhh... Diplomat I think, the store just had them in a bin, and they were all the same, but i'd guess its a pretty average sized bowl

Thanks again, this thread has been so helpful its incredible

[Sancho Fuente]

After filling the pipe (before lighting) is the draw resistance anything more than verrrrrrrrry slight? I mean, if you put a match to it and draw, does the flame go straight down or is it packed too tight for that to happen? Whattaya think?

The resistance is less than a cigerette I would say. The flame also goes down into the tobacco. That could also be from the cigerette smoking I guess, drawing too hard maybe?

[Mister Moo]

The resistance is less than a cigerette I would say. The flame also goes down into the tobacco. That could also be from the cigerette smoking I guess, drawing too hard maybe?No - that's good. Filling too tightly is a common culprit for pipes needing constant relights.

Tobacco squished between thumb and index crumbles, springs back a good bit or stays smooshed?

[BigFrank]

Now for the questions after my life story.
1. Being a cigar smoker, is it best to get some heavy blends now (like GL Pease Odyssey/Abingdon) that I can really taste the flavors in? I am guessing that some of my problem is user error puffing entirely too fast to try to keep these bowls lit and actually experience some sort of flavor.
You can start off with some heavier blends, but what I would recommend would be to go at least a week without smoking anything. Allow your palate to get some rest. Then get a few different blends and go from there. FWIW I went from smoking 2-3 cigars a day to the pipe and I tried to rush the transition. Just grab a few blends that look good. There's a ton of pipe tobacco out there. We also have a newbie sampler trade for tobacco here http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9168 Also, when smoking start by smoking VERY slowly. A pipe is better served by having relights than puffing too hard. In time, you will get the hang of it...I still to this day do not light a bowl once and finish it without a relight. One trick I have learned is when lighting for the first time. Take a few puffs, then let it go out then tamp the ash down some and relight. This is often called a charring light. After that, I put the flame to my tobacco and puff away like a powerhouse a half dozen times or so to get the tobacco going. From that point on I puff slowly. Every so often I blow slowly back into the bowl to keep the ember going and try to not tamp too often while smoking...But like I said I still need relights while smoking. If the tobacco goes out I do not try to force it back. I just let it go out, put the pipe down and go grab a refill on my drink or whatever. Come back and relight.
2. I think I am going to order a MM Country Gentleman to try new tobaccos in until I find the right blends/styles that I like. Thoughts?
Go for it, I have a few cobs that still get smoked regularly. Great pipes, and great to learn how to smoke in.
3. What other brands would you recommend for someone who is used to a cigar type taste and not mildness for starting out to really get a feel for pipe flavors?
There are many blends with actual cigar leaf in them. Key Largo, Robustio, Dominican Maduro & Glory are a few that come to mind. I would start with getting a few straight blends. Get a blend that is just Virginia, One heavy with Latakia ( odyssey is good here ) and maybe a straight Burley blend to learn how the tobaccos taste as a stand alone smoke. From there when you go to smoke blended tobaccos it makes it easier, well it did for me, to identify the tobaccos in the blend. Also, it helped me learn and pick up on what the blender is trying to accomplish.

[Wolfgang]

Looking for a simple inexpensive billiard pipe (no cobbies). I smoke on long car rides to and from work so often hold the pipe in my mouth/teeth Is there something or a way to do this without destroying the stem?

Thanks in advance farters. :r

[Emjaysmash]

Looking for a simple inexpensive billiard pipe (no cobbies). I smoke on long car rides to and from work so often hold the pipe in my mouth/teeth Is there something or a way to do this without destroying the stem?

Thanks in advance farters. :r

You could try Softee Rubber pipe bits. Most people either love them or hate them, however.

[Sancho Fuente]

No - that's good. Filling too tightly is a common culprit for pipes needing constant relights.

Tobacco squished between thumb and index crumbles, springs back a good bit or stays smooshed?

It takes maybe 2-3 seconds to spring back with the Boswells Christmas Cookie I smoked the other day. Once its in the bowl it still springs back when I push down on it. My Boswells Berry Cobbler stays smooshed. None of the 7 kinds I have crumble.

And thanks for the suggestions on blends and the advice BigFrank. Once Mister Moo figures out what I'm doing wrong I might have a good smoke. ;)

[BigFrank]

And thanks for the suggestions on blends and the advice BigFrank. Once Mister Moo figures out what I'm doing wrong I might have a good smoke. ;)
Easiest method I know is the 3 stage load. Gravity fill the pipe. Then push it down 1/2 way. Refill to top. Push down to 3/4. Fill again. Char light then tamp. That is my fail proof method for loading. Might also be the tobacco you are smoking. Moisture level, heavy casing or toppings can affect how well a tobacco smokes. When loading up the pipe take a few test puffs on the pipe. If there isnt enough drag you will have trouble keeping the pipe going. Load light at first test, you can always add more tobacco, and work from there. All things considered I would believe it may be your tobacco more than anything else.

[Mister Moo]

It takes maybe 2-3 seconds to spring back with the Boswells Christmas Cookie I smoked the other day. Once its in the bowl it still springs back when I push down on it. My Boswells Berry Cobbler stays smooshed. None of the 7 kinds I have crumble.

And thanks for the suggestions on blends and the advice BigFrank. Once Mister Moo figures out what I'm doing wrong I might have a good smoke. ;)

Pipe isn't soggy in the heel, is it? Sounds like your tobacco isn't too wet but maybe dry the tabak some more; change blends for a comparison, maybe. Things sound right to me.

[scoot]

An English blend for my first foray into pipe tobacco? Is this a good idea?

[Martel]

An English blend for my first foray into pipe tobacco? Is this a good idea?

Sure. Try several of varying strength and latakia content.

I have never been a believer in the school of thought that says beginners should start with aromatics.

Cheers,
G

[BigFrank]

An English blend for my first foray into pipe tobacco? Is this a good idea?

Here is a good quote from G.L.Pease regarding the matter. Which my own experience entering the pipe word has led me to agree.

“I generally recommend a full flavored, but not strong tobacco to the beginner. They'll be much more likely to get some flavor from their early experiences, and it will be much easier, then, for them to apprehend the idea of 'slowing down,' which is crucial to a great smoke. Once they've learned some of the mechanics of pipe smoking, and their senses have become accustomed to some of the myriad flavors tobaccos can present, they are better armed to move into more subtle, or 'mild' blends. For the beginner, 'mild' tobaccos are generally far from mild!”

[Martel]

Here is a good quote from G.L.Pease regarding the matter. Which my own experience entering the pipe word has led me to agree.

“I generally recommend a full flavored, but not strong tobacco to the beginner. They'll be much more likely to get some flavor from their early experiences, and it will be much easier, then, for them to apprehend the idea of 'slowing down,' which is crucial to a great smoke. Once they've learned some of the mechanics of pipe smoking, and their senses have become accustomed to some of the myriad flavors tobaccos can present, they are better armed to move into more subtle, or 'mild' blends. For the beginner, 'mild' tobaccos are generally far from mild!”
:tpd: Yup.

Cheers,
G

[Slow Triathlete]

Pipe isn't soggy in the heel, is it? Sounds like your tobacco isn't too wet but maybe dry the tabak some more; change blends for a comparison, maybe. Things sound right to me.

I'll chime in with a question about your pipe here. I used to have the same problem with one of my first pipes. I later found out that the drillhole into the pipe was raised and off-center (no wonder it was so cheap). It altered the smoking capability of the pipe and actually caused the tobacco to get sopping wet during the smoke. I'm not sure about the science of why it did this I just know that it happened.

Take a look down into the bowl of the pipe and see where the hole is. It should be flush with the bottom of the bowl and as centered as possible.

[Cornrow_Wallis]

I've got a question for you old guys.

I'm not going to bother with any thing technical like how fast should I smoke or how to fill (not pack) my pipe, since I've read the whole thread and a couple more like it. I realize I'll figure it out on my own with some time.

But I would like to know, were any of you happy with the way your first time smoking a pipe turned out? Maybe satisfied would be a better way to phrase it, I don't know.

I know it stems from not knowing what I'm doing, but I couldn't help being a little disappointed.

[Mister Moo]

My first Middleton Cherry Blend, untutored 1973, smoke(s) sucked. Escudo, 30-years later, was magnifico. Worth the wait.

[Cornrow_Wallis]

It was C&D habana daydream in a ebay briar. Wouldn't stay lit worth a flip, but I'm gonna let it dry out a little more tomorrow.

[Pat1075]

its never works out the first time this is an art even in the consumption process.
now if you want something that is much easier to master I suggest cigars (which I love equally) 1)cut 2)light 3)puff its virtually a science

[Cornrow_Wallis]

I've been smoking cigars for a couple years now, just thought I'd broaden my horizons a bit. The problem is I can't live up to my own expectations. Not just yet anyway.


now if you want something that is much easier to master I suggest cigars (which I love equally) 1)cut 2)light 3)puff its virtually a science
I didn't mean to sound whiny earlier, just curious if everyone found getting started a little frustrating. I'm not planning on giving it up.

[Wolfgang]

...just curious if everyone found getting started a little frustrating.

Yes. Stick with it. You will get your rhythm down and all will be right in the world.

[jkstewart1]

I've seen this somewhere, but can't seem to find it again... I want to know which tobaccos one should smoke to learn a representation of their variety (burley, va, va/pers, oriental, english, etc.) so that when I smoke something unfamiliar, I'll know what it is - or at least have an idea of where it is coming from.

I'm working on adding pipes to my cigar repitoire and want to learn about particular tobaccos. How else would you know what seems to smoke best in what pipe? Part of the plan is to acquire a meer to start working from a neutral base. Good idea or not so good?

Thanks.

[Mister Moo]

... just curious if everyone found getting started a little frustrating. I'm not planning on giving it up.Some do and so do (less so). Pipes require a little sensitivity to the physics of what is going on (compression, expansion, condensation) and the learned coordination of things you must do (fill, rub out, tamp, light, char, relight, swab with pipecleaner mid-smoke, relight, poke, pick, tamp some more, relight) to bring it all together into the good, easy experience.

It is a little busy at first but, in the end, the rewards out exceed the efforts in. Usually. :D

[Mister Moo]

...How else would you know what seems to smoke best in what pipe? Part of the plan is to acquire a meer to start working from a neutral base. Good idea or not so good?

Thanks.For the serious explorer with an eye towards understanding how it all fits together this may be the ONLY thing that makes sense. I was thinking along these line earlier today that getting a cob for newguys is good advice but a meer (with some caveats) is probably better.

According to how you're thinking, get a good meer. There are a lot of $35-$65 (smaller where it sucks) meers that are more claw-and-ball than pipe, if you know what I mean. Get a full-sized quality meer with a 4mm bore from the respected Altinok line or get a Fikri Baki. No problems with construction or geometery - a great pipe for life that will reveal tobacco with great clarity. After a while you may augment such a meer with 5-50 briars or you may find that one or two meers will satisfy a lifetime of adventure.

Of my three conventional meers, two are large and made right and one was cool looking, a bit on the small side and modestly priced. The little one is a gurgly PAS and the two others (cost me twide as much but) smoke wonderfully.

[jkstewart1]

What about tobacco choices? Any suggestions? Something that is relatively pure for it's variety?
As far as the pipe goes, I have been watching the CAO offerings on the 'bay.

[Mister Moo]

Big field, that.
Carter Hall, SG FVF, Escudo and Red Rapparee is one way to cover four basics but there are 10000 answers to your question.

[Commander Quan]

You can buy, and smoke tobacco that is meant to be used for blending if you want, to taste straight burley or cavindish or virgina but if you are smoking a bowl of straight Perique, or Latakia I would have a feeling you'll have a short pipe career.

[jkstewart1]

Maybe start with the burley, cavendish, and virginia to be able to recognize the bases and then know what the perique or latakia are adding to the blend. Do you think that 2oz. of each is enough to get a handle on it, or would it take more?
At more than $100 for a new one, a good, basic meer might be beyond what I want to spend on this endeavor. Any suggestions? Anyone perusing this have a gently used one that they'd want to part with?

[HK3-]

Howdy pipe smokers. I'm thinking about getting my first pipe soon and wanted to drop in this section to say hello and begin my reading and learning. Hope to be a part of the hobby soon :tu

[thebayratt]

I've heard where people take out a bit of tobacco for drying out some before they smoke it.

How long do you suggest it drying out?
Any pros/cons to drying it before you smoke it?

[VirtualSmitty]

I've heard where people take out a bit of tobacco for drying out some before they smoke it.

How long do you suggest it drying out?
Any pros/cons to drying it before you smoke it?

Depends. If I open a tin and the tobacco feels a little wet, i'll let it sit out fifteen minutes or so so it will lose a little bit of that moisture. Too moist and it will burn bad.

[Curly Cut]

How long do you suggest it drying out?
Depends. If i know the tobacco well, and how it smokes at certain degrees of dampness, then i'll leave it out until it feels right to me.
it also depends on where you live (local humidity, etc). by living in KC area, if it's summer, leaving it out will probably moisten it up a bit; if it's winter, 15 - 45 minutes max.


Any pros/cons to drying it before you smoke it?
pros
*tobacco smokes better (less moisture build up in the draught hole, which leads to gurgle)
*less tongue bite, which some attribute to the steam from too moist of tobacco and overpuffing, others say it's something to do with the chemistry of something er other that doesn't jive with the tobacco.
*fewer relights, tobacco doesn't go out as often due to moisture
*better flavor (if you know what an over-humidified cigar tastes like, it's the same as over-humidified pipe tobacco = flavors are muted)

cons
*you forget about it for a few days, and even then it's still smoke-able.
*you forget about it for a few days, and it was a McClellands broken flake (which means it's hard as a board and ruined cuz you'll never be able to rub it out without going to the ER to have splinters removed)
*you forget about it for a few days, and you really wanted to try it a few days earlier.
*i'm making sh*t up now, cuz i know of no cons.

[Mister Moo]

pros/add on - if you decide you let it get too dry you can always rehumudify whatever's left; it will never mold

cons/add on: if you get it bone dry and then it gets handled and bopped around and gets broken down into dust it is forever wasted.

[Powers]

Nothing that I love cigars, a buddy for a secret santa gift a month ago got me a corncob pipe and some pipe tobacco. However, I have NEVER smoked a pipe and have no idea even as how to fill or light it lol. So I'm asking y'all to give me the basics on how to fill and light it or anything else that is germane. It seems to be a relatively cheap corncob pipe if that means anything

Thanks in advance :tu

[OnlyDryReds]

Had a tin of Sutliff #5 come to house as a sample, so said to self why not another slope to slide down, bought cob pipe after reading MANY MANY threads here, along with cob pipe bought a bag of my local B&M's blend, found the #5 not to my liking and found the B&M's to be very aromatic and a little sweet for me. Now I enjoy alot of different cigars, but before I go and spend a rediculous amount of money on multiple tins, any of you cigar smokers out there have a suggestion for a more medium to full aromatic I could try? I do enjoy medium to full cigars. :)

[Mister Moo]

Nothing that I love cigars, a buddy for a secret santa gift a month ago got me a corncob pipe and some pipe tobacco. However, I have NEVER smoked a pipe and have no idea even as how to fill or light it lol. So I'm asking y'all to give me the basics on how to fill and light it or anything else that is germane. It seems to be a relatively cheap corncob pipe if that means anything

Thanks in advance :tuCobs usually have relatively small bowls. No need to get real exotic on filling technique - pretty much ram and jam or, if you want to take it up a notch, make a grape-sized cannonball (aka "wad") of tobacco and plug it in. Don't fill the bowl tight enough that the draw is more than mildly restricted; commence to light puffing and set fire to the top of the bowl enough to get it all burning. Relax. Contemplate.

Then notice the bowl is probably not burning after a minute or less. Mash down on the tabak with a pipe tamper (a big nail or golf tee works fine) to recompress it a bit and relight; it oughta keep going for a while, now. Sip-puff slowly - just enough to keep it going - so you don't end up frying your tongue or sucking your cheeks off. Get in a few snorks if you can.

Cobs are excellent, if somewhat disposible, pipes. That pine shank which extends into the lower part of the bowl is going to char out during the first several smokes. Expect things to taste a little forest-ie during that period.

Got pipecleaners? Stick one all the way into the pipe at any time during a smoke if it starts to get wet or gurgly.

That's about it. The rest is details. Fire that muthuh up.

[Mister Moo]

Had a tin of Sutliff #5 come to house as a sample, so said to self why not another slope to slide down, bought cob pipe after reading MANY MANY threads here, along with cob pipe bought a bag of my local B&M's blend, found the #5 not to my liking and found the B&M's to be very aromatic and a little sweet for me. Now I enjoy alot of different cigars, but before I go and spend a rediculous amount of money on multiple tins, any of you cigar smokers out there have a suggestion for a more medium to full aromatic I could try? I do enjoy medium to full cigars. :)Do yourself a favor and try a pouch of Carter Hall (or Prince Albert or Half&Half or Captain Black) - usually found at any discount cigarette store along with some grocery- and drugstores (still).

Easy to find, easy to fill and light, not expensive and mildy aromatic. All of them, esp. Carter Hall or Prince Albert, go very well with a cob and rarely offend bystanders. Have at it.

After that, there are about 1000 other possibilities.

[Powers]

Cobs usually have relatively small bowls. No need to get real exotic on filling technique - pretty much ram and jam or, if you want to take it up a notch, make a grape-sized cannonball (aka "wad") of tobacco and plug it in. Don't fill the bowl tight enough that the draw is more than mildly restricted; commence to light puffing and set fire to the top of the bowl enough to get it all burning. Relax. Contemplate.

Then notice the bowl is probably not burning after a minute or less. Mash down on the tabak with a pipe tamper (a big nail or golf tee works fine) to recompress it a bit and relight; it oughta keep going for a while, now. Sip-puff slowly - just enough to keep it going - so you don't end up frying your tongue or sucking your cheeks off. Get in a few snorks if you can.

Cobs are excellent, if somewhat disposible, pipes. That pine shank which extends into the lower part of the bowl is going to char out during the first several smokes. Expect things to taste a little forest-ie during that period.

Got pipecleaners? Stick one all the way into the pipe at any time during a smoke if it starts to get wet or gurgly.

That's about it. The rest is details. Fire that muthuh up.

Thanks a bunch! :tu

[WyGuy]

Is there a "right" way to smoke aromatic blends? I just got in some of the different Boswell blends for when I smoke indoors, and while they smell fantastic in the pouch I can hardly taste anything while smoking them. Or is this just simply the nature of the beast in regards to aromatics? Thanks.

[Mister Moo]

The nature of the beast. I aroma is 90% for the ladies in the next room and 10% for you.

[WyGuy]

I suppose I can live with that, especially considering my two roommates are female.

[RevSmoke]

Is there a "right" way to smoke aromatic blends? I just got in some of the different Boswell blends for when I smoke indoors, and while they smell fantastic in the pouch I can hardly taste anything while smoking them. Or is this just simply the nature of the beast in regards to aromatics? Thanks.

There are a couple out there that are not to bad, but for the most part, that's it. Personally - I think C&D does it best. Two Friends Celtic Mist is my favorite, but I don't smoke that much at all.

[freestoke]

Is there a "right" way to smoke aromatic blends? I just got in some of the different Boswell blends for when I smoke indoors, and while they smell fantastic in the pouch I can hardly taste anything while smoking them. Or is this just simply the nature of the beast in regards to aromatics? Thanks.

Some of the stuff that seems merely to have had some sort of syrup cooked onto a bunch of burley can be pretty dreadful from my perspective, others not so bad. Some aromatics are pressed and aged with a flavored casing --I'd rate PS Luxury Twist Flake as an aromatic, but it certainly bears no resemblance to something like 1Q, which is a reasonably decent version of the goop group. Some people would call Royal Yacht an aromatic, which is yet another thing, but it probably doesn't smell good enough to non-smokers to rate. The few Boswell blends I've tried were quite good.

I pack them very loosely and use the tamper to establish the proper draw after it's lit. Pack an aromatic too tight and you're basically done for. It can be sticky, too, so it often pays to let it dry a bit, until a wad of it falls apart rather than coagulates into an airtight, flameproof clump. Always bear that in mind when tamping -- they tend to burn wet and the tobacco will clump if you tamp it too hard and never burn right again.

For me, aromatics are dessert tobaccos. Basic smokes constitute most of my smoking, but a bowl of Three Blind Moose (my favorite aromatic) is nice for a change of pace. I also like to tone down the TBM with some PA mixed in. I think a lot of aromatics are a lot more tolerable "thinned" with something neutral.

[GreekGodX]

I have a pipe that every time I smoke it, it makes a whistling noise. I'm thinking that I just underfill it because the bowl is very deep. Could the whistling sound come from something else?

[Emjaysmash]

I have a pipe that every time I smoke it, it makes a whistling noise. I'm thinking that I just underfill it because the bowl is very deep. Could the whistling sound come from something else?

The draft hole might be too small, i think.

[Mister Moo]

Might be some crud caught in the airway; if not it sound like what EmJay said. Might need a little drilling.

[FunkyD]

I have an Ozark Mountain pipe that is really broken in well, and i smokes dry. Every time i smoke PS LNF in it, it sizzles and cracks. The tobacco seems to be dried out when I smoke it, and I've smoked it in a lot of pipes and it always does the same thing.

Do I need to dry it out more than it already is?

[Mister Moo]

I have an Ozark Mountain pipe that is really broken in well, and i smokes dry. Every time i smoke PS LNF in it, it sizzles and cracks. The tobacco seems to be dried out when I smoke it, and I've smoked it in a lot of pipes and it always does the same thing.

Do I need to dry it out more than it already is?Cold pipe left out in the car overnight? Smoked outside on a cold day?

I was smoking some pretty dry PS Luxury Twist last week and suddenly got a bad case of the sizzles in two different room-temp pipes, one new pipe and one well broken in . I started smoking half-bowls filled with less compression and that was that. I wait for warmer weather to see if the sizzles go away.

[FunkyD]

I smoked it yesterday and it was 80 outside lol. I'm going to try half bowls, maybe air pocket method to see if that helps. LF has a strange texture as far as how wet it seems to the touch, maybe I'm not smoking them as dry as I think I am. Thanks Mr. Moo, I'll let you know if half bowls work out.

[jkstewart1]

Time to give the Old Farts a bump.

[Mister Moo]

Maybe start with the burley, cavendish, and virginia to be able to recognize the bases and then know what the perique or latakia are adding to the blend. Do you think that 2oz. of each is enough to get a handle on it, or would it take more?
At more than $100 for a new one, a good, basic meer might be beyond what I want to spend on this endeavor. Any suggestions? Anyone perusing this have a gently used one that they'd want to part with?
Get a few Missouri Meerschaum pipes - bigger ones like the Great Danes. At less than $10 they're a bargain.

Two oz. of tobacco smoked from moist to dry over two-three weeks is a good start to have insights on a blend. Quantity is less of a road to insight than smoking slowly through a range of moistures and, as practical, pipes. If you get a real meer, pick wisely and you will be disappointed.

[jkstewart1]

Mister Moo, not to tease, but it's as if I've bumped you awake from your Sunday nap. I believe that you mean that I won't be disappointed if I wisely choose a real meer.

I was bumping the 'old farts' up on the posting list since it had been two weeks without any action. It seemed that there were some newer members that were having difficulty finding what expertise you were offering.

I'm good for now. Thanks for your wisdom!

[MarkinAZ]

I was bumping the 'old farts' up on the posting list since it had been two weeks without any action...

:D...you know how old farts are sometimes John!

[Mister Moo]

Mister Moo, not to tease, but it's as if I've bumped you awake from your Sunday nap. I believe that you mean that I won't be disappointed if I wisely choose a real meer.

I was bumping the 'old farts' up on the posting list since it had been two weeks without any action. It seemed that there were some newer members that were having difficulty finding what expertise you were offering.

I'm good for now. Thanks for your wisdom!zzzzzzzz

.......

zzzzzzzzzzzz


..........

zzzz............... !@%#@$@ HUH?!

Yo! JK! Wazzup?

.................. (waking-up self face slap :sl )

Yeah, right. "NOT" disappointed. Right. Right. Righty-right right. I've been smoking a large, plain/smooth meer dublin lately after great letdowns from two smaller, carved meerschaum pipes I bought a lonnnnnnnnnnnnng time ago. I just figured meerschaum pipes were gurgling pieces of crap until wiser-guys let me on to the restricted airway issue common to many smaller-sized meerschaum pipes The relatively inexpensive Paykoc import, carver unknown, smokes like a dream.

Meers can be great smoking pipes - some would argue the best - but I'd say dodge the less expensive, smaller, versions no matter down cute the skull and claw carving.

I was really hoping someone else would step up to bat on some of these (very good) questions.

.......................



zzzzzzzzzzz

[RevSmoke]

I was really hoping someone else would step up to bat on some of these (very good) questions.



I would have answered them, but by the time I see them, they are already answered.

I am one of those who prefers a broken in briar over a meer. Although, a meer will not retain flavors from other tobaccos as will a briar or a cob.

And yes, if you are getting a meer, get one made from block and not from pressed.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Mister Moo]

I would have answered them, but by the time I see them, they are already answered...With respect to your love of the Pack; reliable presence in the forum, excellent, well-informed and thoughtful answers; and your always good spirited, cheerful demeanor.... (drum roll).......

My time is compromised. I wish to withdraw from this thread and respectfully ask the Rev to ramrod and encourage the best possible answers through to new, troubled or otherwise aspiring pipers.

Hoping you'll agree to keep your eye on this thread and keep it moving in the right direction. How about it? mmoo

[qsalinas]

Hi there,
I have a question for you guys.

My father gave me some of his old pipes from the late 70's early 80's and I was wondering if these pipes are still good to use? They have NOT been used in about 25-30 years.
I have never smoked tabacco out of a pipe before but I'm interested in getting into it but wasn't sure if these old pipes were still any good.

Thanks in advance...

[JaKaacH]

Hi there,
I have a question for you guys.

My father gave me some of his old pipes from the late 70's early 80's and I was wondering if these pipes are still good to use? They have NOT been used in about 25-30 years.
I have never smoked tabacco out of a pipe before but I'm interested in getting into it but wasn't sure if these old pipes were still any good.

Thanks in advance...

Yes they still are good to use. Depending on condition, all you may need to do wipe them off and apply a little carnauba wax on the outside. Or they may need a little more work: Bowl reaming, 151 rum damp salt or cotton ball sterilizing of the bowl, stem oxidation removal, etc.etc....
Pictures of the pipes would be helpful.

[qsalinas]

Pictures of the pipes would be helpful.[/QUOTE]

Thanks and will post pics ASAP. The pipes look good on the outside not sure about the inside.

[jkstewart1]

Glad to see the thread stick-ied at last. Now the OF's have their rightful place at the top of the pipes discussion forum!

Bought myself a Altinok full-bent lattice ball meerschaum from RX2010 and am learning as I go. Thanks to all of the Old Farts shortening my learning curve!

[SeeingRed13]

I have a question. I typically smoke more VA-heavy blends, either straight or VA/PER. But I recently acquired 8oz. of Penzance & Stonehaven (respectively). With these English blends does one have to be more concerned with ghosting?

In other words, if I'm able to set aside an individual pipe for each blend, would this be a good idea? Will smoking either or these blends in a pipe that I have previously smoked something like Dunhill Nightcap or Solani Silver Flake affect that pipe negatively?

Or perhaps I'm overcomplicating this altogether. Any direction would be appreciated.

[RevSmoke]

I have a question. I typically smoke more VA-heavy blends, either straight or VA/PER. But I recently acquired 8oz. of Penzance & Stonehaven (respectively). With these English blends does one have to be more concerned with ghosting?

In other words, if I'm able to set aside an individual pipe for each blend, would this be a good idea? Will smoking either or these blends in a pipe that I have previously smoked something like Dunhill Nightcap or Solani Silver Flake affect that pipe negatively?

Or perhaps I'm overcomplicating this altogether. Any direction would be appreciated.

Yes, this is a good idea. These are blends that if you smoked numerous bowls of in the same pipe, may indeed, as you say, ghost. If however you have pipe in which you are already smoking Nightcap, and only want to smoke the occasional bowl of either the Penzance or Stonehaven, it shouldn't really be a problem.

I usually have a pipe for English blends and one for aromatics, and then I mix and match whatever I want.

The only tobaccos which I try to be careful with is Virginias and VaPers - I won't smoke any Latakia or Aromatics in those pipes.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[SeeingRed13]

Thanks for the advice, Rev. I'll make sure to set some aside for the ole English

[TheatyHannington]

What is a Danish blend or mixture of Pipe Tobacco?

[RevSmoke]

A Danish blend of pipe tobacco is used to classify many things, depending on who is using the terms.

However, what "I" have found to be generally true is that a Danish blend is a ribbon cut with a light, sweet, casing.

Hope that helps.

[oooo35980]

So the wife allows me a certain amount for cigars, she didn't say anything about pipes though. What would be the best way to try out pipe smoking? I just want to give it a shot to see if I enjoy it or not. Picking up a cheap pipe at the store sufficient for that? Or should I buy a decent pipe to start out with so I don't end up not liking it because of a crappy pipe? Also what's a good tobacco to grab for a first try?

[Emjaysmash]

I'd recommend a corn cob pipe to begin with. Cheap, and gets the job done right. :tu

[JaKaacH]

I'd recommend a corn cob pipe to begin with. Cheap, and gets the job done right. :tu
:tpd:

Corn Cob pipe and Butternut Burley tobacco from Pipes and cigars.

http://pipesandcigars.com/micocobwast.html

http://pipesandcigars.com/butburbykuro.html

[RevSmoke]

So the wife allows me a certain amount for cigars, she didn't say anything about pipes though. What would be the best way to try out pipe smoking? I just want to give it a shot to see if I enjoy it or not. Picking up a cheap pipe at the store sufficient for that? Or should I buy a decent pipe to start out with so I don't end up not liking it because of a crappy pipe? Also what's a good tobacco to grab for a first try?

As suggested, a cob is a great way to go, but get rid of the filter insert after the second bowl and don't replace it with anything.

As for tobacco to try? I find that hard to say. Why? Well, I tried burleys - almost never smoked a pipe after that, I don't like burley.

I'd suggest getting a number of different things to try: Aromatic, Burley, full English, light English, Virginia, Virginia with Perique, and an Oriental. You may like all of them. You may like one or two of them. You may like none of them.

My suggestion is to go to the Cornell & Diehl website and look around http://www.cornellanddiehl.com/oldindex.html Then, give them a call and ask to talk to Patty Tarler. Tell her Pastor Jerabek from Embarrass, WI told you to call her - she is knowledgable and will treat you well. C&D is a good place to start because they do a good job. They sell clean tobacco, by that I mean their product comes without a lot of propylene glycol on their tobaccos making them burn clean and easy. They do come a lot "drier" than most other pipe tobaccos, but that isn't a bad thing at all. They will also give you a decent deal on a sampler package and ship it directly to you.

If you want another something to try, ask for a pound of their Hoover Mix - it is $11.50 a pound - and it is nothing more than tobacco that has fallen from their attempts at mixing. I have gotten a pound on a couple of occasions, it is never the same. It is however, a nice change of pace. I have a friend that smokes only that, he said it is like smoking something different everytime he opens up the bag.

Of course, if you'd rather call another shop and ask for some similar treatment, go for it.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[MurphysLaw]

So I think I've resolved to get a corn cob pipe to start out with, what types of tobacco should I be looking for to start out with? Is there anything else, other than pipe cleaners that I'll need? How often can I smoke out of the same cob pipe, will I be ok at once or twice a week?

[RevSmoke]

So I think I've resolved to get a corn cob pipe to start out with, what types of tobacco should I be looking for to start out with? Is there anything else, other than pipe cleaners that I'll need? How often can I smoke out of the same cob pipe, will I be ok at once or twice a week?

Get yourself a pipe tamper too.

Do you have a tobacconist nearby, one that has someone working there who smokes a pipe? That'd be the best thing. There is something to be said from learning from someone live and in person about how to fill, light, tamp, and smoke a pipe correctly.

I know it may sound silly, but it is true. Yes, I had a friend tell me once that it should be as simple as "stuff the tobacco in one end, apply fire to it, suck on the other end... how hard can it be?"

Every single one of those aspects can make pipe smoking a pleasure or a royal pain in the posterior.

Filling the pipe properly is essential, but there are a number of ways to do it which will work well.
Getting an even burn at the beginning is essential, and here's where a tamper is a must. (a tamper is very cheap, a pipe nail will run about $1 - and a Czech tool about $2 - either works well)
Smoking gently saves your tongue from feeling like you held a blowtorch to it for a half hour.
Pipe cleaners should be by your side while smoking. If you hear a gurgle put a pipe clearner though your pipe (do not take your pipe apart while warm to do this, just run the cleaner through it)

If you really think you'll enjoy smoking, get yourself a cheaper Savinelli, they are great pipes and usually one of the easiest to break in.

If you're only going to smoke once a week, one pipe will do fine. For optimal smoking pleasure, 2 or three days between smoking a pipe is best as it allows the pipe to dry out between smokes. This keeps the pipe smoking fresher. It is for this reason that people have more than one pipe. Those who smoke a few bowls a day will have more pipes than those who smoke a bowl a couple times a week. Or, there are the collectors who buy pipes as art AND for their smoking ability.

Sorry for rambling.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Emjaysmash]

:tpd:

+1 to everything Todd said. He knows his stuff! :tu

[MarkinAZ]

+1 to everything Todd said. He knows his stuff! :tu

:D...He's on a mission from God!

[RevSmoke]

:tpd:

+1 to everything Todd said. He knows his stuff! :tu

:D...He's on a mission from God!

Thanks for the kind words MJ.

Mark, that's funny! Thanks!

[MurphysLaw]

Thanks for the tips as well! I'll let you know how the first step down that slippery slope goes...

[benedic08]

Hey guys, Whats the best way to travel with pipes? I'll be going back to the Philippines three months from now. I have my cigar caddy to carry my cigars. Is there one similar for pipes or are the leather ones sufficient to protect my pipes when i stick them in my luggage?

Thanks :D

[RevSmoke]

Hey guys, Whats the best way to travel with pipes? I'll be going back to the Philippines three months from now. I have my cigar caddy to carry my cigars. Is there one similar for pipes or are the leather ones sufficient to protect my pipes when i stick them in my luggage?

Thanks :D

Yes, there are pipe cases, similar to cigar caddies.

Here's a link to just one place to see some options.

http://store.pipesandcigars.com/tobpouc.html

[Emjaysmash]

I have two pipes that I recently bought, that I noticed had uniformly green stems. They taste nasty, and I'm not sure if what I have is oxidation or something else...

These are the two in question:

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm398/Emjaysmash/kentuckyderbyandchelsea.jpg

This is the little one up-close. I don't have the big one with me at the moment.

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm398/Emjaysmash/oxidation1.jpg
http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm398/Emjaysmash/oxidation2.jpg

[Mister Moo]

I have two pipes that I recently bought, that I noticed had uniformly green stems. They taste nasty, and I'm not sure if what I have is oxidation or something else...What brand of pipe is on top, top photo, EmJay'?

(Yes, they're oxidized; I'll bet they DO taste a little nasty. Welcome to vulcanite-cleaning world.)

[Powers]

As a newbie in pipes, I'm looking to get a Missouri Meerschaum Country Gentleman corncob pipe, as recommended in the "How To Start Thread." Is there a smoking difference in bent or straight? Which should I go with to start out?

[RevSmoke]

I have two pipes that I recently bought, that I noticed had uniformly green stems. They taste nasty, and I'm not sure if what I have is oxidation or something else...

These are the two in question:

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm398/Emjaysmash/kentuckyderbyandchelsea.jpg

This is the little one up-close. I don't have the big one with me at the moment.

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm398/Emjaysmash/oxidation1.jpg
http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm398/Emjaysmash/oxidation2.jpg

A) Your camera pictures suck. A real camera would give us decent pictures so we can give you decent answers. :fu
B) Yes you have oxidation. To get them clean, the best is to get them buffed out. A real pipe shop should be able to do that for you, or let you to it yourself. If you get to Green Bay, the guy in DePere will do it for you at the shop on the West Side of town.
C) You nasty taste is partly because of the oxidation and partly because of the fact that they are just dirty. They need a total cleaning - at least that is what it appears to me from the cruddy pictures you put up there. :D

You know I love to yank your chain MJ.

Something that can help, is a lot of elbow grease and a can of briar wipe. Get a handiwipe (it is a kind of cloth you can find in the grocery store). Unfold it and lay it flat on some sort of surface that won't absorb anything - I like a big cookie sheet. As evenly as possible, empty the entire contents of the can of Briar Wipe on the Hand-wipe. Let it dry for about 20 minutes. Now, use the briar wipe on the outside of the pipe, stem, etc... When done, put this cloth in a Ziplock freezer bag and seal. Whenever you need to use it, take it out. Always return it to the freezer bag and seal. This one whip should last you quite a few years, probably until it disintegrates. As my vulcanite stems show some oxidation, some elbow grease and this cloth usually get the best of it - and the formula seems to do a good job of protecting the stem from quickly oxidizing again.

Except for my smart aleck teasing, I hope this helps.

[RevSmoke]

As a newbie in pipes, I'm looking to get a Missouri Meerschaum Country Gentleman corncob pipe, as recommended in the "How To Start Thread." Is there a smoking difference in bent or straight? Which should I go with to start out?

A bent pipe may allow moisture to condensce more quickly and may cause a gurgle. Of course, it may not.

Get rid of the filter and keep lots of pipe cleaners on hand. Don't take your pipe apart to use them though. If there is even a slight feel or sound of condensation present, use a pipe cleaner. The steam from that H2O will cause nasty tongue bite.

So, basically go with the one you like. Hey, they're cheap, get one of each and decide which you like better.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Powers]

How do I use the pipe cleaner without taking the pipe apart? just push it in from the hole in the mouthpiece?

[Emjaysmash]

What brand of pipe is on top, top photo, EmJay'?

(Yes, they're oxidized; I'll bet they DO taste a little nasty. Welcome to vulcanite-cleaning world.)

It is an unsmoked Kentucky Club Derby Winner... apparently they were pipes you send in fro when you collected enough coupons from Kentucky Club tins.

[Emjaysmash]

A) Your camera pictures suck. A real camera would give us decent pictures so we can give you decent answers. :fu
B) Yes you have oxidation. To get them clean, the best is to get them buffed out. A real pipe shop should be able to do that for you, or let you to it yourself. If you get to Green Bay, the guy in DePere will do it for you at the shop on the West Side of town.
C) You nasty taste is partly because of the oxidation and partly because of the fact that they are just dirty. They need a total cleaning - at least that is what it appears to me from the cruddy pictures you put up there. :D

You know I love to yank your chain MJ.

Something that can help, is a lot of elbow grease and a can of briar wipe. Get a handiwipe (it is a kind of cloth you can find in the grocery store). Unfold it and lay it flat on some sort of surface that won't absorb anything - I like a big cookie sheet. As evenly as possible, empty the entire contents of the can of Briar Wipe on the Hand-wipe. Let it dry for about 20 minutes. Now, use the briar wipe on the outside of the pipe, stem, etc... When done, put this cloth in a Ziplock freezer bag and seal. Whenever you need to use it, take it out. Always return it to the freezer bag and seal. This one whip should last you quite a few years, probably until it disintegrates. As my vulcanite stems show some oxidation, some elbow grease and this cloth usually get the best of it - and the formula seems to do a good job of protecting the stem from quickly oxidizing again.

Except for my smart aleck teasing, I hope this helps.

Thanks for the help Todd! :tu

[RevSmoke]

How do I use the pipe cleaner without taking the pipe apart? just push it in from the hole in the mouthpiece?

Yes.

This is especially important when you get into pipes which cost you more than $4-7 a pipe. When you take apart a pipe while it is still warm, you can damage it - break the tenon, mortice, or even the shank. Breaking any of those parts is not a good thing. http://www.tobaccopiperestore.com/pipe%20parts.jpg

[Powers]

Yes.

This is especially important when you get into pipes which cost you more than $4-7 a pipe. When you take apart a pipe while it is still warm, you can damage it - break the tenon, mortice, or even the shank. Breaking any of those parts is not a good thing. http://www.tobaccopiperestore.com/pipe%20parts.jpg

If the pipe is not warm and has been resting for several days you could take it apart to clean it without damaging it?

[Emjaysmash]

If the pipe is not warm and has been resting for several days you could take it apart to clean it without damaging it?
Yes.

[RevSmoke]

If the pipe is not warm and has been resting for several days you could take it apart to clean it without damaging it?

Yes.

He beat me to it.

[Powers]

Thanks for all the help gentlemen! Much appreciated :tu

[Mister Moo]

If the pipe is not warm and has been resting for several days you could take it apart to clean it without damaging it?If UF'320 has a Kaywoodie or some such, there may be considerations for rookies worth discussing here about:

1. stingers vis-a-vis pipecleaners during mid-smoke
2. threaded stinger pipes and the "only turn clockwise" (in and out) stem rule
3. grasping a shank firmly to reduce torque when removing a stem

[DTM]

I just want to say thanks to everyone for contributing to this thread. I am looking at getting into pipes and something like this makes my world a whole lot easier.

[Nick]

ALso check out mister moo's thread about new pipe smokers.

[RevSmoke]

Glad this thread's been a help to you.

[Bill86]

Okay I'm working part time at a local cigar shop (we sell A LOT of pipes, well they are available at least) So not to feel like an idiot and heck I'm quite interested anyways.......

1. What's the deal on the tobacco? I'd gladly buy a few tins of Dunhill/Davidoff if that's the "good stuff". Once I open the tin, what is the shelf life?

2. Do you really have to let the pipes cool down for days? Or no, because honestly....I smoke quite a bit. Probably on average ~400 cigars a year. Definitely one every day.

3. What's the reason some pipes cost $30 and some cost $400. (yes they probably go to like $10K but you get the point) What am I paying for ? I understand most of them are Briar but what's the deal?

4. Those house blends are they worth a $hit? My thought has to be no because Dunhill tins are like $20 for 1.75 ounce and house blends are like $5.50 for 2 ounces.

5. Corn cob pipes are like $10 at the shop, I hear you can start here. Do you need a different pipe for every tobacco or can I clean the sucker out and use it for everything. I'll never be an elitist or a pro, this would just be a change of pace type deal from cigars.

6. Do I need a different lighter? Can you use a torch? Does it ruin the pipe? Or just grab some matches and call it even?

I THINK that is it for now. School me, I really want to get into this. If anything just to smoke daily at work.

[Nick]

WOw okay, books can be written on all of these topics but i'll give it a shot to help.

1. Depends on moisture of the tin when you open it but generally it takes a few months to dry out depending on the tin construction. Tins with metal lids will dry quickly.

2. Yes or no, its personal preference. Most people let a pipe rest for at least 24 hours b/t smokes. Some people cant because the only have 1 or two pipes.

3. This is huge- consruction (all parts of the pipe), materials, time, reputation, and quality are just a very few things that influence price, also hand made vs. machine made or mass produced. Stanwell, peterson, and savinelli are a couple companies tgat make very good machine made pipes from 50 bucks up to a couple hundred for the special editions. Then there are the hand carved pipes from artisan carvers. There are thousands of these guys out there making pipes of the workshops in all corners of the globe; I wont even name any cause theres a ton. You definitely get a well made pipe from the hand carvers and for the most part they are worth the money, but you can pick up a stanwell for fifty bucks and may smoke just as good.

4. Yes house blends can be worth a ****. Most places let you sample in the store which is nice to find what you like. Also buy tins online cause theres much better deals. If you pay 20 bucks for two ounces online then you got raped.

5. Cobs are a great place to start. You dont have to dedicate pipes to every tobacco but you can get ghosts from previous tobaccos. If you smoke a heavy latakia blend then a virginia you will taste the latakia from before.

6. Dont use a torch, it can scorch bowls easily. Just use a bic or matches.


a great site to use is pipedia.com, you can find almost anything you need.


I dont think I answered you very well but this is tough on my phone and it should point you in the right direction. check out pipedia.com

[mfarre03]

Great info here! I have a few questions, never smoked a pipe just lots of cigars.

1. How much do you pack into a pipe?
2. What is the proper method for cleaning a pipe?
3. If I find a pipe at a garage sale how do I know if its quality or a drugstore pipe?
4. Pipe tobacco can just go into a tight mason jar and doesnt need a humi device?

Thanks!

[Mister Moo]

Great info here! I have a few questions, never smoked a pipe just lots of cigars.

1. How much do you pack into a pipe?
2. What is the proper method for cleaning a pipe?
3. If I find a pipe at a garage sale how do I know if its quality or a drugstore pipe?
4. Pipe tobacco can just go into a tight mason jar and doesnt need a humi device?

Thanks!

1. Fill a pipe, don't pack it. Starting out with half-fills is easier for start-up smokers. When filled the pipe should offer a slight, not great, draw resistance. Gravity fill loose to the top and push it down halfway; make a gentle wad of tobacco that fills the pipe to the top and push that down, evenly, halfway. It oughta give you a half filled pipe with a very easy draw. Light the whole top; puff gently a few time; tobacco will expand and poof up and probably go out in a minute or so (which is good); tamp gently down to create light draw resistance, relight. If you are tamperless, a golf tee or a roofing nail makes a good tamper/pipe tool, quick. Etc. etc. etc.

2.

3.

4. Yes.

[Commander Quan]

2. If your just cleaning it after you smoke it run a pipe cleaner through the stem and then bend it in half and run it around the inside of the bowl. If it's a grungy old used pipe, you can use sandpaper, and a Magic Eraser, on the stem, Magic Eraser on the pipe, and a ton of pipe cleaners and neutral alcohol.

3. One of the great things about pipes are you don't need a premium pipe to get a premium smoke. As long as it doesn't have a dinky little bowl, and you check to see that the hole in the bottom is actually at the bottom of the pipe, and not too high off the bottom will go a long way to having a good smoker, after that you'll have to burn a couple bowl and see what you think. Each pipe has it's own personality, and a lot of time it's difficult to tell what will smoke well just by looking at it. I've got a couple mass produced pipes that I bought brand new for less than $30 that smoke just as well as pipe that cost over $100.

[mfarre03]

Great info guys, THANKS!

[mfarre03]

Now I have to find a tobacconist near me. I looked at so many pipes online, don't want anything too cheap but don't want to blow my load on something I may not like. Would starting out with a cob be smart or would it be better to get something a little better? What is a good tamper? This is exciting, mauahahahah, lol The wife's gonna kill me, already b@#$%s when I bring cigars home.

[mfarre03]

Is there somewhere on CA that you can buy estate pipes? I keep reading that people purchase used items on here but I can't for the life of me figure out where, lol.

[DaBear]

Now I have to find a tobacconist near me. I looked at so many pipes online, don't want anything too cheap but don't want to blow my load on something I may not like. Would starting out with a cob be smart or would it be better to get something a little better? What is a good tamper? This is exciting, mauahahahah, lol The wife's gonna kill me, already b@#$%s when I bring cigars home.

Starting on a cob would probably be best until you know for sure you're going to enjoy smoking a pipe. A good cob can be found at a B&M for ~$7. Pipe tobacco is also much cheaper than cigars so try to use that line to soften the blow to your wife :tu . After you know that you enjoy pipe smoking start looking into a good briar, possibly a meerschaum if you want to start off that high. I got my first pipe as a gift from Mr. Moo here, but the first pipe I bought myself was a $70 Chacom. Another thing to consider is whether you want a curved stem or a straight stem, but after picking up a cob it should be easier to decide. Personally, I'm a curved stem guy since I find them easier to clench, but a lot of people also like their straight stems. Its a matter of preference, but generally with a straight stem you'll be holding onto the pipe more than you would a curved stem which is easier to clench. Don't worry too much about the tamp, but if you want something decent pick up one of the cheaper Czech Tools(it should only cost ~$3) wherever you buy from. I still use my freebie(which we charge $1.50 for at work) aluminum tamp. The only benefit of a Czech over a regular ol' tamp is they have a small poker so that if the bowl becomes too tight part of the way through your smoke you can loosen it up while its still hot and lit, you can't really do that with a regular tamper.

Oh and a little further explanation on meerschaum in case you haven't heard it before:
Meerschaum is essentially a type of clay that can be carved and used for pipe smoking. The main advantage of a meerschaum is that unlike briar pipes, you can smoke 5 bowls a night for the life of the pipe without worrying about burning it out. A briar can burn out if you average multiple bowls of tobacco per night. One of the disadvantages is that you do have to be more careful in cleaning the bowl as scraping the sides of the bowl can damage the pipe. Also, meerschaum tends to discolor over time if you hold the pipe in your hands. A caviat to that is that I've heard of people who buy a meerschaum, and then while smoking another pipe(preferably a briar with a thick bowl), blow through their lit pipe while holding the meerschaum right above, essentially staining the meerschaum a brownish greyish redish color, that can actually be confused with briars, so you have what appears to be a carved briar pipe.

[mfarre03]

Nice, thank you for taking the time to post all that info. Hopefully I can find a place this week and pick up a cob. I was checking out the Chacom pipes, very very good looking pipes. A buddy at work was telling me about a meerschaum that he brought back from oversees somewhere and that he's never smoked it. That guy has no clue either, lol.
Thanks again!:D

[smokepuff]

Just order some McClelland's Frog Morton Series sampler to break in my new pipes.
I got 4 (50g) tins of the following tobaccos:

Frog Morton
Frog Morton on the Town
Frog Morton on the Bayou
Frog Morton Across the Pond

Would you consider that a pretty nice sample for a newbie, now that I think of it I hope it's not aromatic.

[Emjaysmash]

You can look up most pipe tobacco and read reviews here: tobaccoreviews.com

Type Frog Morton in the search bar and those 4 will show up.

[smokepuff]

Thanks M. J.

[RevSmoke]

Just order some McClelland's Frog Morton Series sampler to break in my new pipes.
I got 4 (50g) tins of the following tobaccos:

Frog Morton
Frog Morton on the Town
Frog Morton on the Bayou
Frog Morton Across the Pond

Would you consider that a pretty nice sample for a newbie, now that I think of it I hope it's not aromatic.

If you ordered it already, what does it matter whether anybody else thinks it is a nice sampler? I am not trying to be rude in asking this. All that matters when you smoke something is whether you enjoy it.

I think Carter Hall is a detestable smoke. To my palate, anything from MacBarens is tongue-bite in a can. If someone were to buy the same amount of those tobaccos as you bought of the Frog, and asked the same question, what might I think? Personally, if I had done it, it would have been a waste of money. But, if that person like them, that is all that matters.

1st, none of the Frog blends are aromatics, this I can tell you.

As for whether or not that is a nice sampler? Only your tastebuds will know for sure. I'd say, pop open a can of one of them and find out it is a nice sampler or not.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Sherlockholms]

Just order some McClelland's Frog Morton Series sampler to break in my new pipes.
I got 4 (50g) tins of the following tobaccos:

Frog Morton
Frog Morton on the Town
Frog Morton on the Bayou
Frog Morton Across the Pond

Would you consider that a pretty nice sample for a newbie, now that I think of it I hope it's not aromatic.


I think it will be. I have never tried any of them, but as long as they do not have bad reviews they should be worth the try. Let us know how they smoke, and create some of your own reviews on them! :tu

[smokepuff]

1st, none of the Frog blends are aromatics, this I can tell you.

As for whether or not that is a nice sampler? Only your tastebuds will know for sure. I'd say, pop open a can of one of them and find out it is a nice sampler or not.


I don't think it was being rude I had never heard of the aromatics and thought about it after I order them, I hope like hell they are not aromatics. which now I know they are not and if I didn't like it's not a complete waste since my friend smokes pipe tobacco so it would be a nice gift to him. If I don't like them

[Mister Moo]

,,,I have never tried any of them, but as long as they do not have bad reviews they should be worth the try...Like Rev'mo' said, it's a personal thing. I'd say that Frog Morton tobaccos are about as universally liked as anything else I know - and I don't think much of any of them. :td

Rev'mo' finds Carter Hall detestable and I think it's a nice blending tobacco or a good change of pace smoke. :tu

There is no answer to what's a good sampler unless you get it from someone you already know has tastes similar to yours. And even then... :sh

[justonemorestick]

I just popped a tin of Frog Morton on the Town and found it to be excellent. I will be ordering more. For what it is worth.

[smokepuff]

Oh after reading tobacco reviews i see now. I was under the impression that the different frog morton's was different types of tobacco. Which now I understand that it's all an english type of tobacco.

I was thinking I was getting a small sample of english, burley, virginia , cavendish types of smoke.

[Emjaysmash]

Oh after reading tobacco reviews i see now. I was under the impression that the different frog morton's was different types of tobacco. Which now I understand that it's all an english type of tobacco.

I was thinking I was getting a small sample of english, burley, virginia , cavendish types of smoke.

Yeah, all the Frog Mortons are englishes, but different blends so they will be slighty different.

[CoreyD]

Yeah, all the Frog Mortons are englishes, but different blends so they will be slighty different.

With that being said they are different but will have that one same taste , kind of if you like lito gomez, or pepin or tat taste, it will be diff baccy but 1 same nuance that you like. I like latakia and find most of C & D latakia blends enjoyable however they are all different in taste they have that 1 taste I enjoy.
And as the great rev pointed out on pallet difference let me give an example I had 2 year old wo larsen I gifted him that had bit his tongue yet to me it was quite enjoyable . I also had given him a blend with some ps that bit his tongue but yet to me the bite was tolerable. Now theres some C & D Blends with same baccy I like in it but some is tongue harsh in its current blend but enjoyable , yet blended diff I enjoy it much more than usual.
Now I have a buddy that smokes englishes, latakias va/pers and aromatics, the whole kabbotle, like me and even him and I have different opinions on some baccys. Sometimes on tongue bites if I smoke slower I can enjoy it more. Now with me cherry in a baccy turns me off but its a big seller for some, I just find it sweet cheap tasting , kind of like they pulled a low grade baccy and flavored it to sell cheaper.

[smokepuff]

I was just wondering how many times a day can I smoke out of my pipes?
And should I have pipes dedicated to english, VA or other blends?

Also how long should a pipe be rested before using it again?

[RevSmoke]

I was just wondering how many times a day can I smoke out of my pipes?
And should I have pipes dedicated to english, VA or other blends?

Also how long should a pipe be rested before using it again?

I smoke out of my pipes only1 time per day. There are two reasons: 1) moisture build-up that causes tongue bite. 2) not letting a pipe rest and dry may cause bowl burn-out.

As for dedicated pipes, that is simply a matter of taste. I don't like the taste of Latakia in my Hamborger Veermaster (a lighter Virginia). I also don't like the taste of Irish Creme in my English blends. So, I have personally found that I have a pipe that I can smoke many English blends in, a pipe for aromatics, a couple pipes for straight VAs and a couple pipes for VaPers.

And, I have a couple pipes that go with me and will smoke anything I bring along, although my normal "go to" blends are VAs and VaPers, so they do all right in the same pipe.

Hope that helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[justonemorestick]

Nothing Like a simple question. The easy answer is a definite maybe. You can smoke a pipe several times a day depending on the type of pipe and the moisture of your tobacco. A lot of the need to rest a pipe is due to moisture buildup resulting in gurgle a Meerschaum pipe is nearly immune to this but most Briars are not.

As to dedicating a pipe that is personal preference the only pipe I have dedicated is a pipe for Tambo.

How long to rest a pipe depends on the conditions of your house some people will find the pipe ready to go in a day or two others up to a week.

[smokepuff]

I've notice since embarking down this pipe smoking slope. That often times I have to relight the tobacco four or five times to keep it going. It is just me or is the tobacco?

Or is it common to have to relight the pipe? It seems to me that it should be lit once, then smoked to the bowl is finished maybe I'm just to optimist.

Basically, how do I keep it lit?

[Emjaysmash]

I've notice since embarking down this pipe smoking slope. That often times I have to relight the tobacco four or five times to keep it going. It is just me or is the tobacco?

Or is it common to have to relight the pipe? It seems to me that it should be lit once, then smoked to the bowl is finished maybe I'm just to optimist.

Basically, how do I keep it lit?

4 or 5 times is good when you're starting out! :r

Yes relights when first beginning is commonplace. Here are a few tips to help out minimizing relights:

1. make sure your tobacco isn't too wet. Naturally, wet tobacco likes to stop burning.

2. It is important to have a toasting/charring light to start a bowl burning evenly.

3. make sure your bowl is filled/packed well. too loose and it will burn hot and go out, and too tight and it wont have enough space to breathe (making it go out).

4. practice, practice, practice. I'm 3 years into pipe smoking and I'm only now perfecting a method that works for me. Be patient and go with the flow.

[CoreyD]

I've notice since embarking down this pipe smoking slope. That often times I have to relight the tobacco four or five times to keep it going. It is just me or is the tobacco?

Or is it common to have to relight the pipe? It seems to me that it should be lit once, then smoked to the bowl is finished maybe I'm just to optimist.

Basically, how do I keep it lit?

I found this helpful, a couple years after smoking and still had issues
http://youtu.be/oOJUoEM4P14

[RevSmoke]

I've notice since embarking down this pipe smoking slope. That often times I have to relight the tobacco four or five times to keep it going. It is just me or is the tobacco?

Or is it common to have to relight the pipe? It seems to me that it should be lit once, then smoked to the bowl is finished maybe I'm just to optimist.

Basically, how do I keep it lit?

4 or 5 times is good when you're starting out! :r

Yes relights when first beginning is commonplace. Here are a few tips to help out minimizing relights:

1. make sure your tobacco isn't too wet. Naturally, wet tobacco likes to stop burning.

2. It is important to have a toasting/charring light to start a bowl burning evenly.

3. make sure your bowl is filled/packed well. too loose and it will burn hot and go out, and too tight and it wont have enough space to breathe (making it go out).

4. practice, practice, practice. I'm 3 years into pipe smoking and I'm only now perfecting a method that works for me. Be patient and go with the flow.

It isn't unusual. The most likely problem isn't the tobacco, but how you have packed your bowl and your initial light. 1 or 2 relights to get to the bottom of the bowl is normal - after your initial light. And your initial lighting method should probably take 3 or 4 lights in this sort of a manner; light to char then tamp (tobacco will puff up when lighting), then you tamp it even and light again (tobacco may puff up again when lighting), and you may have to repeat that tamp and light a few times, maybe up to 5 times, before you get an even light. Do not short-change that charring, tamping, and getting an even light to begin.

Be patient, it will get better.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Doctorossi]

Hi guys,

I'm not new to pipes, but I'm new to researching pipe tobaccos more thoroughly than just telling myself "that smells good" when I check something out in a store.

My difficulty is that I'm finding, in a shocking (!!) parallel to the cigar world, a lot of misinformation out there. I'll look up a given commercial blend and one site will say, "This blend is primarily Virginia, with just a touch of Latakia", while another source will describe the same blend, saying "Almost all Latakia, but a little pinch of Virginia keeps it balanced". Or, more troubling, a review might say, "This is one of the rare blends made without a casing", while another review will say, "The dark rum flavoring, while subtle, is noticeable in the room note".

Total inconsistency!

So, my question to you guys: can you point me at a good (preferably online) source of info about commercially available blends that you trust to provide accurate information?

Thanks, everybody. :tu

[RevSmoke]

Hi guys,

I'm not new to pipes, but I'm new to researching pipe tobaccos more thoroughly than just telling myself "that smells good" when I check something out in a store.

My difficulty is that I'm finding, in a shocking (!!) similarity to the cigar world, a lot of misinformation out there. I'll look up a given commercial blend and one site will say, "This blend is primarily Virginia, with just a touch of Latakia", while another source will describe the same blend, saying "Almost all Latakia, but a little pinch of Virginia keeps it balanced". Or, more troubling, a review might say, "This is one of the rare blends made without a casing", while another review will say, "The dark rum flavoring, while subtle, is noticeable in the room note".

Total inconsistency!

So, my question to you guys: can you point me at a good (preferably online) source of info about commercially available blends that you trust to provide accurate information?

Thanks, everybody. :tu

Welcome to the world of perceptions.

You want to know what is in a blend, ask the blender.

If you want to know what people think of a blend, then read reviews. Someone who likes Latakia may think there is very little in blend, which someone else may think contains very little.

Someone may think there is a light casing on a tobacco, while someone else will perceive that there is not casing, but that the natural flavors of the constituent tobaccos bring that aroma and/or flavor to the senses. For example, I do not believe there is any casing whatsoever on Esoterica Dorchester, but it certainly seems to smell of maple, as if there were a casing. So, some will claim that there is a casing.

I know this is not being very helpful, but that's reality.

What I like to do is read about the tobaccos present from the blender's own information. Then I look at different reviews and try tobaccos myself. I go back to those same reviews and find those reviewers who had similar tastes and appreciation for the same tobaccos. Then, in the future, I can look for those perceptions on tobaccos I might be interested in trying.

I know it isn't an exact science, but that's how I do it.

For this purpose, this is the review site I like - it is very comprehensive in the number of tobaccos it lists. It will also prove the first part of this note. http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/

[Doctorossi]

Thanks a lot, Todd!

I know this is not being very helpful, but that's reality.

Yeah, reality has a way of not being very helpful sometimes. :sh

[Lear31MX]

Ok old farts I have a few questions. Just bought a couple of pipes and looking into starting down another slope...

Is there a type of tabacoo I should stay away from when breaking in a new Brul pipe? (i.e. shag, flake, ribbion or flavored.)

From what I've seen/read some people don't fill the bowl up for the first 3-4 time with a new pipe. So do I need to really pack the first 1/2 of the bowl tight or just like I was going to do the regular three fill method?

Also just out of curiosity how many of you pro pipe smokers use the three fill vs. the putting tabacoo in your hand and twisting the tabacoo in to the pipe like this.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XHYPso7TXs&feature=related

Thanks.

[Commander Quan]

That is the first time I have seen that particular method of filling a pipe. Although it doesn't seem all that different than the Frank Method, I would imagine that the linked method gives you far less tactile feedback to how tightly the tobacco is being filled.

Whatever method you choose to use (try various ones) you want to remember that the tobacco in the bottom of the pipe should be the least dense, and it should gradually get tighter to the top layer. As you gradually get better with the 3 layer, Frank, J.J. Fox, or whatever method you use, you will eventually own your own system for filling pipes that work best for you.

For your initial break in I would stick with a standard ribbon cut, or rubbed out flake tobacco, and try to smoke it as coolly as possible. It's not necessary to smoke only half bowls if you are smoking all the way to the bottom, half bowls are recommended, to get cake to develop in the bottom half of the pipe, but the funny thing about pipe cake and the Tooth Fairy is that they never come when your waiting for them, so just smoke your pipe and enjoy.

[Lear31MX]

Sounds good thank you Derrick

[RevSmoke]

Anthony, however you fill the bowl is fine - as long as it works for you.

Also, you don't need to fill the pipe only partway, fill it to the top and smoke it to the bottom. That is key - smoke it completely to the bottom. The reason many don't fill completely is because some find it difficult to smoke to the bottom of the bowl, and when breaking in a new pipe, that is important. You need to build cake all the way to the bottom of the bowl.

Something else that helps is this. After smoking completely to the bottom, while the pipe is still warm, stir up you ash/dottle, cover the top of you pipe with the palm of your hand, and shake is so that the ash coats the inside of the bowl, then set it down to rest for a couple days. This helps to develop a consistent cake.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Lear31MX]

Also, you don't need to fill the pipe only partway, fill it to the top and smoke it to the bottom. That is key - smoke it completely to the bottom. The reason many don't fill completely is because some find it difficult to smoke to the bottom of the bowl, and when breaking in a new pipe, that is important. You need to build cake all the way to the bottom of the bowl.

Something else that helps is this. After smoking completely to the bottom, while the pipe is still warm, stir up you ash/dottle, cover the top of you pipe with the palm of your hand, and shake is so that the ash coats the inside of the bowl, then set it down to rest for a couple days. This helps to develop a consistent cake.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Thanks Todd, I smoked my third bowl last week and did all those thing. Enjoyed it immensely.

[RevSmoke]

Thanks Todd, I smoked my third bowl last week and did all those thing. Enjoyed it immensely.

Sometimes breaking in a new pipe can be a royal pain. Done right though, the rewards later are immense.

Enjoy your pipes.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[DPD6030]

Not really a question but I'm going to buy my first pipe while in FL at the Epic cigar herf. I plan on buying a cob pipe and looking at pipe tobacco. I guess I do have a question.

What do you recommend (pipe baccy wise) for a new guy that really hasn't smoked a pipe other than a few puffs from my brother's pipe at the Shack Herf.

[Emjaysmash]

Not really a question but I'm going to buy my first pipe while in FL at the Epic cigar herf. I plan on buying a cob pipe and looking at pipe tobacco. I guess I do have a question.

What do you recommend (pipe baccy wise) for a new guy that really hasn't smoked a pipe other than a few puffs from my brother's pipe at the Shack Herf.

Being as you came from cigars, I would suggest an English Blend. (More robust tobaccos, and a heavier flavor than other types of blends) I found I liked these the most when I started smoking a pipe. I would recommend Dunhill's My Mixture 965.

[Benwoo]

Andrew,

Most of the popular blends you see mentioned around the pipe section would probably treat you well. Something like Squadron Leader, Best Brown Flake, Escudo Navy Deluxe to name just a couple. If my wurld wasn't in upheaval I'd offer to shoot ya out some samples...

Eh screw it, PM me your addy and be patient I'll see what I can do ;-)
Or if one of you guys want to throw em under the bus rat'im out.

[RevSmoke]

Not really a question but I'm going to buy my first pipe while in FL at the Epic cigar herf. I plan on buying a cob pipe and looking at pipe tobacco. I guess I do have a question.

What do you recommend (pipe baccy wise) for a new guy that really hasn't smoked a pipe other than a few puffs from my brother's pipe at the Shack Herf.

Wait till you get here, I'll hook you up with samples of my favorites. :D

In the meantime, here's some information, one of the easiest I have found to describe the major tobacco types in three categories.

One of the basic skills of a novice is to be able to differentiate between the three main blend types.
The English blends (often also called "mixtures") normally include no artificial additives. Usually they contain as a vital ingredient strong and smoky Latakia coming originally from Syria

For a novice starting his adventure with pipes it still today is common to tell about some old myth about Latakia, namely that it gets its personal taste from camel dung. Tobacco is supposed to dry hanging on rafters inside of primitive buildings heated by burning camel dung in a stove.

Normally at least Virginia and/or Burley, perhaps also some Oriental tobacco are with in the English blends. Often but not always the English blends also contain a very strong, peppery tobacco called Perique. It is only grown in certain restricted areas of Louisiana. Actually Perique is not a a special species of Nicotiana like Burley or Virginia but an old method of fermentation. The process is very arduous. Tobacco is put many times under a high pressure that makes it ferment in its own juices. Gradually and arduously out of this comes a very special tasting, strong and spicy tobacco, added carefully in some blends. Perique gives the typical flavour and bite to many of those mixtures, called English. It might be added that the well-known Tabasco also comes from Louisiana. In fact, there indeed exists certain similarity with Perique and Tabasco.
The second of the main types of blends is called Aromatic.
By adding some natural or artificial flavours in the blend we can get often especially for a non-smoker deliciously smelling tobacco. Usual additives are e.g. vanilla, chocolate, various berries, fruits or nuts, rhums. whiskies, liqueurs, etc. Often the tobaccos in the group of aromatics are specially fermented using a process called Cavendish
A certain weakness is usual with these aromatic blends, namely they do not smoke as dry as the English. They may make pipe wet leaving certain gunk in them. One cannot smoke a pipe to the bottom so that only dry ashes were left after smoking a bowl. Instead of dry ashes out comes a wet dottle perhaps even a cm or more high in the shape of the bottom part of the bowl.

Virginia blends can become added as the third main type among pipe tobaccos. Usually there are many different types of Virginias, even as many as nine of them in a blend. Often also Perique is included in a lesser amount. Virginia blends are usually pressed and sold in flakes. They age very well and thus it is wise to buy them more at a time and stash for later use. You must puff these SLOWLY not to get tongue burn, but if and when you learn this you'll most probably never leave them.

Personally I prefer the English blends, but can also sometimes for a change smoke e.g. some very carefully with vanilla flavoured, still dry burning Cavendish tobacco. During the last years I have begun to appreciate the Virginia blends. Especially those from J.F. Germain.

It is from this website. http://personal.inet.fi/koti/antti.kalliokoski/tobacco.htm

[RevSmoke]

Here's another bit of dandy information from the www.pipes2smoke.com site.

Pipe Tobacco:
All pipe tobaccos are either a blend of different types of tobacco (90%) or, and there a few of these, one type of tobacco that has been treated or processed in some way. The only straight, single type, tobaccos that I am aware off are Virginias. E.G. Gawith's Full Virginia Flake.

The flavor , aroma and burning characteristics of a pipe tobacco are a combination of the types of tobacco used, the way the tobacco was processed and the cut of the tobacco(s) used.

CUTS.
FLAKE: Tobacco that has been pressed into a brick then cut into flat flakes that may vary in size. It must be rubbed out into smaller pieces before smoking. Generally flake tobaccos are cool burning and with a few exceptions ( Gawith Balkan Flake, Krumble Kake), are pure Virginia's.

RIBBON CUT: Tobacco that has been pressed then cut into long, thin ribbons. It is not as long or as fine as SHAG cut. Shag cut is very similar to cigarette tobacco in cut. This can be Virginia or Oriental.

CUBE CUT: Tobacco that has forced through a sieve, grate or chopped into small pieces that are often square. Typically, cube cuts are Burley tobacco.

Curly - this is tobacco leaf spun into rope and sliced. It typically is very slow burning hence it is cool smoking.

SHAG: Tobacco which has been very finely long cut. In Edwardian times it was considered an poor quality tobacco. Today, it is not. An example is McClellands Shag Cuts, Baker Street, 221 , etc. Most shags have a high proportion of Virginia in them as Virginia tobaccos have long leaves that allow this cut.

NAVY CUT: Originally the tobacco was favored by sailors. They would put it in a long thin canvas tube and twist it tight. When taken out it was a thick rope of tobacco that they could carry in their pocket. They could cut off a plug to chew or slice it to smoke in a pipe. Escudo, Three Nuns Slices and Bengal Slices are types of sliced plug. Normally it is a slow burning tobacco fitting with its sailing origins. Navy blends are often steeped in Rum as this what sailors used to to do.

Blending tobaccos:

The tobacco plant is unique in that the plant develops different characteristics and flavors contingent on the type of soil and climate it is grown in. Many tobaccos blends have added natural and artificial flavorings added, but if the climate and soil is of poor quality the tobacco will never be a quality smoke. That is why tobacco isn't grown in the UK. Good soil but too wet a climate.

VIRGINIA - comes in an almost infinite variety red, brown, black, lemon, orange, wheat orange-red etc.

It is the mildest of all blending tobaccos but because it has the highest natural sugar content by itself it can often burn hot.

It is used in almost all blends as it burns well.

Its characteristic is a natural sweetness but certain types have to steamed or stoved to eliminate their tannic acids which can impart an acidic taste.

BRIGHT Virginia - is from the Carolinas and is normally very pale in color almost white.

BURLEY - "white burley" - is a mutation of Virginia that developed in Maryland after the Civil War. It has natural tobacco taste, almost nutty, and will never "bite." It takes flavorings and casing especially well as it has very little taste of its own. It is the most common base tobacco in drugstore blends.

CAVENDISH - Cavendish is a process of curing and/or a method of cutting tobacco leaf. A steamed Virginia is a Cavendish. Cavendish takes aromatics very well. "Black Cavendish, is Kentucky Green River Burley steamed with either sucrose or fructose and not washed," Craig Tarler of Cornell & Diehl. The best Cavendish is washed out after steaming to remove the sweetness. The treating and/or the cut bring out a natural sweet taste that is typical of Virginia tobacco. Cavendish is a tobacco that has a light taste, is mild and packs easy.

All Virginia tobaccos have a high nicotine content because they typically are grown in nitrogen rich soils.

Condiment tobaccos: These have a very strong taste and often aroma. They are rarely smoked straight. They normally used as flavoring in blends and to modify the burning characteristics of a blend.

Perique - Louisiana - is grown in only in St, James Parish in Louisiana. It originated with Native Americans who steeped the tobacco in its own juice in hollow logs. Today, its produced by fermenting twist in their own juices under pressure for 9-10 months. It is still steeped in its own juice to make it Perique. It is very strong and few blends have more than 10-15% added.

Havana - Is grown in the Vuelta Region of Cuba - in Santiago Province. The best cigars in the world come from there.

Deer tongue -is the leaf of the wild vanilla plant. It is very hot if over used. It is added in small quantities to blends and has a unique aroma.

Oriental tobaccos: They are typically very fragrant, variable sugar content and have virtually no nicotine because they are grown in nitrogen poor soils in arid regions of the Middle East and Greece, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslavia. They are bought up in massive quantities by the large cigarette companies.

There are two broad types of oriental Turkish and Greek.

The Greek includes Basma, (Frog Morton on the Town), Mahalla, Xanthi, (Ashton Old Dog), Dubek, Yenidji (original Balkan Sobraine).

The most common Turkish type is Smyrna, the best of which is called little ears in Turkish.

Latakia - From Syria/Cyprus (smoked Oriental tobacco). It was accidentally "discovered" after a bumper crop in the 1880's. The surplus tobacco was stored in the rafters of Arab farmhouses. Arab peasant farmers, "fellahin" used wood and when short of wood camel dung for cooking and heating in the winter. The smoke cured tobacco imparted a unique flavoring and taste that was discovered when it was smoked.

Cyprian latakia is smoked over a banked fire of mountain shrubs, pins trees myrtle and other native woods in sheds.

Syrian latakia is smoked over different woods and herbs. The main one is Syrian oak. Syrian latakia is normally lighter in color and smokier to taste than Cyprian.

Drama - Macedonia - Greece - is a strong condiment tobacco. It is used very sparingly in blends.

One of the characteristics of Latakia and other Oriental tobaccos is that they are grown in nitrogen poor soils. This means a low sugar and nicotine content but makes the tobaccos naturally spicy.

Hope this all helps.

[RevSmoke]

Personally, I divide the different blends into these categories.

Burley Blends - blends with burley predominating as the base tobacco (Cornell & Diehl does Burley the best, although I do not gravitate toward them - if I were to have one I'd have #107 Haunted Bookshop or #126 Old Joe Krantz)
Oriental Blends - Oriental are the base. (I don't really have anything to offer here because I really don't have one that I keep around)
Virginias - without much other than different Virginias in them. (Astley's 109, Dan's Hamborger Veermaster, Esoteria Dorchester, Samuel Gawith Full VA Flake, & I'll throw Cornell & Diehl's Back Porch in here)
VaPers - have Virginias and Perique only. (Gawith & Hoggarth Louisiana Flake, Escudo, Sam Gawith St. Jame's Flake)
English Blends - have Latakia in varying amounts, and my have other consituent tobaccos. (Gawith & Hoggarth Mixture #12, Dunhill 965, Cornell & Diehl Bow-legged Bear & #416 Plantation Evening, Esoterica Penzance)
Aromatics - these have some kind of top-note or casing that flavors the tobaccos. (Two Friends Celtic Mist)

Hope these posts were helpful.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[DPD6030]

Thanks for the info. I'll trade you cigars for some pipe tobacco! PM sent.
Posted via Mobile Device

[RevSmoke]

Thanks for the info. I'll trade you cigars for some pipe tobacco! PM sent.
Posted via Mobile Device

Who suggested a trade? While you're here, you can sample from the tobacco cellar. We'll see what we want to take fishing with us and get a couple pipes in while hitting the stream. Nice thing about a pipe while fishing is this - if you drop it in, it floats, and if you can catch it, no harm done except for the loss of tobacco that was is in and all it needs do is dry out. At the most, you may have lost $1.00 worth of tobacco (if it was the really, really expensive stuff).

If you drop a cigar in the water while fishing, there are no relights... drying it out doesn't help... and you may be out a significantly larger amount of money.

[Emjaysmash]

Wait until you see his cellar. It's freaken awesome.

[jkstewart1]

Go Rev! Layin' some smack pipe smokin' style!

[RevSmoke]

Go Rev! Layin' some smack pipe smokin' style!

I hoped someone found it helpful.

[ApexAZ]

Hi all. I bought a couple corn cob pipes. I was wondering if the information on breaking in and caring for briars is interchangeable with corn cobs? I read somewhere that they do not need to be rested in between smokes. Is this true?

Thanks in advance!

[RevSmoke]

Hi all. I bought a couple corn cob pipes. I was wondering if the information on breaking in and caring for briars is interchangeable with corn cobs? I read somewhere that they do not need to be rested in between smokes. Is this true?

Thanks in advance!

First, get rid of the filter in it, that will improve the flavor immensely. It serves more like a tampon, absorbing moisture and never drying out.

Second, if it gurgles at all, then rest it inbetween smokes. In fact, resting a pipe between smokes - whether briar or cob is always a good idea.

Hope that help.

[Mister Moo]

I was wondering if the information on breaking in and caring for briars is interchangeable with corn cobs?Not entirely. Cobs don't "break in" by building cake like briars; they just taste rotten for a few smokes until the pine shank chars out and the corn taste, if any, goes away. Cobs don't need to get caked up. Also, after cleaning a dirty stem, most people* would not leave their $11,000 Teddy Knudson flame grain sitting outside for a couple of days to air it out; this you can do to good effect with your $11 cob.

* I am not talking about the people with that IHT kind of money, but most of us.

[Emjaysmash]

* I am not talking about the people with that IHT kind of money, but most of us.

:r

[ApexAZ]

Okay thank you all.

Last question for now. I was reading that you should dedicate pipes to certain blends. Aromatics in one, naturals in another, flavored in another, etc.

If a cake is not possible, or unecessary in a cob, do you need to reserve it for particular blends of tobaccos like you do with briars? I got some cheap 'bargain' tobacco that might be good for breaking it in, but not if it means limiting the pipe to cheap bargain tobacco for the life of it.

Thanks for your help!

[RevSmoke]

Okay thank you all.

Last question for now. I was reading that you should dedicate pipes to certain blends. Aromatics in one, naturals in another, flavored in another, etc.

If a cake is not possible, or unecessary in a cob, do you need to reserve it for particular blends of tobaccos like you do with briars? I got some cheap 'bargain' tobacco that might be good for breaking it in, but not if it means limiting the pipe to cheap bargain tobacco for the life of it.

Thanks for your help!

Lots of questions - great.

I have one for you. Have you ever smoked a pipe before? Do you know you will like it? If not, then you're putting the cart in front of the horse.

Briars will absorb flavor, they will take on the characteristics of the tobaccos you smoke, but it won't happen with one bowl (neither will it with briars).

If your are going to smoke Virginias (or VaPers), which have very subtle flavors, if you smoke them in pipes which have been heavily smoked with either Aromatics or English blends or heavy Orientals, you will not get all the subtleties of VAs or VaPers - that is why you dedicate pipes. Also, if you don't want your English blends to taste like Fruit Loops, then don't smoke them in pipes that you have smoked Aromatics in.

If you are experimenting now, it isn't a problem.

If you take this up as a hobby, then you will need to consider some things.

I keep 3 pipes specifically for Virginias. I keep another 4 specifically for VaPers **and** Virginias. I have another 2 pipes that only get English blends, but if I'm not to concerned about getting all the subtle flavors, I will also smoke VAs and VaPers in them. Then I have a couple more pipes that I really don't care what I smoke in them - aromatics/English/VAs/VaPers - but I also know that I may get a cacophany of flavors that have ghosted in that pipe, it is a nice change of pace.

In sort, you don't want to smoke Virginias in pipes that may be ghosting flavors from other heavy bodied/flavored tobaccos for that would cover up flavors that might otherwise be tasted in a blend.

If you want to experiment, get a few cobs - dedicate them to the different types - then, after smoking a couple dozen bowls of the aromatic, try an English blend or a Virginia in that pipe just to see how the flavor changes in a pipe that is ghosting stronger flavors.

Oh, if you smoke a 30 bowls of an aromatic cherry blend in a pipe, and then smoke an aromatic rum blend in it, expect it to taste like cherry rum.

Just saying....

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[jkstewart1]

Cobs most definitely do 'ghost'. I have one that I have smoked some Lakeland blends in (they have a very distinctive topping flavor) and I can't get that flavor out of it for anything. It will remain dedicated to the Lakeland varieties, but otherwise just experiment and figure out what works best for you. Cobs are relatively inexpensive and you don't have to worry about getting them out of sorts for any smoking you might want to do in the future.

[ApexAZ]

Thank you. Yes I've tried them and yes I like them. I think right now I like natural or slightly aromatic, although I haven't really tried any english or flavored blends. I have an english blend that I haven't tried yet that smells very smoky. I have a replacement briar coming and 2 corn cobs coming. I figure the inexpensive corn cob pipes might be more cost effective while I experiment, and allow some time between bowls between the 3 of them. At 10 bucks each, if the cobs smoke well, I may just buy a few more of them.

Thank you for answering my question. Did you mean to say Cobs will absorb flavor, but not in one bowl?

[Mister Moo]

Cobs most definitely do 'ghost'...I always wondered who started that "Cobs don't ghost" fiction.

[ApexAZ]

Thank you for your responses. I appreciate it!

[jkstewart1]

I always wondered who started that "Cobs don't ghost" fiction.
Probably someone who got wrapped up in the 'meerschaum' part of the name. Moo, you're always a great recommender of cobs and with their low price point, it's easy to dedicate them to some of the more 'fringe' tobacco styles. I might not have tried Lakeland blends otherwise.

[Commander Quan]

I believe that the actual phrase is "Ghost's don't cob" and that somewhere back on the ASP newsgroup someone transposed this phrase and it took off.

I've never seen a manifested soul smoking a cob so it has got to be true.

I think a ghost's pipe material of chose is morta. That is why the Ancient Roman goddess of death was named after it.

[Mister Moo]

I believe that the actual phrase is "Ghost's don't cob" ... I've never seen a manifested soul smoking a cob so it has got to be true... I think a ghost's pipe material of chose is morta. That is why the Ancient Roman goddess of death was named after it.This makes more sense than my belief it came from a coffee site thread titled "Clods Don't Roast". You have once again snapped things into sharp focus. Well done.

Just to remind everyone and short-circuit any controvery, Mrs. Muir's ghost (Rex Harrison) smoked briar.

http://blog.thephoenix.com/blogs/blogs/phlog/muir.jpg

This movie always makes Mrs. Moo and me cry.

[RevSmoke]

Thank you. Yes I've tried them and yes I like them. I think right now I like natural or slightly aromatic, although I haven't really tried any english or flavored blends. I have an english blend that I haven't tried yet that smells very smoky. I have a replacement briar coming and 2 corn cobs coming. I figure the inexpensive corn cob pipes might be more cost effective while I experiment, and allow some time between bowls between the 3 of them. At 10 bucks each, if the cobs smoke well, I may just buy a few more of them.

Thank you for answering my question. Did you mean to say Cobs will absorb flavor, but not in one bowl?

Yes.

[ApexAZ]

Okay so I got my new cobs today and I'm smoking one now with a bowl of Peter Stokkebye Proper English and I have to say that the pipe smokes wonderfully and I also really enjoy the English blend quite a lot. I kind of like how it's a little rough around the edges but still functions well. Perfect!

[Mister Moo]

I gotta add this for you newguys: I recently sent my second "Thank You" note to a Secret Santa that hit me with a modified MM Country Gentleman* pipe last December. He started with a bent version, pitched the stem and filed a MM freehand stem to replace it. I have hardly been without this pipe (when smoking virginia/vaper tobaccos) for nearly as year. It is absolutely teriffic. It was puffing some nice Magnolia Avenue from Pipe & Pint this morning and will do the same on the way home from work this evening. MM corncob pipes can last for decades (with some care and maybe a little mud) and may have bowl sizes and smoking qualities that rival your finest briars. For the 20-something bucks it took to put this pipe together I am awed each and every time I use it.

*
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hjNtvcoO3xI/TsUkG5AnalI/AAAAAAAABJw/6dRWd7B_Q_s/s800/IMAG0107-1.jpg

[Blak Smyth]

Okay I have a couple questions for you pro pipers.

I use to smoke a pipe a few years ago, the pipe cost me about $75 if I remember correctly I would just go grab whatever cherry like flavor they tobacconist sold and enjoy it. I broke it and decided to quit rather than replace it. Now I am considering starting it up again as a way to enjoy a nice short smoke. My wife prefers the smell of pipe tobacco to cigars so that is a plus.

This "cherry" tobacco I was buying, is it comparable to infused cigars?
Is it completely flavored and unnatural?
Does good natural tobacco put off an unappealing aroma to a non-smoker?
In other words if I am smoking what you would consider good tobacco will my wife think it stinks?

I realize now, I know nothing about what I was doing back when I tried this hobby.

[ApexAZ]

I gotta add this for you newguys: I recently sent my second "Thank You" note to a Secret Santa that hit me with a modified MM Country Gentleman* pipe last December. He started with a bent version, pitched the stem and filed a MM freehand stem to replace it. I have hardly been without this pipe (when smoking virginia/vaper tobaccos) for nearly as year. It is absolutely teriffic. It was puffing some nice Magnolia Avenue from Pipe & Pint this morning and will do the same on the way home from work this evening. MM corncob pipes can last for decades (with some care and maybe a little mud) and may have bowl sizes and smoking qualities that rival your finest briars. For the 20-something bucks it took to put this pipe together I am awed each and every time I use it.

*
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hjNtvcoO3xI/TsUkG5AnalI/AAAAAAAABJw/6dRWd7B_Q_s/s800/IMAG0107-1.jpg

I got the CG with a straight stem, which was what I was using last night.

So how do you get the freehand stem in it? You have to file the tenon down? Also, I noticed that yours has a very even thickness around the entire circumference of the bowl. Mine has a thin area in the back left quadrant. I noticed it was getting warmer in that area, which makes sense. Should I be concerned about this?

[Mister Moo]

I got the CG with a straight stem, which was what I was using last night.

So how do you get the freehand stem in it? You have to file the tenon down? Also, I noticed that yours has a very even thickness around the entire circumference of the bowl. Mine has a thin area in the back left quadrant. I noticed it was getting warmer in that area, which makes sense. Should I be concerned about this?Santa told me he filed it down a little to make a good fit.

I wouldn't worry about the hot spot until it's too hot of a hot spot. Then get another one. Some cobs last years, others last not-so-years. If the bowl was very irregular on a $200 briar - get concerned. Cobs are kinda like disposible pipes and the fact that so many of them last a long time is like a miracle to me.

[ApexAZ]

Santa told me he filed it down a little to make a good fit.

I wouldn't worry about the hot spot until it's too hot of a hot spot. Then get another one. Some cobs last years, others last not-so-years. If the bowl was very irregular on a $200 briar - get concerned. Cobs are kinda like disposible pipes and the fact that so many of them last a long time is like a miracle to me.

That's kind of what I figured. It wouldn't even be worth paying the shipping to return it.

The bowl seemed to last about 30 minutes. Does this seem about right?

[WittyUserName]

So, I am new to the whole pipe thing but looking to pick up a couple corn cobs and some tobacco. I guess my question would be, is there a "starter kit" (pipe, tool, cleaners, tobacco) that can be purchased somewhere. I am limited to online purchases only for the pip itself. The NEX here sells some pipe tobacco, the normal super market/right aid stuff. Thank you in advance for the advice and direction. Also, I will do my best to never say the dirty "P" word.

[RevSmoke]

Okay I have a couple questions for you pro pipers.

I use to smoke a pipe a few years ago, the pipe cost me about $75 if I remember correctly I would just go grab whatever cherry like flavor they tobacconist sold and enjoy it. I broke it and decided to quit rather than replace it. Now I am considering starting it up again as a way to enjoy a nice short smoke. My wife prefers the smell of pipe tobacco to cigars so that is a plus.

This "cherry" tobacco I was buying, is it comparable to infused cigars?
Is it completely flavored and unnatural?
Does good natural tobacco put off an unappealing aroma to a non-smoker?
In other words if I am smoking what you would consider good tobacco will my wife think it stinks?

I realize now, I know nothing about what I was doing back when I tried this hobby.

Aromatics may or may not contain quality tobacco as their constituent base. The flavors of cherry/rum/maple/fruitloops/etc.. are all acheived by a "top note" flavoring added to the tobacco. Pipe tobacco as a general rule does smell much better than does a cigar - at least to the non-smoker. However, English blends will piss people off like nobody's business.

So, I am new to the whole pipe thing but looking to pick up a couple corn cobs and some tobacco. I guess my question would be, is there a "starter kit" (pipe, tool, cleaners, tobacco) that can be purchased somewhere. I am limited to online purchases only for the pip itself. The NEX here sells some pipe tobacco, the normal super market/right aid stuff. Thank you in advance for the advice and direction. Also, I will do my best to never say the dirty "P" word.

Personally, the "normal super market/right aid stuff" is (in my own opinion) substandard tobacco and should be avoided. Most of it gives me tongue bite like nobody's business. I don't know, but I'd guess that if you go to http://www.pipesandcigars.com/ and then call them after looking some stuff over, that they'd fix you up a "starter kit" to you specifications.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[ApexAZ]

Has anyone tried the forever stems? If there was one thing I could do about my cob, it would be to reduce the amount of draw it has.

I'm wondering if these would sove this:

http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/_forever__stems.html

[Emjaysmash]

Has anyone tried the forever stems? If there was one thing I could do about my cob, it would be to reduce the amount of draw it has.

I'm wondering if these would sove this:

http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/_forever__stems.html

I've heard many good reviews of the Briar works stems. I would say go for it!

[coty]

So question for the nut house pipe smokers, an older gentle made stuck in his was smokes Tampa sweets Cherwoods he finaly broke today and ask me to find him a pipe blend that taste the same any suggestions

[Mister Moo]

So question for the nut house pipe smokers, an older gentle made stuck in his was smokes Tampa sweets Cherwoods he finaly broke today and ask me to find him a pipe blend that taste the same any suggestionsPrince Albert Vanilla Cavendish - http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend_detail.cfm?ALPHA=P&TID=1934

[coty]

thank you Mr. Moo will have to try that

[coty]

Da vinci is a tobacco I have recently tried and feel in love with It has a noticable chianti in it. I am looking for a pipe tobacco that has a strong chianti taste to it and has a little more strength to it because although great, the Di Vinci is like smoking air.

[RevSmoke]

Da vinci is a tobacco I have recently tried and feel in love with It has a noticable chianti in it. I am looking for a pipe tobacco that has a strong chianti taste to it and has a little more strength to it because although great, the Di Vinci is like smoking air.

Sorry, cannot help. Tried the DaVinci once, hated the "chianti" taste/smell and have tried to avoid anything even remotely like it. Although, I do not believe I have ever encounted anything that resembles it in taste.

I'd contact Cornell & Diehl, call them and talk to Patti Tarler, ask if they have anything that is similar. Their aromatic would be clearner and less fill with PG than DaVinci. Here's the link to look stuff up. http://www.cornellanddiehl.com/oldindex.html
Hope this helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Emjaysmash]

Here's a question for you pipe folks. I have a very nice Meerschaum Billiard that was gifted to me from one of the members here. I have this fear that if I went to go smoke it outside in freezing temperatures, it might crack. Is the an irrational fear? Can I take her out in sub-freezing temps? Thanks.

[Zanaspus]

I don't own a meer, but from reading several stories on several fora, I'd say you fear is very real and by no means irrational.

[ApexAZ]

What are some pros and cons to smoking meerschaum pipes?

I was looking at these: http://www.marscigars.com/meerschaum.aspx

[Old Man Army]

I'm still trying to get the hang of smoking a pipe. Yesterday was my first successful use of a tamper to keep the pipe lite. My problem is, when I get to about half a bowl the pipe starts to get condensation in the bottom of the bowl and stem. What should I do to address the issue?

Best regards,
Andrew

[Commander Quan]

Pass a pipe cleaner down through the stem and into the bowl. If it is a straight pipe this should be easily done, if the pipe is bent, it may take some finagling, twisting, turning, and pushing, to get it down there.

[Mister Moo]

I'm still trying to get the hang of smoking a pipe. ...when I get to about half a bowl the pipe starts to get condensation in the bottom of the bowl and stem. What should I do to address the issue?

Best regards,
AndrewSmoke filled half bowls until you do get the hang of it. :sl







:wo

[Old Man Army]

Pass a pipe cleaner down through the stem and into the bowl. If it is a straight pipe this should be easily done, if the pipe is bent, it may take some finagling, twisting, turning, and pushing, to get it down there.

My pipe is one of the Kaywoodie pipes with the weird ball-ended contraption on the end of the stem. Should I attempt to cut it off?

[Old Man Army]

Smoke filled half bowls until you do get the hang of it. :sl







:wo

Thanks for the advice, I'll try that next time. Tonight I smoked a cigar instead-(P

[Nick]

I suppose you could try to cut it off as that probaly is the root of your problems. Not really sure why kaywoodie insists on putting those damns stingers in there. Thats the only reason why I dont have one

[RevSmoke]

My pipe is one of the Kaywoodie pipes with the weird ball-ended contraption on the end of the stem. Should I attempt to cut it off?

I thought those screwed out of the stem? Have you tried that?

[Emjaysmash]

I thought those screwed out of the stem? Have you tried that?

:tpd:

I always thought stingers twisted or could be pulled out.

[Commander Quan]

Not on the Kaywoodies, the tenon has threads that screw into the mortise. Some of the stingers on other pipes can be pulled out, but the kaywoodie stingers are part of the bit.

If it is a new model Kaywoodie, I would cut it off below the threads. If it is a antique, you may want to leave in intact, as the older ones are somewhat collectable.

[Old Man Army]

Thanks for the advice guys. The first thing I did was go to the tobbaco shop and get some decent tobbaco, Mac Baren Black Cavandish. Next I took a hack saw to the stinger and cut it off just below the threads. I loaded up half a bowl, with a pipe cleaner handy. First of all, the taste was much better than the Borkum Riff that I started out with; it didn't bite my tongue. When I noticed some condensation building up in the bowl I ran the pipe cleaner down the stem. Problem solved! I had a nice half-hour smoke.

One final question, I know with cigars most people reccomend taking a puff every minute or so. Is there a comparable rule of thumb for smoking a pipe, or should I make like Popeye and just puff away?

[RevSmoke]

Thanks for the advice guys. The first thing I did was go to the tobbaco shop and get some decent tobbaco, Mac Baren Black Cavandish. Next I took a hack saw to the stinger and cut it off just below the threads. I loaded up half a bowl, with a pipe cleaner handy. First of all, the taste was much better than the Borkum Riff that I started out with; it didn't bite my tongue. When I noticed some condensation building up in the bowl I ran the pipe cleaner down the stem. Problem solved! I had a nice half-hour smoke.

One final question, I know with cigars most people reccomend taking a puff every minute or so. Is there a comparable rule of thumb for smoking a pipe, or should I make like Popeye and just puff away?

If you really want to taste the subtle nuances, "sip" your pipe. That's the best way I can describe it. If you puff away, you will get much more condensation and possibly burn your tongue.

But, you may not be susceptible to tongue bite.

Try some different things and see what happens.

Oh, this is a must. Smoke your pipe. When done with a bowl, run a pipe cleaner through it. Then let it sit for about 2 days before smoking it again, giving it time to dry out thoroughly.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[MarkinAZ]

Oh, this is a must. Smoke your pipe. When done with a bowl, run a pipe cleaner through it. Then let it sit for about 2 days before smoking it again, giving it time to dry out thoroughly.

Peace of the Lord be with you.


...and, where it pays to have a couple of extra pipes on hand while pipe #1 is airing out:tu

[deadrise]

this is a great resource I went back to the beginning and started reading learned that tamping is key to staying lit.
I thought my Dr. Grabow was a bad pipe because it would not stay lit tamping fixed that
also that loose draw with little smoke problem I had again tamping fixed that also.
I actually enjoyed smoking my pipe tonight for the first time and got threw a whole bowl with out giving up on it :tu
I learned to load properly and no P word is used in this house any more concerning the pipe :D
I still got a long way to go still got to get me the basics tamper and cleaners (using roofing nail for now)
and I also learned why it took me 2 years to start using this pipe as all the tobacco I had was aero from Walgreen's
had the giaint bags of all the flavours and after 2 years just rolled up they are still moist :confused:
I got good backy from emjay and sterling and I am glad I have finaly figured out how to use it properly and enjoy it.
so basically THANK YOU OLD FARTS!!!!! :pn
:l

[Mister Moo]

I learned to load properly and no P word is used in this house any more concerning the pipe :DAh HAH! :tu

[Old Man Army]

If you really want to taste the subtle nuances, "sip" your pipe. That's the best way I can describe it. If you puff away, you will get much more condensation and possibly burn your tongue.

But, you may not be susceptible to tongue bite.

Try some different things and see what happens.

Oh, this is a must. Smoke your pipe. When done with a bowl, run a pipe cleaner through it. Then let it sit for about 2 days before smoking it again, giving it time to dry out thoroughly.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Thanks for the advice. I haven't gotten tongue bite with this new tobbacco, but I'll try sipping it. I must say I enjoy smoking a pipe, so now that things are going well I'll probably pick up another one.

[schollianmj]

I definately get a lot more flavor from sipping. but I still give it a couple good puffs every now and again. sadly I tend to sip or whatever every 20 seconds or so. more often if I really like the baccy!

as to letting the pipe dry out.... Hmmm... I have two pipes. a ben Wade and a basket pipe that smokes like a gurgling baffoon. i tend to smoke two or three bowls a day. and mostly out of my ben wade. sounds like you just gave me a reason to get another pipe of 20... :)

[DaBear]

I definately get a lot more flavor from sipping. but I still give it a couple good puffs every now and again. sadly I tend to sip or whatever every 20 seconds or so. more often if I really like the baccy!

as to letting the pipe dry out.... Hmmm... I have two pipes. a ben Wade and a basket pipe that smokes like a gurgling baffoon. i tend to smoke two or three bowls a day. and mostly out of my ben wade. sounds like you just gave me a reason to get another pipe of 20... :)

Stock up on some cobs. As many will agree, cobs can be some of the best smoking pipes out there once broken in. I love my cob that I picked up last spring, thing smokes like a champ, but I'm holdin out hope for the new one I picked up last week as it still needs some breaking in.

The glory of a cob is they're perfect for travel, you break one its not a big deal, its ~$8 to replace depending on where you get it from. Same with burning them out, they're great for smoking on in between nights for your briars. I have 4 pipes, 2 cobs and 2 briars, and the cobs tend to see about 2-3 times the action my briars do combined.

[RevSmoke]

Stock up on some cobs. As many will agree, cobs can be some of the best smoking pipes out there once broken in. I love my cob that I picked up last spring, thing smokes like a champ, but I'm holdin out hope for the new one I picked up last week as it still needs some breaking in.

The glory of a cob is they're perfect for travel, you break one its not a big deal, its ~$8 to replace depending on where you get it from. Same with burning them out, they're great for smoking on in between nights for your briars. I have 4 pipes, 2 cobs and 2 briars, and the cobs tend to see about 2-3 times the action my briars do combined.

Good advice about the cobs. Really they are decent smokes. Get rid of the tampon inside that they come with and they smoke much better.

[Emjaysmash]

Get rid of the tampon inside that they come with and they smoke much better.

That's what she said.

[DaBear]

Good advice about the cobs. Really they are decent smokes. Get rid of the tampon inside that they come with and they smoke much better.

Aaaaaaand now I'm really tempted to walk into work on Sunday, find the box of Medico filters and make a label to put over top the logo reading "Feminine Products" :r:r:r

[RevSmoke]

Good advice about the cobs. Really they are decent smokes. Get rid of the tampon inside that they come with and they smoke much better.

Aaaaaaand now I'm really tempted to walk into work on Sunday, find the box of Medico filters and make a label to put over top the logo reading "Feminine Products" :r:r:r

Sorry, all they do is soak up moisture, expand as they do, and they never really dry out - simply impeding the smoke flow more and more. They are the greatest hindrance to making a cob smoke well.

[Phil Lausafee]

Is that the same as the wood filter that comes in my Savanelli? I'm having a particularly hard time keeping it lit and I wonder if that is one of the factors.

[RevSmoke]

Is that the same as the wood filter that comes in my Savanelli? I'm having a particularly hard time keeping it lit and I wonder if that is one of the factors.

The wood filters are not the same. Although, I'd get rid of them also. Unrestricted air flow will help some to keep it lit. There may also be other factors... you bowl fill/pack, your initial light/tamp procedure to get your intial burn, your puffing habits.

[Phil Lausafee]

I took out the wood filter and it definitely improved the overall smoking experience. I could feel the bowl and how I needed to either fill it more or pat it down more. I only needed to relight twice which for me... was a score.

[RevSmoke]

I took out the wood filter and it definitely improved the overall smoking experience. I could feel the bowl and how I needed to either fill it more or pat it down more. I only needed to relight twice which for me... was a score.

Glad that suggestion worked for you.

Enjoy your smoke.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Thrak]

How do you know when the pipe is done? For ex. last night I was on the porch reading and it was quite dark even w/ the light on. It would go out and then I'd light it back up. But I was never sure when the tobacco was done... when I dumped it out I still had a tiny bit left.

[Commander Quan]

There usually will be a little bit of unburnt tobacco int he bottom of the pipe. It's not something to worry about. Moisture can collect in the bottom preventing it from burning up, and the drilling of the pipe can also effect how well it burns the last bit. If it's only a small amount, you're not doing anything wrong.

[Thrak]

What if you keep trying to light it? Could you damage the bottom of the pipe?

[Commander Quan]

If you are too aggressively trying to get the last bit of tobacco to burn, you'll burn your tongue before you burn the pipe.

[Blak Smyth]

How can I sterilize a used pipe?

[Thrak]

How can I sterilize a used pipe?

I use 91% isopropyl alcohol, a q-tip, cotton swap and pipe cleaners. :banger

[Blak Smyth]

I use 91% isopropyl alcohol , a q-tip, cotton swap and pipe cleaners. :banger

You can put the 91% isopropyl alcohol directly onto all surfaces?

[Zanaspus]

You can put the 91% isopropyl alcohol directly onto all surfaces?

Not on the outside of the bowl, unless you're prepared to refinish the pipe. Everything else, yep. If toxicity is your concern, it evaporates quicky enough that this isn't a problem, though I prefer to use drinkable high-test stuff.

[RevSmoke]

Do not, repeat, do not us isopropyl alcohol. That stuff does nasty things to briar, so the next time you smoke it, you can crack your pipe. Doesn't happen all the time, but... It will also whiten vulcanite stems.

Get yourself some Everclear, grain alcohol.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[RevSmoke]

In fact, I do believe there was a post somewhere in this thread about pipe cleaning/sterilizing.

[Thrak]

Do not, repeat, do not us isopropyl alcohol. That stuff does nasty things to briar, so the next time you smoke it, you can crack your pipe. Doesn't happen all the time, but... It will also whiten vulcanite stems.

Get yourself some Everclear, grain alcohol.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Yeah I dont put it on the wood, just the stem, then after it airs out for a while I put a light coat of olive oil on for 10mins, then wipe dry.

[trendo]

Hi guys, thanks for all the great information. I tried pipe smoking a couple of years ago....got a grabow and some cornel and diehl. I was having problems keeping it lit, I used the loading technique listed here, but i suspect the tobacco was too wet. I found the tobacco in a closet the other day and was thinking of giving it another shot. I had two questions.....is the tobacco still good? It was in its original container for the past two years, it has a lid, but it has been opened in the past. Second, I understand that you should not store pipe tobak in a humid enviorment, I live in hawaii and the RH inside my house varies from 65 to 75 percent. Will my tobacco always be to wet?

Thanks guys, sorry if the humidity thing has already been brought up, I looked through a bunch of pages and didnt see anything.

[Commander Quan]

Troy the tobacco is probably fine. You can try drying the tobacco out by laying out a bowls worth and putting it under a desk lamp, or goose neck lamp. Let it go for 10 minutes, and then check it every 5hour after that.

[trendo]

Thanks for all the help guys. I made an attempt at the pipe again, loaded it in accordance to the forum, and did a first and second light. There was very little smoke production, and unless I was tamping on every draw, it would go out within a couple of puffs. Also, the bowl sounded like I was frying bacon in it. I imagine the frying sound was the tobacco being too wet, so I put some in the fridge for about 5 hours (I don't have a lamp). This time the sound was gone, but I still cannot keep it lit for more than a few puffs, with very little smoke production. Finally I gave up and lit a cigar.

Any Ideas guys?

Thanks in advance