New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart

[RevSmoke]

Troy, at a guess, I'd say your packing method is your problem - maybe too tight or too loose could cause that problem. From your description, I'd say too tight.

Do you have pipe shop nearby, one with an experienced pipe smoker working in it? The best suggestion I can give is to find one and get some hands-on advice on your technique.

By the way, what kind of pipe is it?

[trendo]

its a grabow rivera. its possible that it is too loose. There is virtually no resistance on the draw. There is no pipe shops on maui, but I am sure I will get it eventually. I am also used to cigars which you draw only once a minute. Do you need to be constantly puffing on a pipe?

[Commander Quan]

Yeah you'll want to puff a little more often than that. Also check out the frank method on youtube it really helped me get my pipe filling nailed down when I started.

[trendo]

Thanks

[Mister Moo]

...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...

Is this amply demonstrated or is this hearsay? I ask because I have used unscented isopropyl 91% for sterilizing and destinking bowls/stem interchageably with Everclear 190-proof and never had problem 1. Only problem I ever heard of (for sure) with iso was from folks who fouled pipes with alcohol that had scent- or bittering agents.

I think a clear, definitive evalution of iso is important as many among us are unable or unwilling to purchase grain alcohol. I'm not sure I know about one.

[Thrak]

Question : What does "drinkless" mean?

I see pipes from different makers say "drinkless" and I have no idea what its referring to.

[RevSmoke]

Is this amply demonstrated or is this hearsay? I ask because I have used unscented isopropyl 91% for sterilizing and destinking bowls/stem interchageably with Everclear 190-proof and never had problem 1. Only problem I ever heard of (for sure) with iso was from folks who fouled pipes with alcohol that had scent- or bittering agents.

I think a clear, definitive evalution of iso is important as many among us are unable or unwilling to purchase grain alcohol. I'm not sure I know about one.

I have had a pipe crack from the "salt" method, and a friend had one crack after using unscented isopropyl.

Now, to be fair, it might have been the duration of the soak which caused the problem in both cases. I got a phone call and the salt/alcohol sat for nearly 4 hours (instead of like 20 min.). It dried the briar out immensely and I heard an audible pop when the bowl cracked. I believe my buddy had the same problem, falling asleep after setting up his soak - coming back to it hours later.

You don't need Everclear. In fact, I normally use a clear rum or vodka. I used cotton balls instead of salt to fill my pipe. And, I can let it sit overnight. I am able to remove quite a bit of cake, and what is left is highly malleable. It does need to dry a couple days. But, it can be smoked with no ill effects.

If you can use isopropyl alcohol and pay attention to what you are doing, not getting distracted - I think you'll be OK.

I use the other method because sometimes "life happens" and if it does, I know everything will be cool whenever I get back to it.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[RevSmoke]

Question : What does "drinkless" mean?

I see pipes from different makers say "drinkless" and I have no idea what its referring to.

It is referring to the system in the pipe. Best information is to go to the manufacturing company's website and look it up, they'll give a better description.

Personally, the Peterson system, the drinkless system, and other things (filters, etc.) in the stem and/or mortise and tenon, are simply attempts to make up for lazy smoking technique and fear of using pipe cleaners.

In fact, some of those "systems" are actually a hindrance to a great smoke as they foul up natural air flow. They also trap things (tars, water, etc..) which are often highly flavored by the tobacco that was smoked previously. Then, if you smoke a different tobacco, those "flavors" trapped there are imparted to the present tobacco being smoked.

Just my :2

By the way, if you put your two cents in and someone gives you a penny for your thoughts, where does that other penny go?

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Thrak]

It is referring to the system in the pipe. Best information is to go to the manufacturing company's website and look it up, they'll give a better description.

Personally, the Peterson system, the drinkless system, and other things (filters, etc.) in the stem and/or mortise and tenon, are simply attempts to make up for lazy smoking technique and fear of using pipe cleaners.

In fact, some of those "systems" are actually a hindrance to a great smoke as they foul up natural air flow. They also trap things (tars, water, etc..) which are often highly flavored by the tobacco that was smoked previously. Then, if you smoke a different tobacco, those "flavors" trapped there are imparted to the present tobacco being smoked.



Ahh, so its a filter system then...



Just my :2

By the way, if you put your two cents in and someone gives you a penny for your thoughts, where does that other penny go?


Taxes. The gov always gets their share... :p

[Flounder]

In my little corncob pipe, do I need to worry about cleaning the bowl out before switching tobaccos?

I have read something talking about aromatics possibly ruining good Virginia tobaccos if you don't clean your bowl between packing them, but I have what I believe to be aromatics as they are scented tobaccos, but they say they are made from Virginia tobacco, that confuses me.

[REV]

ok, here goes one:

today, i decided to look into the bowl of my first pipe. the one that wont smoke for ****. and i notice that the bowl comes to a bit of a point in the bottom and the bottom of the bowl is the width of 2 paper matches (side by side) in height difference between the air hole and the bottom.

now i know it is supposed to be even (or close) to the bottom, and i know theres a way to do fix this. my questions are:

could i use cigar ash for the honey/ash mud combo, or would that not be a good thing. i can get that ash much more easily/quickly than pipe tobacco.

and:

would i be better off just tossing the damn pipe? it was $60 and id hate to think its a bad pipe. i got it from my work, and im not sure if i could "take it back" and get a new one.

i have just taken a good look in the mortise (?) of the bowl, and it appears to be drilled similar to a peterson system where the tennon is drilled a bit past the air hole to collect moisture, whereas the other pipe is only a little past the air hole. maybe something?

[Commander Quan]

You can raise the heal by mudding the bottom of it. Do a search for "Mudding a Hackert". it is a good post by out own Mr. Moo out on the net, and should be reposted here, because it's helpful.

I've had good luck with the cigar ash/saliva combo, but have heard from others that honey tends to stay sticky for a long time.

[Bigd7400]

Hey all,

My name is Damian and I'm new to both the forum and pipe smoking. My wife brought home a Radice Rind Pure No. R258 a month or so ago as a surprise gift and started me down the path of no return. Everything is going pretty well as I get better at filling my pipe and learning to smoke slowly. I also picked up a 2nd pipe (cause you have to have a few!) so that I could smoke more often and rest my pipes like you are supposed to. My questions may seem pretty basic but here goes:

1. Would you recommend (is it ok) to dump the ash from the pipe mid-smoke, say you smoke half a bowl and then put it down for an hour or so then come back dump and relight, or just leave it in and light?

2. How warm do you let your bowl get or not get before you put it down and let it cool before continuing to smoke?

3. I know it comes with time and I shouldn't worry about it but.... about how many bowls does it take to get up to the dime thickness cake (a watched pot never boils etc. etc.) because this is something of a pride issue with me :D

4. Finally, I have noticed some discoloration on the stem of my pipe where I estimate that the mortise and tenon have a little gap inside the stem and since this is a natural finish pipe its quite noticeable. I get some gurgling every now and then so my guess is that its from the moisture in the stem. Is this a problem or will it cause a problem in the future ie weaken the stem?

Thanks for all your help guys and I look forward to enjoying the CA community.

[Bigd7400]

Bump. Come on old farts I'm hangin on by a thread here!

[Mister Moo]

Hey all,

My name is Damian and I'm new to both the forum and pipe smoking. My wife brought home a Radice Rind Pure No. R258 a month or so ago as a surprise gift and started me down the path of no return. Everything is going pretty well as I get better at filling my pipe and learning to smoke slowly. I also picked up a 2nd pipe (cause you have to have a few!) so that I could smoke more often and rest my pipes like you are supposed to. My questions may seem pretty basic but here goes:

1. Would you recommend (is it ok) to dump the ash from the pipe mid-smoke, say you smoke half a bowl and then put it down for an hour or so then come back dump and relight, or just leave it in and light?

2. How warm do you let your bowl get or not get before you put it down and let it cool before continuing to smoke?

3. I know it comes with time and I shouldn't worry about it but.... about how many bowls does it take to get up to the dime thickness cake (a watched pot never boils etc. etc.) because this is something of a pride issue with me :D

4. Finally, I have noticed some discoloration on the stem of my pipe where I estimate that the mortise and tenon have a little gap inside the stem and since this is a natural finish pipe its quite noticeable. I get some gurgling every now and then so my guess is that its from the moisture in the stem. Is this a problem or will it cause a problem in the future ie weaken the stem?

Thanks for all your help guys and I look forward to enjoying the CA community.

Some folks ash-dump mid-smoke, most not. No rule here.

There is a rule about heating up a pipe, however. If it's too hot to touch to your cheek, it's too hot. When a pipe overheats you risk damaging the pipe but, more likely, you ruin the taste of the tobacco. Work on your filling/tamping technique to keep producing nice clouds of smoke with short sips, say, 3-5 times minute, through a warm (but not red hot) pipe.

Regarding cake, it happens slowly - many scores of bowls before it's thick enough to scrape. The question about moisture in a new pipe may relate; more cake means drier smokes in my experience. Raw wood often smokes wet for a while. Smoke half bowls to prevent the heel of the pipe from getting soggy and don't be afraid to use a pipecleaner during a smoke if things get gurgly - or two or three pipecleaners if needed.

[Bigd7400]

Thanks for the advice Moo! I am still trying to get my filling down and have tried just about every method. It seems I am getting better at it as I usually only have to relight about every 10-15 minutes or so. Are there any suggestions as to when to tamp (I seem to find myself tamping after its too late and the pipe goes out) and tamping technique. When I tamp I kind of go around the edge of the bowl on a circular route all the way around. Should I just tamp the center and not the edges? Thanks again for setting me on the path to pipe bliss.

[Mister Moo]

Thanks for the advice Moo! I am still trying to get my filling down and have tried just about every method. It seems I am getting better at it as I usually only have to relight about every 10-15 minutes or so. Are there any suggestions as to when to tamp (I seem to find myself tamping after its too late and the pipe goes out) and tamping technique. When I tamp I kind of go around the edge of the bowl on a circular route all the way around. Should I just tamp the center and not the edges? Thanks again for setting me on the path to pipe bliss.

Tamp as you wish but try not to scrape the sides of the chamber. Tamping was well described by EvanS not so much as a means of compressing tobacco but, rather, to collapse the ash column. Think of a perfect fill relating to a good, even burn; tamping has less to do with pipe smoking as your fill technique improves. You will see...

[Bigd7400]

Thanks Moo! I really appreciate the insight and will adhere to the practice makes perfect credo. I am looking forward to improving on my form and sharing the experiences with all.

[Mister Moo]

It took me a year or two to get it natural and easy to enjoy a pipe; I still learn something new every so often.

Main thing is fill evenly, compress lightly, light fully, keep dry and puff small for big clouds.

[mtnphoto]

I have been smoking cigars for a few years. I usually smoke at least one a day. I have been wanting to try out pipes but don't know what would be a decent pipe to start out with. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

[Commander Quan]

A lot of people start out with a Missouri Meerschaum Cob. Don't let the look or the price fool you. Even most seasoned pipe smokers have a couple cobs in their rotation. If you are dead set on a briar Dr. Grabows are decent pipes. My first was a Grabow and it still gets put to use, I would just avoid the really small ones. A little further up the ladder Brands like Savinelli and Stanwell have pipes in the ~$50 range.

With pipe smoking proper technique makes a bigger difference than the cost or quality of the pipe.

[mtnphoto]

I appreciate the info. I am heading to a cigar function at a local shop on Friday and they carry the MM cobs. Will pick one up and give it a try.

[RevSmoke]

It took me a year or two to get it natural and easy to enjoy a pipe; I still learn something new every so often.

Main thing is fill evenly, compress lightly, light fully, keep dry and puff small for big clouds.

This is great advice.

[RevSmoke]

I have been smoking cigars for a few years. I usually smoke at least one a day. I have been wanting to try out pipes but don't know what would be a decent pipe to start out with. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

A lot of people start out with a Missouri Meerschaum Cob. Don't let the look or the price fool you. Even most seasoned pipe smokers have a couple cobs in their rotation. If you are dead set on a briar Dr. Grabows are decent pipes. My first was a Grabow and it still gets put to use, I would just avoid the really small ones. A little further up the ladder Brands like Savinelli and Stanwell have pipes in the ~$50 range.

With pipe smoking proper technique makes a bigger difference than the cost or quality of the pipe.

That last paragraph is the real deal. I have had Dunhill pipes that didn't smoke worth a tinker's dam, and have never had a corn cob that smoked poorly. Take out the filter though, it makes a huge difference.

Pipe cleaners are your very good friend, if you hear a slight gurgle, run a cleaner through the pipe from the stem to the bowl (do not remove the stem to do so). This will help you to smoke cool.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[sevans105]

Is it possible to use cigar tobacco in a pipe?

I have a couple of cc's that were gifted to me, yet horribly damaged. The tobacco is fine, just the structure is ruined. My fiancé has a bunch of pipes that her grandfather used decades ago and I was wondering is that might work?

Any thoughts?

[Commander Quan]

Sure you can, don't expect it to taste the exact same as in it's cigar format, but you can clip off a half inch and rub it out before filling the pipe.

[sevans105]

Sure you can, don't expect it to taste the exact same as in it's cigar format, but you can clip off a half inch and rub it out before filling the pipe.

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

[sevans105]

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac146/sevans105/2012-09-25_17-39-29_399.jpg

So....about to go try the crumbled cigar experiment. Which of these fine smoking devices should have the honor of my being my first pipe?

[Paulmac]

That silver duke is calling, GIVE ME LEAF!
Least thats the one I would pick, looks like it could be a nice smoker

[DaBear]

I'd say go with the Falcon(metal stem), they always seem to smoke great.

[jjmitchem]

I've got a couple of questions about pipe tobacco

#1. Where do the blends, the ones in the big glass jars in my B&M, come from? Can make note of the blend and find it at other places? Might be a dumb question but pipe tobacos seem a whole lot more complicated than cigars

#2. I like med to full cigars, mainly because I find the mild cigars to not have much flavor and all I taste is smoke. So far I have tried Carter Hall and Prince Albert in my MM Cobb and I really like that they both seem mild to me but still have great flavor- which is what I was hoping for- great flavor without the overload like a full bodied cigar.
What other types of pipe tobaco should I look to try?

#3. Aromatics - I love the smell of them but I have not smoked one yet. I don't like infused cigars like the acids so does that mean I will not like aromatics? Or are they completely different?
I was thinking about picking up a tin of CAO

[Commander Quan]

#1. Where do the blends, the ones in the big glass jars in my B&M, come from? Can make note of the blend and find it at other places? Might be a dumb question but pipe tobacos seem a whole lot more complicated than cigars

Who knows... It's common practice for B&Ms to order bulk in gigantic bags from Altadis, Lane, Stokkebye and others, and then give them names that are unique to that shop. You could ask but they may or may not tell you what it actually is.

#2. I like med to full cigars, mainly because I find the mild cigars to not have much flavor and all I taste is smoke. So far I have tried Carter Hall and Prince Albert in my MM Cobb and I really like that they both seem mild to me but still have great flavor- which is what I was hoping for- great flavor without the overload like a full bodied cigar.
What other types of pipe tobaco should I look to try?

PA and Carter Hall are both burley blends. Most Burley is used as a base for aromatic blends due to their mild flavor and low sugar content. Cornell & Diehl has quite a few burley based blends that you may enjoy. Virgina is also a lighter leaf, but has a higher nicotine content and higher sugar content. The higher sugar content can burn your tongue if you over puff, but if you keep the temp low virginia blends give you a great sweet flavor.

#3. Aromatics - I love the smell of them but I have not smoked one yet. I don't like infused cigars like the acids so does that mean I will not like aromatics? Or are they completely different?
I was thinking about picking up a tin of CAO

You'll have to experience them for yourself. Most aromatic blends do not taste the way they smell, and some cheaper ones are so heavily cased they don't smoke well either. There are good aros from blenders like Boswell's C&D, CAO, Samuel Gawith, and Gawith Hoggarth but they still tend to be lighter in flavor.

Most pipe smokers don't tend to turn their noses up about aromatic blends the way cigar smokers do. Maybe we're wussies, or maybe we're not as snobby. You'll have to see for yourself.

[RevSmoke]

#1. Where do the blends, the ones in the big glass jars in my B&M, come from? Can make note of the blend and find it at other places? Might be a dumb question but pipe tobacos seem a whole lot more complicated than cigars

Who knows... It's common practice for B&Ms to order bulk in gigantic bags from Altadis, Lane, Stokkebye and others, and then give them names that are unique to that shop. You could ask but they may or may not tell you what it actually is.

What he said.

#2. I like med to full cigars, mainly because I find the mild cigars to not have much flavor and all I taste is smoke. So far I have tried Carter Hall and Prince Albert in my MM Cobb and I really like that they both seem mild to me but still have great flavor- which is what I was hoping for- great flavor without the overload like a full bodied cigar.
What other types of pipe tobaco should I look to try?

PA and Carter Hall are both burley blends. Most Burley is used as a base for aromatic blends due to their mild flavor and low sugar content. Cornell & Diehl has quite a few burley based blends that you may enjoy. Virgina is also a lighter leaf, but has a higher nicotine content and higher sugar content. The higher sugar content can burn your tongue if you over puff, but if you keep the temp low virginia blends give you a great sweet flavor.

Virginias can bite, if puffed to fast. But, they are the most wonderful of flavors as they are naturally sweet. VaPers (Virginia blends w/Perique) are my also wonderful as the Perique provides a fruity essence to the blend, often recognized as a raisin or prune overtone. These are my personal favorites. They a both best if you "sip" them in smoking them.

#3. Aromatics - I love the smell of them but I have not smoked one yet. I don't like infused cigars like the acids so does that mean I will not like aromatics? Or are they completely different?
I was thinking about picking up a tin of CAO

You'll have to experience them for yourself. Most aromatic blends do not taste the way they smell, and some cheaper ones are so heavily cased they don't smoke well either. There are good aros from blenders like Boswell's C&D, CAO, Samuel Gawith, and Gawith Hoggarth but they still tend to be lighter in flavor.

Most pipe smokers don't tend to turn their noses up about aromatic blends the way cigar smokers do. Maybe we're wussies, or maybe we're not as snobby. You'll have to see for yourself.

I personally do not like aromatics that are done with a heavy hand and lots of PG, unfortunately that is is most aromatics. They smell great in the bag/tin, and may have a great room note, but they rarely deliver to the smoker. Also, in many cases, the flavoring is often used to cover a multitude of sins (meaning substandard tobacco to begin with). Cornel & Diehl produce some of my favorite aromatics because they using nothing but H2O as a humcant, and their flavoring come through in taste as well as room note - and they use the same quality tobacco in their aromatics as in their other tobaccos. Of course, that's simply my opinion. I mostly smoke VaPers, then straight Virginias, and then English blends. I do throw in an occasional aromatic, but it is very rare.

Hope this helps.

[jjmitchem]

Thanks guys

How do you know if it is an aromatic if it isn't labeled as such - obviously the CAOs are because of my experience with the cigars of the same names but what about something like Peterson's Irish Whiskey - is it just the obvious answer - this is an aromatic because it has been flavored with whisky?

[RevSmoke]

Thanks guys

How do you know if it is an aromatic if it isn't labeled as such - obviously the CAOs are because of my experience with the cigars of the same names but what about something like Peterson's Irish Whiskey - is it just the obvious answer - this is an aromatic because it has been flavored with whisky?

Yes, that one is obvious, for the reason you stated - it is acknowledged in the name. Other aromatics will also be described as having some sort of flavoring added to it. Oftentimes, you can tell by the aroma of the tobacco in the tin/bag, it will obviously smell of something added to the tobacco. While some tobaccos will have an ephemeral smell of citrus, coffee, cocoa, etc... in aromatics, it will be apparent that something was added. Take the time to read as well, for often it will be noted in the description.

As a couple examples:

Dan Blue Note Mild, Golden Virginias which possess a naturally high sweetness, are mixed with a very mild Black Cavendish. These tobaccos are aged for weeks together in a pressed cake. A fresh flavor with essences of exotic fruits and a touch of Bourbon Vanilla is added to make this an extraordinarily mild blend.

Dan Malthouse Founders Reserve This blend is named after the venerable former malthouse in which the tobacco is prepared. The Malthouse is a superb mixture of provincial Virginia tobaccos that are infused with Scottish Single Malt Whiskey.

Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner A true Navy Cavendish crumble cake made with hand stoved red Virginia and golden Virginia and soaked in a premium rum for seven days, then lightly stoved again, pressed and cut.

Cornell & Diehl Cross-eyed Cricket This has a base of unsweetened black Cavendish with Turkish, Latakia and Perique, enclosed in a light rum punch flavor. Is this an English or aromatic blend? You decide. (Obviously, an English by the blend of tobaccos, but turned into an aromatic by the adding of the "flavor.")

Gawith & Hoggarth Bob's Chocolate Flake Loved by pipe smokers from all corners of the globe. A medium flake with a small amount of Latakia blended to give this tobacco its unique character. The cocoa and vanilla casings enhance the flavor of this popular flake. (Even if you didn't know by the name, it has added "casings" to enhance the flavor. This one is done in a very tasteful way and is an excellent aromatic, but an aromatic nontheless.)

Hope this helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[DaBear]

Thanks guys

How do you know if it is an aromatic if it isn't labeled as such - obviously the CAOs are because of my experience with the cigars of the same names but what about something like Peterson's Irish Whiskey - is it just the obvious answer - this is an aromatic because it has been flavored with whisky?

Peterson's Irish Whiskey is just about the only aromatic I smoke with any regularity. I never got the Whiskey flavor the name implies, but the tin always smelled like christmas to me(namely, smelled of fruitcake), and burned wonderfully while not being overly sweet.

And correct me if I'm wrong Rev, but aren't true English blends allowed one flavor while not being considered aromatic? IIRC, the whole distinction of an English tobacco came from the English monarchy getting angry over too many unsafe chemicals being added to tobaccos, so they banned any tobaccos with more than one flavor.

A quick google search pops this up:
http://pipesmagazine.com/python/pipe-news/english-blends-and-latakia-blends-one-in-the-same/

[RevSmoke]

Peterson's Irish Whiskey is just about the only aromatic I smoke with any regularity. I never got the Whiskey flavor the name implies, but the tin always smelled like christmas to me(namely, smelled of fruitcake), and burned wonderfully while not being overly sweet.

And correct me if I'm wrong Rev, but aren't true English blends allowed one flavor while not being considered aromatic? IIRC, the whole distinction of an English tobacco came from the English monarchy getting angry over too many unsafe chemicals being added to tobaccos, so they banned any tobaccos with more than one flavor.

A quick google search pops this up:
http://pipesmagazine.com/python/pipe-news/english-blends-and-latakia-blends-one-in-the-same/

Actually, I do not think I called anything and English blend. That term was only used in the description by C&d in which THEY called Cross-Eyed Cricket an English blend "enclosed" with a rum punch flavor.

Ooops, I go back to another post and there mention "English" blends. My bad. Yes, I am a good American and sometimes slip into that mode of calling blends with Latakia in them, English blends. It is a bad habit. Forgive me.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[DaBear]

Actually, I do not think I called anything and English blend. That term was only used in the description by C&d in which THEY called Cross-Eyed Cricket an English blend "enclosed" with a rum punch flavor.

Ooops, I go back to another post and there mention "English" blends. My bad. Yes, I am a good American and sometimes slip into that mode of calling blends with Latakia in them, English blends. It is a bad habit. Forgive me.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

No problem, wasn't trying to call you out or anything. Was just sorta thinking aloud if you will. Just wanted to make sure my info was correct.

[RevSmoke]

No problem, wasn't trying to call you out or anything. Was just sorta thinking aloud if you will. Just wanted to make sure my info was correct.

If I might, here are my sort of categories:
Aromatics (anything with a flavoring attached)
Burley blends (straight up burley or where burley is over 50% of the blend, other constituent tobaccos [VAs, Orientals, Burley, Cavendish, etc... but w/out casings/flavors/topnotes] may be added)
Virginias (no other types added)
VaPers (only Virginias and Perique)
Latakia blends (Latakia w/other constituent tobaccos)
Oriental blends (Oriental predominate, but other constituent tobaccos are present except Latakia)

Now others might break them down differently, and even my own definitions are a thing that may be adapted or changed from time to time. But this is overall how I like to see them. Of course, I am no expert, just a guy who enjoys an occasional pipe.

As such, I am not a big fan of Burley blends nor of Orientals. I do smoke and occasional aromatic, but even that not very often. But that is only how I have found to satisfy my own palate - everybody's palate is different.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[jjmitchem]

Thanks again for all the input here

I picked up a couple of ounces of Lane 1Q yesterday at a local B&M near our training area. It was really nice but smoked hot. Was that because of it being more moist than the carter hall and Prince Albert I've been trying? Should I let it dry a bit?

Other than that I'm getting a good handle on the pipe and can see myself smoking one more than my cigars. :O


One more thing - what do you all do with your tamper after using it? I'm either getting ash all over my thumb from wiping it off or I'm wiping it off on the edge of the sole of my boot before sticking it back in my pocket

[RevSmoke]

Thanks again for all the input here

I picked up a couple of ounces of Lane 1Q yesterday at a local B&M near our training area. It was really nice but smoked hot. Was that because of it being more moist than the carter hall and Prince Albert I've been trying? Should I let it dry a bit?

Other than that I'm getting a good handle on the pipe and can see myself smoking one more than my cigars. :O


One more thing - what do you all do with your tamper after using it? I'm either getting ash all over my thumb from wiping it off or I'm wiping it off on the edge of the sole of my boot before sticking it back in my pocket

The Lane 1Q smokes hot because it is cased and smothered in a humectant, polypropylene glycol, and will not dry out quickly, if at all. Many like it, I am not a fan, too moist and too much flavoring.

Of course, I don't want to suggest in any way that you smoke or do not smoke something simply because I do or do not like it.

As for cleaning your tamper - if you find other ways than the one you mentioned, let me know. :D

Peace of The Lord be with you.

[jjmitchem]

Thanks Todd

Do you smoke any aromatics? Suggestions for one with a great room note my wife will like?

[Commander Quan]

Check out Boswell for quality aromatics. As far as the tamper, I just stick it back in my pocket with ash on it.

[RevSmoke]

My favorite is Two Friends Celtic Mist, produced by Cornell & Diehl. Call C&D and get a sampler. Their aromatics use no PG and real favors.

[hammondc]

Call C&D and get a sampler. Their aromatics use no PG and real favors.


THIS! There is not anyone in the tobacco biz nicer than the folks at C&D.

[jjmitchem]

Just sent them an email asking about samples of their aromatics

I'm leaning towards the aromatics with the pipe because I figure if I want a good tobacco flavor and aroma I get that with my cigars.

[RevSmoke]

My favorite is Two Friends Celtic Mist, produced by Cornell & Diehl. Call C&D and get a sampler. Their aromatics use no PG and real favors.

THIS! There is not anyone in the tobacco biz nicer than the folks at C&D.

There are other aromatics out there, but I am of the belief that C&D has the most pure aromatics produced in the US. Others are good, but I personally (that is, my own opinion) hate PG and the other humicants and additives that others use which leave their tobaccos too moist for far to long.

Don't get me wrong, I love McClellands (another great US pipe tobacco producer) for Virginias - Christmas Cheer, 5100, and 2050 are staples in my rotation. They also have a few aromatics that I like.

But the problem with many aromatics (outside the C&D stable) is that, because of the humicants, I have to watch very closely my puffing habits - they can bite very badly in a very short time, and then my tongue is miserable for a couple days. C&D aromatics don't leave me in that quandry.

VAs can also bite if not watched carefully and sipped slowly, but when I am smoking a VA or VaPer, I somehow know to sip and not 'puff.'

Just sent them an email asking about samples of their aromatics

I'm leaning towards the aromatics with the pipe because I figure if I want a good tobacco flavor and aroma I get that with my cigars.

E-mail, shme-mail. Give them a call and talk to Patti. Tell her Todd from Embarrass, WI told you to call. 800 433 0080

As for good tobacco flavor and aroma w/cigar -vs- pipes. I love my cigars, absolutely do. There is no comparing the flavor of cigars and unflavored/non-aromatic pipe tobacco. It is like comparing oranges to potatoes. Seriously.

Virginias, VaPers (Virginias W/Perique), Latakia blends, Orientals, Burleys... they are all so very different from one another.

If you talk to Patti, get her to work up a small sampler of each variety. What doesn't suit you, you could either PIF, or sell. If you are nice to her, if you tell her you'd like to buy larger samples of aromatics and just a pipe or two of some other stuff - you'd be surprised about how accomodating she might be.

Hope this helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[jjmitchem]

Ok. Next question :)

Really enjoying my two MM Cobs and finding that I prefer the bent stem over the straight. Somewhere I read on here about breaking off a pipe cleaner and bending it to use as a filter which I have been doing and have not noticed a diffence in the smoke over using the filter

Tonight I stepped out side, pulled out my Cobb and loaded it, took a test pull to check if I packed it to tight (which I didn't) and tasted an awful mess realizing I had not cleaned and changed out the pipe cleaner filter since my last smoke. So I just took it out and smoked it sans filter

Wow. Lots of billowing smoke and could really taste the tobacco. What I did notice though was the draw was just a little light for my liking. Regardless, this was probably my best smoke so far with my Cobb.

Does a none filtered pipe have a smaller hole where the filter would go to tighte up the draw a bit?

How many of you smoke your filtered pipes without the filter?

[RevSmoke]

Ok. Next question :)

Really enjoying my two MM Cobs and finding that I prefer the bent stem over the straight. Somewhere I read on here about breaking off a pipe cleaner and bending it to use as a filter which I have been doing and have not noticed a diffence in the smoke over using the filter

Tonight I stepped out side, pulled out my Cobb and loaded it, took a test pull to check if I packed it to tight (which I didn't) and tasted an awful mess realizing I had not cleaned and changed out the pipe cleaner filter since my last smoke. So I just took it out and smoked it sans filter

Wow. Lots of billowing smoke and could really taste the tobacco. What I did notice though was the draw was just a little light for my liking. Regardless, this was probably my best smoke so far with my Cobb.

Does a none filtered pipe have a smaller hole where the filter would go to tighte up the draw a bit?

How many of you smoke your filtered pipes without the filter?

I smoke all my pipes, including my cobs, without filters. Although, the only pipes I own which could take filters (at least right now) are my cobs.

Yes, non-filtered pipes do have smaller draw holes and the draw is a bit tighter. Although that loose draw isn't a big deal, it is a good "sipping" pipe that way.

Peace of The Lord be with you.

[kgraybill]

I've been wanting to try a pipe for some time and purchased a really cheap cob pipe and a few pouches of tobacco at the drug store.
I found them very unsatisfying so I checked out some reviews and am interested in trying out Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired and Dunhill Night Cap.

Do you think that it these would be too bold for a pipe noob?

[jjmitchem]

Ken,

Did you read this thread?

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=44110

This really helped me get started and the MM Cobb and Carter Hall was a good start

[kgraybill]

I have been doing a good bit of reading on getting started, pipe and tobacco reviews but have not read that thread until now. Thanks.

I will keep on with the cheap cob for a while but plan to pick up a briar once I get the hang of smoking a pipe.

Thanks for all the great info guys. I think that I will really enjoy pipes just not the tobacco that I have sampled so far (Borkum Riff, Captain Black). Need to make a trip to the B&M to find something with flavor and save my tongue from getting burned up.

[jjmitchem]

For an aromatic so far I've tried Lane 1Q and like it, it's supposed the most popular

I plan to order some Boswells this week which have come highly recommended

[Templeton]

Hello guys,

This will be my first post, I have a few questions all at once. I have been smoking pipe+tobacco since 2003 and just never had any friends that shared my interest.

1. With a new pipe, what is the process in simple terms, of treating the wood to extend it's life? I have had a few pipes crack from I assume over heating.

2. Method of lighting tobacco, match, butane lighter, or zippo? Why? I have always preffered wooden matches, but zippo for ease of use.

3. What are some quality pipes that will not break the bank? I have spent anywhere from $20-$200 and been happy with my product. I do not know too much about what the wood was or who the maker of the pipe was.

I feel amazingly "noob-ish" for the last question, I have good pipes and know what I like. The last time I went out with one of my pipes, a gentleman asked me if my pipe was a ______ and I felt ignorant for truly knkowing nothing about it other than I like it.

[RevSmoke]

Hello guys,

This will be my first post, I have a few questions all at once. I have been smoking pipe+tobacco since 2003 and just never had any friends that shared my interest.

Welcome and ask away with your questions. I am a pipester since 1980, so I do have a tad bit of experience. Hopefully, some of my comments will help.

1. With a new pipe, what is the process in simple terms, of treating the wood to extend it's life? I have had a few pipes crack from I assume over heating.

I have never treated any of my pipes, they should be ready to go right out of the box. Never had a pipe crack either, and I used to smoke my pipes very hot (I used to smoke cigarettes and needed copious amounts of smoke and huffing heavily, makin a pipe hot, was the only thing that satisfied) Although, pipes need time after each smoke to rest and dry out before you smoke them again. This is why many pipe smokers have a rotation of pipes. I usually let mine air dry 3-5 days before smoking again. Care of the pipe while, and after smoking is import - use pipe cleaners - during the smoke and after.

2. Method of lighting tobacco, match, butane lighter, or zippo? Why? I have always preffered wooden matches, but zippo for ease of use.

A horse apiece. If you don't mind the flavor of a Zippo, go for it. If you use butane, stay away from torches - these can, due to the high temperatures of the flame, indeed burn your briar. Otherwise, it is your own preference. I personally use a soft butane flame or matches.

3. What are some quality pipes that will not break the bank? I have spent anywhere from $20-$200 and been happy with my product. I do not know too much about what the wood was or who the maker of the pipe was.

I personally own Castello (estate Castellos fit that price), Radice, Ascorti, Don Carlos, Tinsky, (my favorites) and then I also have some Savinelli and Stanwells. A couple corn cobs get into the rotation as well. There are many other quality manufacturers out there - these are simply what I have.

I feel amazingly "noob-ish" for the last question, I have good pipes and know what I like. The last time I went out with one of my pipes, a gentleman asked me if my pipe was a ______ and I felt ignorant for truly knkowing nothing about it other than I like it.

By the way, usually the maker of the pipe puts their name on it somewhere. Hope this helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Gabe215]

I'd like to try to smoke a pipe occasionally and have two questions:

One is: I tried this before and was told to use a corn cob first as it is easier to break in as a started pipe, is that true?

Second is : I currently am a seasoned cigar smoker and when I started smoking cigars I was told to start off with milder cigars and work my way up gradually. But for me I hate mild or even medium smokes from the start, I feel it would be the same with a pipe, what is a nice strong, sweet flavorful blend to start with that is relaxing at night time? Anything helps, thanks! - Gabe

[688sonarmen]

Cobs will break in a little quicker than briars. But most important if you f them up you are not out a lot.

Strong tobaccos that are readily available, nightcap, royal yacht both by Dunhill.

[iaMkcK]

when I started smoking cigars I was told to start off with milder cigars and work my way up gradually.

Strong tobaccos that are readily available, nightcap, royal yacht both by Dunhill.

Damnit, why did I go right into the strong tobaccos first? Nightcap was LITERALLY my first tin purchase, HAHAHA... :pi:pi:pi

[RevSmoke]

I'd like to try to smoke a pipe occasionally and have two questions:

One is: I tried this before and was told to use a corn cob first as it is easier to break in as a started pipe, is that true?

Cobs break in easily, and are cheap if you find that you do not like smoking a pipe.

Second is : I currently am a seasoned cigar smoker and when I started smoking cigars I was told to start off with milder cigars and work my way up gradually. But for me I hate mild or even medium smokes from the start, I feel it would be the same with a pipe, what is a nice strong, sweet flavorful blend to start with that is relaxing at night time? Anything helps, thanks! - Gabe

Strong vs mild is different with pipe tobacco. What do you mean? Strong taste or nicotine strong?

I don't know which of these I'd call "strong," at least not compared to cigars. Each of these varies a bit. But do not expect the same volume of smoke from a pipe as you'd get from a cigar. If you get the same volume from a pipe as you get from a cigar, you will probably be frying your tongue - not a pleasant feeling.

These are a most of my favorite non-aromatic (tobaccos w/out some sort of flavoring added) tobaccos.

Escudo
Esoterica: Dorchester, Penzance, Durbar, Stonehaven
Gawith & Hoggarth: Lousisiana Flake, Bright CR Flake, Mixture #12, Bob's Chocolate Flake
McCelland: 5100, 2000, 2010, 2015, 2015, 2035, 5115, 5110, Christmas Cheer
Rattrays: Hal O The Wynd, Marlin Flake, Old Gowrie
Samuel Gawith: Full Virginia Flake, St. James Flake, 1792
Peter Heinrichs: Strong Dark Kentucky

Hope this helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Robulous78]

Hey Fella's,

Had a quick question, there is this pipe in this movie I have never seen before, I really like the design and was interested if anyone knew anything about it or where I might find one...

The picture below is a crude screen capture from the video,

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8421411719_4c31de01bb_o.png (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8421411719/) pipe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8421411719/) by Robulous78 (http://www.flickr.com/people/86665059@N08/), on Flickr

Thanks for lending me your knowledge... :tu

[Commander Quan]

That style is called a cavalier. That specific pipes looks like a Dunhill Cavalier http://www.cupojoes.com/cgi-bin/spgm?dpt=H&srch=KW&item=dunbry4103cavb

[Robulous78]

so that is a cavalier style pipe? I like it cause it seems to be rather easy to let hang out of your mouth... thanks Derrick... :tu

[Robulous78]

Do most Cavalier style pipes run 500.00? would love to have one but not at that price...

[Commander Quan]

No. Dunhill's are the most expensive factory pipes you can buy. That also is not a traditional Cavalier. Most are made of wood, the one feature that all cavaliers have that make them unique is that the shaft extends below the draft hole of the pipe, and is capped. This acts like a moisture trap, and can easily be cleaned out by removing the cap.

For another shaped pipe that can easily hang when clenched look at Oom Paul, or Hungarian shapes. (they are the same thing)

[Robulous78]

Will do... I am more or less looking for a cheap beginners pipe that is not too heavy that I can comfortably clench between my teeth and smoke hands free... this shape appealed to me cause the "hook" shape of the stem looks like it would hang from the mouth easily...

[iaMkcK]

This acts like a moisture trap, and can easily be cleaned out by removing the cap.

Any regular production inexpensive pipes that feature this? I always have a moisture problem, and no matter how little I clench, my style of smoking has me cleaning the pipe after every use to rid the moisture.. I see that the Cavalier style has a lot of really goofy looks.. I wouldn't mind a sub-$100 pipe that looks more traditional..

[688sonarmen]

Any cheaper pipes that feature this? I always have a moisture problem, and no matter how little I clench, my style of smoking has me cleaning the pipe after every use to rid the moisture..
Jarrett, Peterson System pipes can be had for around 100$ They have a moisture trap as well.

[688sonarmen]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150987177244

Speaking of, I have been eyeing this pipe (not actually going to buy it), is there a reason why it is listed so low? I would think an older model would go for a bit higher.

[jjefrey]

Just started with my first pipe, a Dr. Grabow.

I've read that I need to let the pipe rest a few days between smokes is this correct?

What would happen if I smoked it daily with out letting it rest?

[Commander Quan]

The purpose of letting the pipe rest is to allow the moisture absorbed by the wood to dry. If you are smoking one bowl a day, smoking every day isn't going to hurt anything. If you smoke more often, letting it rest is a good idea.

If the pipe is not allowed to dry, it will sour quicker than if it is allowed.

Eventually the pipe will start to sour or taste off, when that happens a Salt & Alcohol treatment is all that is needed to refresh it.

[MarkinAZ]

I've read that I need to let the pipe rest a few days between smokes is this correct? What would happen if I smoked it daily with out letting it rest?

In addition to Derricks comments, here's a couple of links with further information for your review Jeff:

http://pipesmokersforum.com/community/threads/pipe-resting.1186/ (http://pipesmokersforum.com/community/threads/pipe-resting.1186/)

http://forum.pipes.org/messages/26/82419.html?1270580098 (http://forum.pipes.org/messages/26/82419.html?1270580098)

[FreakShow]

I've been jarring my tobacco straight from the tins and then drying out what I'm going to smoke before I smoke it. Is this way better or should I dry out the whole tin before jarring?

[688sonarmen]

I've been jarring my tobacco straight from the tins and then drying out what I'm going to smoke before I smoke it. Is this way better or should I dry out the whole tin before jarring?

I think dry as you go is the best option. Every time you open the jar to pack a bowl its going to dry out and not get any moister. Just my 2cents, Ive only been smoking a few months.

[Robulous78]

So My Mom gave me something pretty special gift for my birthday today...

This is a collection of my GREAT Grandfathers pipes...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8577375791_4270671aa4_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8577375791/) Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8577375791/) by Robulous78 (http://www.flickr.com/people/86665059@N08/), on Flickr

I know nothing about pipes, so I thought I would post this up and maybe you guys can tell me something about em', also, now since I have them, I wanna give pipe smoking a shot... which one of these do you think I should try to use? how do you prep and old pipe for use?

Thanks Everyone for your help, We both thank you...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8578483306_86d887ef9f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8578483306/) Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8578483306/) by Robulous78 (http://www.flickr.com/people/86665059@N08/), on Flickr

[Robulous78]

Also... My mom found this to go with my "new" pipes...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8578615940_a127c23891_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8578615940/) Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8578615940/) by Robulous78 (http://www.flickr.com/people/86665059@N08/), on Flickr

the glass of the jar looks pretty dated, anyone know anything about these?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8577511221_538ba49864_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8577511221/) Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/86665059@N08/8577511221/) by Robulous78 (http://www.flickr.com/people/86665059@N08/), on Flickr

Thanks Fellas...

Rob

[Commander Quan]

The pipes look like a pretty standard collection of kaywoodies & Dr. Grabows. The pipes with the clover leaf one them, unscrew the stems from the pipes and check out the stingers. 4 hole stingers are older than the newer 3 hole design.

The stands with jars are pretty common. The jar was used to store your tobacco

Any of them would probably be good to start with however you may want to pick up a corn cob pipe from a drug store or pipe shop to start with so you don't accidentally char the rim up too bad when your starting out.

Do a Salt & Alcohol treatment on them http://pipecollecting.blogspot.com/2008/02/salt-and-alcohol-treatment.html
and use an alcohol dipped pipes clean down through the stem until they run clean.

[RevSmoke]

Rob, that is some great stuff there. I don't have any Grabows of Kaywoodies anymore, so listen to Derrick.

I will say this though, it is great to come into a collection like that.

[Robulous78]

Anyone have a link for Pipe beginners?

I youtubed how to date most of the collection... There are 2 Pre 1940 pipes in the pictures and then 2 from the 70's... the rest I still have no idea about...

I restored the 2 from the 70's with the salt & alcohol method, after some pipe cleaners they were as good as new... the wood however looked pretty dull... so I wiped them with a light wood oil, the tips are pretty oxidized but that doesn't overly bother me...

I watched a video on how to pack a pipe and got some various drug store tobaccos to try...

-Admiral's Choice Cherry Cavendish
-Borkum Riff Bourbon Mix
-Generic Apple Pipe Tabacco from Middleton Co
-Paladin Blackcherry
-Lonestar Gold Pipe Tabacco

Ok... so here in lies my question, Old Farts... I expected that the smoke would contain more flavor, kind of like when you smoke Shisha from a Hooka... but aside from a slight aroma and subtle flavor I can barely tell The Admiral's Choice from the Paladin... I am enjoying the general flavor of the Borkum Riff, but I would not say I taste bourbon in the smoke...

Am I using the wrong tobacco's or are my expectations incorrect for what pipe smoking offers? Is my noise burnt out from cigar retrohaling to "taste" the flavor of the smoke?

I find the rather troubling, because I am enjoying my first bouts into pipe smoking yet can't seem to find exactly what I am looking for... which I can only describe as a powerfully flavorful "shisha-esque" smoke...

Thanks Old Fart / Everyone...

[Robulous78]

Bump for answers/help...

[Nick]

Alot of guys buy drug store tobacco when they are first starting out in pipes. My opinion is that this is in general a mistake, nothing against the drug store tobaccos as a whole because there are some good ones but usually the quality is a little lacking. You have an assortment of aromatic tobaccos there that have a flavor casing/topping. I believe all of those tobaccos you have listed are made almost entirely cavendish or black cavendish based with whatever topping the maker has employed. Cavendish is a very soft and subtle leaf which means the topping should stand out more. The flavored tobaccos usually smell very nice to the people around you but are not quite as enjoyable for the smoker

The problem with this is that alot of times the topping is either not very noticeable or isn't near what you thought it might (at least in my experience). This may be due to the heat burning the topping off the tobacco before it is actually noticed by the smoker. Another variable is that if you are smoking pipes that have been used before you will get some residual flavors from whatever the person before you, but there are ways to help remedy that.

I always recommend starting out with tobacco that has no topping from a more reputable source (GL Pease, Cornell and Diehl, Mcconnel, mclelland, Macbaren, etc.). Especially if you are a cigar smoker as you will smoke blends that have assortments of tobacco leaf that are carefully formulated and blended by the company. A big mistake new pipe smokers make is that they assume pipe smoking and tobacco is closely related to hookah, its not.

I will post a couple of websites you can check out. Pick up some tins from any of the companies I mentioned above and I think you will find a much more enjoyable experience. Some guys like GL Pease even use a little cigar leaf in there blends, one in particular is GL Pease Key Largo.

The main pipe tobacco leaves are: Virginias, Latakia (syrian and cyprian), Burley, Orientals, Turkish, Cavendish, and Perique. Pipe smoking can get fairly complex but try to not get caught up in all the hooplah and terminology just enjoy it in your own way.

http://smokingpipes.com/ has a very good selection of tinned and bulk tobacco at good prices.

Also check out these sites

http://tobaccoreviews.com/
http://pipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_Tobaccos Great page explaining many different things related to pipe tobacco and the different varieties of pipe tobacco leaves. This site has other interesting pages regarding all things pipes.

Also youtube is another great resource. Have fun and welcome to another slope.

[Robulous78]

Thanks for the info Nick... Very helpful...

[RevSmoke]

Rob, first, you asked the question on Easter and I didn't get to it. I will try and postulate a better answer later. But for now, Shisha tastes like whatever topping is put on it. Pipe tobacco will never taste anything like Shisha. Nick gave a good answer.

Here's how I'd say it. Do not smoke aromatics (those with a flavoring) for the flavored smell you find when you open the tin/pouch, 95% of the time you will be disappointed. You may smell that in the room when smoking, and others around you may smell it, but you will not find it on your palate.

Pipe tobacco flavors come from the constituent tobaccos. And the smoke volume will be significantly less than from cigars.

Hope that helps a little.

[Nick]

I have to amend my post slightly there are some tobacco blends that use a slight topping however instead of the drug store blends that are counting on the topping to carry the blend; blends like macbaren plumcake and GL Pease Barbary Coast use a slight flavoring to add a little bit of a nuance.

I saw that you do smoke cigars you may really like some of the English style or Balkan style blends. You can send me a PM me your address and I can send a little sampler out for you if you want.

[Robulous78]

I would love that Nick... Thanks... PM sent

[chaase321]

Alright guys, I am giving the pipe thing a go again...after all, April is Pipe Month!!...but I have a few questions that are buring ( :D ) inside that I need to ask, so I can enjoy it more:

1. Maybe stupid, but what does a "non-carbonized" bowl mean? Is it that it hasn't been smoked yet?

2. I cannot tell if my baccy is the right RH...what is it supposed to be? and is there a method, other than a hygrometer, that you can use to tell if it is right (like a feel or something)

3. Am I packing my bowl too tight or too lose...Here is why I ask...I am not getting much smoke production out of it? I use the 3-2-1 (thanks Moo!) method, but I'm not sure if it is packed correctly. I light all over, tamp, light again...but then about 45 seconds to a minute later, when I draw, i do not get the "full mouth" feel of smoke anymore, and when I blow it out, it is very little smoke. Am I expecting too much from smoking cigars? I see pictures of people smoking pipes and it looks like they are getting a lot of smoke...I want that! I also have some troubles with keeping it lit, I mean, if I don't puff like every 45 seconds it is out for sure...could this be because it is packed too loosely?
3.a. So could it be that the baccy is too dry/wet, packed too loosely...I am 100% sure it is not being packed too tight.
4. Recommendations for a newb pipe smoker that loves a med/med-full Nicaraguan cigar, and doesn't want tongue bite.

Sorry if that was lengthy, just trying to get it figured out so I can relax with a bowl as easily as I do with a stick, and enjoy the change of pace that pipes give.

Thanks all!

[Mister Moo]

Alright guys, I am giving the pipe thing a go again...after all, April is Pipe Month!!...but I have a few questions that are buring ( :D ) inside that I need to ask, so I can enjoy it more:

1. Maybe stupid, but what does a "non-carbonized" bowl mean? Is it that it hasn't been smoked yet?

2. I cannot tell if my baccy is the right RH...what is it supposed to be? and is there a method, other than a hygrometer, that you can use to tell if it is right (like a feel or something)

3. Am I packing my bowl too tight or too lose...Here is why I ask...I am not getting much smoke production out of it? I use the 3-2-1 (thanks Moo!) method, but I'm not sure if it is packed correctly. I light all over, tamp, light again...but then about 45 seconds to a minute later, when I draw, i do not get the "full mouth" feel of smoke anymore, and when I blow it out, it is very little smoke. Am I expecting too much from smoking cigars? I see pictures of people smoking pipes and it looks like they are getting a lot of smoke...I want that! I also have some troubles with keeping it lit, I mean, if I don't puff like every 45 seconds it is out for sure...could this be because it is packed too loosely?
3.a. So could it be that the baccy is too dry/wet, packed too loosely...I am 100% sure it is not being packed too tight.
4. Recommendations for a newb pipe smoker that loves a med/med-full Nicaraguan cigar, and doesn't want tongue bite.

Sorry if that was lengthy, just trying to get it figured out so I can relax with a bowl as easily as I do with a stick, and enjoy the change of pace that pipes give.

Thanks all!

Let me have a go...

1. Me, I prefer to see raw, natural wood in a new pipe, not the pre- carbon coated variety. That's regarding a new pipe. On a well smoked pipe it is possible someone would ream out the chamber thoroughly, removing previous carbon build-up. In either case you'd be talking about a non-carbonized bowl. A thin coating of carbonization protects the wood in a pipe from burning.

2. Tobacco moisture meter for ribbon or shag cut. Squish a wad between your thumb and index finger; it it squishes and -
i. stays squished, it's too moist and needs a little drying out
ii. springs back, it's probably good to go
iii. crumbles to dust, it's way too dry and needs remoisturizing

For flake tobacco, if you bend a flake 180* and -
i. it bends like rubber and nothing breaks it's very moist
ii. it bends but fractures a fair bit at the bend it's about right (for me)
iii. it snaps in half it's probably dried out and might benefit from remoisturizing.

3. You're packing a bowl?! It's too tight. Never pack, fill. Too loose a fill and you can always moosh it down a bit after lighting. Too tight from the get go - ferget about it. You'll suck your cheeks off trying to keep the pipe alive. I routinely produce large, almost opaque clouds of smoke with small-to-modest sips. Getting there is finding the right balance between pipe, tobacco and filling technique. When something isn't working, make a change. It's like sex - timing and technique. Here is a recent sip-cloud:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-en3DIoVAMyw/UTiaySvA5zI/AAAAAAAAC-g/ykj71Qrf_GI/s512/IMG_20130307_084809_403.jpg

Too wet, you think? That's easy to determine. Is the pipe drooling into your mouth instead of the other way around? Is the heel of the pipe wet and swampy? If so, the pipe and/or the tobacco are too wet to smoke. Consider dry time for pipe (24 hours) or tobacco (let a wad sit out 30-60 minutes).

4. I never could equate pipe tobacco with cigars. People talk about it a lot but, for me, it's like comparing pumpkin pie with whipped cream to aluminum billets. They both have their purposes but have nothing in common (for me). I like cigars and pipes but I sense them in totally different ways.

[Commander Quan]

Moo your mustache and your pipe look a lot alike. Life imitating art at it's finest.

I've been told I look like a pipe too, only it was just an burned out cob.

[chaase321]

Let me have a go...

1. Me, I prefer to see raw, natural wood in a new pipe, not the pre- carbon coated variety. That's regarding a new pipe. On a well smoked pipe it is possible someone would ream out the chamber thoroughly, removing previous carbon build-up. In either case you'd be talking about a non-carbonized bowl. A thin coating of carbonization protects the wood in a pipe from burning.

Thank you for explaining that...So, would you recommend a Non-Carbonized pipe to a newb? I have a few, so I have smoked already, but the last thing I want to do is crack a pipe

2. Tobacco moisture meter for ribbon or shag cut. Squish a wad between your thumb and index finger; it it squishes and -
i. stays squished, it's too moist and needs a little drying out
ii. springs back, it's probably good to go
iii. crumbles to dust, it's way too dry and needs remoisturizing

Perfect, so I think my tobacco is in the right mixture then :tu

For flake tobacco, if you bend a flake 180* and -
i. it bends like rubber and nothing breaks it's very moist
ii. it bends but fractures a fair bit at the bend it's about right (for me)
iii. it snaps in half it's probably dried out and might benefit from remoisturizing.

3. You're packing a bowl?! It's too tight. Never pack, fill. Too loose a fill and you can always moosh it down a bit after lighting. Too tight from the get go - ferget about it. You'll suck your cheeks off trying to keep the pipe alive. I routinely produce large, almost opaque clouds of smoke with small-to-modest sips. Getting there is finding the right balance between pipe, tobacco and filling technique. When something isn't working, make a change. It's like sex - timing and technique.

Ok, maybe "packing" was the wrong word to use; however, now...maybe I was lying, and maybe I am packing it too tightly...after all, the pipe is running a little hotter than I would like it to while puffing. Perhaps that is from things being too tight and me having to frequently puff to keep it lit. I'll work work on my technique...geez...same answer i give my wife! kidding!

Here is a recent sip-cloud:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-en3DIoVAMyw/UTiaySvA5zI/AAAAAAAAC-g/ykj71Qrf_GI/s512/IMG_20130307_084809_403.jpg

Too wet, you think? That's easy to determine. Is the pipe drooling into your mouth instead of the other way around? Is the heel of the pipe wet and swampy? If so, the pipe and/or the tobacco are too wet to smoke. Consider dry time for pipe (24 hours) or tobacco (let a wad sit out 30-60 minutes).

Yea, no worries here then, thanks!

4. I never could equate pipe tobacco with cigars. People talk about it a lot but, for me, it's like comparing pumpkin pie with whipped cream to aluminum billets. They both have their purposes but have nothing in common (for me). I like cigars and pipes but I sense them in totally different ways.

Guess once I figure all this out really good, I'll just have to follow the one main rule...Smoke what you like, like what you smoke :D



Thanks Moo, very much appreciated!

[Mister Moo]

...Ok, maybe "packing" was the wrong word to use; however, now...maybe I was lying, and maybe I am packing it too tightly......

Thanks Moo, very much appreciated!Of course you were lying and, now, here you are - trapped in your own web of deceit and self delusion. :sl

Fortunately for you there are Old Farts at the ready! All new pipesmokers believe tobacco should be mashed into a bowl with a hydraulic-assist ram. It is the way of things. Not to worry. Start your bowl with just enough compression to slightly resist a sip. After the initial charring light you can tamp things down a bit more - but not much tighter than that easy sip. Go gradually and you'll find the sweet spot where optimal compression actually does produces big clouds with small sips.

Carbonized bowl vs. raw wood with a new pipe? Personal preference. I like raw wood - it can't conceal defects in the chamber of a new pipe. As is often advised, start a new pipe with half-filled bowls for a dozen or so smokes to keep the pipe's heel dry and get cake forming in the bottom half of the chamber. Or not. It's pretty hard to burn out a decent pipe if you're not outdoors smoking in a breeze.

Carbon or not? Pipe too tightly filled or not? It is a game of patient experimentation until it all comes together. :tu

[RevSmoke]

Glad to see that Moo caught you here and got you up to speed. I always fill on the light side, I can always tamp it a bit tighter later.

I am also not a fan of carbonized bowls.

I think Moo and I agree about liking our tobaccos a little drier than moist, they burn better. Too often people have this idea that tobacco needs to be fairly moist. Really? Ever burn firewood?

Keep experimenting and it will come to you. If you can find a good tobacconist where some older guy/gal is smoking a pipe, go over and ask for some pointers. Watching and/or hands on experience far outweighs simply reading what we suggest.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[chaase321]

Thank you both! Practice makes perfect...and now that I know I'm doing it wrong I can practice more effectively :tu

[Mister Moo]

Thank you both! Practice makes perfect...and now that I know I'm doing it wrong I can practice more effectively :tuPractice solves all.

I see you're in Woodbridge. That Old Virgina Tobacco joint across from the mall has a fantastic cigar selection but I don't think I ever met another pipesmoker in there. Check it out - maybe you'll find an Old Fart who'll do you a demo.

[chaase321]

Another question (that's what this is hear for right :tu )

I just bought some tins that are from 2006 (mainly Frog Morton stuff):

1. When I shake the tin it sounds like the tobacco might be dry(er), (note, bought from a brother here, and not saying anything bad because I know re-hydrating is easy and I'm 100% happy with the purchase, just wanted to ask the ?) is this just me being a newb, but my question is, doesn't the sealed tin keep the tobacco moist/optimal?

2. Should I invest in the small mason jars to have on hand for right when I open a tin? Or can I keep the tobacco in the tin for a few (days, weeks, months) with it holding proper humidity?

3.Thanks!! :D

[Commander Quan]

You can't really tell if the tins are dried out or not from shaking them. Are the foil seals still under vacuum?

The tins will be ok in the Pringles style tins for a couple weeks up to a month but any longer than that and you'll want to have the stuff jared.

[chaase321]

You can't really tell if the tins are dried out or not from shaking them. Are the foil seals still under vacuum?

The tins will be ok in the Pringles style tins for a couple weeks up to a month but any longer than that and you'll want to have the stuff jared.

Still factory sealed :tu should still be just fine then, right?

Ok, I'll make it a necessity (not priority) to get the jars.

Thanks!

[RevSmoke]

Still factory sealed :tu should still be just fine then, right?

Ok, I'll make it a necessity (not priority) to get the jars.

Thanks!

Factory sealed will be fine for a long time.

[Fordman4ever]

Just started smoking a pipe so I'm sure that I will have loads of questions.

First one being, What are some good tools to have handy for pipe smoking?

[Robulous78]

Just started smoking a pipe so I'm sure that I will have loads of questions.

First one being, What are some good tools to have handy for pipe smoking?

Seeing as I am also new... this might be the blind leading the blind... but there are all kinds of tools you can have for pipes...

A tamper or pipe nail is a must for the ash on top of bowls...

A pipe rest is nice in case you must set it down for a while...

A pipe knife is a slightly more expensive alternative that has the same features and a blade that will let you cut up your baccy any way you like...

A cork knocker is nice for your ashtray so you don't risk damaging valuable pipes...

you can get Ashtrays with knockers installed, and formed pipe rests...

you can get shelves or cabinets built with special storage for your pipes and baccy...

If you like smoking a pipe on the go you can get a "Mayflower Pouch" or "columbus pouch" that holds your baccy and pipe safely in your pocket...

If your pipes get really dirty you can get a reamer and carefully remove excess cake...


As with cigars... the question is what will you use and what will you need...

I would say a rest and a tamper or knife is a good start... most say a pipe lighter is also a must have... But its important to keep in mind that the one thing about pipe smoking is it really is as simple as pack it up and light it on fire if you want it to be... :2

[Mister Moo]

Seeing as I am also new... this might be the blind leading the blind... but there are all kinds of tools you can have for pipes...

A tamper or pipe nail is a must for the ash on top of bowls...

A pipe rest is nice in case you must set it down for a while...

A pipe knife is a slightly more expensive alternative that has the same features and a blade that will let you cut up your baccy any way you like...

A cork knocker is nice for your ashtray so you don't risk damaging valuable pipes...

you can get Ashtrays with knockers installed, and formed pipe rests...

you can get shelves or cabinets built with special storage for your pipes and baccy...

If you like smoking a pipe on the go you can get a "Mayflower Pouch" or "columbus pouch" that holds your baccy and pipe safely in your pocket...

If your pipes get really dirty you can get a reamer and carefully remove excess cake...


As with cigars... the question is what will you use and what will you need...

I would say a rest and a tamper or knife is a good start... most say a pipe lighter is also a must have... But its important to keep in mind that the one thing about pipe smoking is it really is as simple as pack it up and light it on fire if you want it to be... :2That's some kinda long, scary looking list for a newguy. How 'bout a pack of matches, a golf tee and a 100-count bag of pipecleaners.

First you need to draw them in, all paper book matches innocent-like. Pounce later with the long lists of plutonium-powered pipe lighters.

[Nick]

Seconded.....if you cant find a golf tee, 16 penny nails work good too.

[RevSmoke]

That's some kinda long, scary looking list for a newguy. How 'bout a pack of matches, a golf tee and a 100-count bag of pipecleaners.

[QUOTE=Nick;1823523]Seconded.....if you cant find a golf tee, 16 penny nails work good too.

Or just be a man and use your finger! :gary

Have a farmer who does that. His fingers are so calloused he doesn't even feel it.

I will say this, if you're going to get a bag of pipe cleaners, you may as well pick up a pipe nail for $1 while you are there.

[Mister Moo]

Seconded.....if you cant find a golf tee, 16 penny nails work good too.You GO, Kid Pipe. :D

Shrug.. I guess you're not really a kid anymore, are you? ;)

[Nick]

26, married, and own a home. But still feel like a kid. Dont have my motorcycle anymore though.

[MajorCaptSilly]

[QUOTE=Mister Moo;1822641]That's some kinda long, scary looking list for a newguy. How 'bout a pack of matches, a golf tee and a 100-count bag of pipecleaners.



Or just be a man and use your finger! :gary

Have a farmer who does that. His fingers are so calloused he doesn't even feel it.

I will say this, if you're going to get a bag of pipe cleaners, you may as well pick up a pipe nail for $1 while you are there.

My grandpa used his thumb as a tamper. I was always amazed when he would just stick his thumb in the lit bowl.

MCS

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I may be buying some older tins that have been dried out apparently. Is there a point of no return when trying to rehydrate pipe tobacco?

[DaBear]

I may be buying some older tins that have been dried out apparently. Is there a point of no return when trying to rehydrate pipe tobacco?

Unless its moldy, nope. Thats the beauty of pipe tobacco, easiest thing in the world to care for, just dont get mold on it.

[Mister Moo]

Exception. Most aromatics lose a lot of their special something if left to dry out. While even aromatics can be rehydrated and smoked well they may not recover the bulk of the flavor that they once carried. As one who eschews aromatics I say, "For the best, that."

[timj219]

I've tried a couple OTC and now about 6 other tobaccos from H&H and GL Pease. None of them prepared me for the tin of FVF I just bought.
When I opended the can and picked one up it was as flexible as a sheet of rubber. It showed no tendency at all to flake apart. Even after leaving a flake out to dry for a full day it still was difficult to rub out. It did burn, but not well.

Does this tobacco usually come this moist? Should I think about rubbing this out first, then drying for a day or more? I've seen references to smoking flake by just folding it up and stuffing it in the bowl. It's hard to believe that's possible but is it?

[Mister Moo]

I've tried a couple OTC and now about 6 other tobaccos from H&H and GL Pease. None of them prepared me for the tin of FVF I just bought.
When I opended the can and picked one up it was as flexible as a sheet of rubber. It showed no tendency at all to flake apart. Even after leaving a flake out to dry for a full day it still was difficult to rub out. It did burn, but not well.

Does this tobacco usually come this moist? Should I think about rubbing this out first, then drying for a day or more? I've seen references to smoking flake by just folding it up and stuffing it in the bowl. It's hard to believe that's possible but is it?Flake tobaccos are wonderful but any one may be different from the next. FVF isn't exactly a learner product. :D It's one of the worst flakes to twist or roll and stuff into a pipe; it's also hard to light unless it's quite dry.

The 2013 Moo Flake Scale

Bend a flake in half and if it:

1. bends - too moist
2. fractures a bit and frays without snapping - probly just right
3. snaps - too dry

FVF likes to be around 2.7 on the Moo Scale. Rough it up pretty good and definitely do not cram and jam because, as quickly as it warms up, it will expand quite a bit. Fill easy, tamp easy, rub out hard, light hard.

[RevSmoke]

Flake tobaccos are wonderful but any one may be different from the next. FVF isn't exactly a learner product. :D It's one of the worst flakes to twist or roll and stuff into a pipe; it's also hard to light unless it's quite dry.

The 2013 Moo Flake Scale

Bend a flake in half and if it:

1. bends - too moist
2. fractures a bit and frays without snapping - probly just right
3. snaps - too dry

FVF likes to be around 2.7 on the Moo Scale. Rough it up pretty good and definitely do not cram and jam because, as quickly as it warms up, it will expand quite a bit. Fill easy, tamp easy, rub out hard, light hard.

Never saw the Moo Flake Scale before, but I will concur!

[jjmitchem]

Great advice Moo. I'm just learning to appreciate flake tobacco and it is definitely moving up on my favorites.

[bstarrs]

I just ordered a couple Missouri Mearschaum cob pipes from smokingpipes.com. I figured they would serve as my first pipes to try the hobby out and if I don't like it I'm not out very much cash. Question is, do they break or wear out really easily? And what do you recommend for me to try based on enjoying more full bodied cigars and hating flavoured tobacco?

[Commander Quan]

Welcome Braeden. A lot of guys like to go with a Latakia blend like Frog Morton or Squadron Leader. Blends like these have a smokey flavor and are easy to smoke without overheating. If you are used to strong cigars, pipe tobacco will never match the strength or body of a cigar, so initially you may find the experience a little lacking but you're pallet will adjust.

Your cobs should serve you well for a long time under normal conditions.

[bstarrs]

Well I placed my first order through smokingpipes.com. For my first tobaccos I ordered Peterson Irish Flake, Gawith Full Virginia Flake, Balkan Sasieni, and Captain Black Dark (I know it probably sucks but it was like 2.50 for the pouch so I figured I would throw it in. I'm looking forward to trying these out.

Thanks a lot for your advice Quan, I'm sure I will have more questions.

[Mister Moo]

...Your cobs should serve you well for a long time under normal conditions.Abnormal circumstances include smoking outdoors until the cob has a little cake inside. A slight breeze over a new cob can burn it out in short order. Ask me how I know. :D

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j5eV-gXtveE/TwxRqx_9NzI/AAAAAAAABkE/ajkRxaiIn4M/s400/hackert%2520burned%2520in.jpg

[cjhalbrooks]

Abnormal circumstances include smoking outdoors until the cob has a little cake inside. A slight breeze over a new cob can burn it out in short order. Ask me how I know. :D

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j5eV-gXtveE/TwxRqx_9NzI/AAAAAAAABkE/ajkRxaiIn4M/s400/hackert%2520burned%2520in.jpg


So at this point is the pipe still okay to use or will the pipe (combust) catch fire. Also will the burnt cob change the flavor of the tobacco?

[bstarrs]

I'll make sure to break in the cob away from the wind. Thanks for the tip

[Mister Moo]

So at this point is the pipe still okay to use or will the pipe (combust) catch fire. Also will the burnt cob change the flavor of the tobacco?At the point in the photo the pipe was getting hard to hold from the heat. I did the same thing with another new cob - a General - 2 1/2 years ago. The outside on this one showed a dark brown spot, was pretty well gutted and too hot to touch while smoking.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iADzGdXP4vk/TwpEPGHHNUI/AAAAAAAABiE/s0cUXMjNXhc/s512/IMAG0026-1.jpg

The cob in the post above was a fat little Hackert, about Legend size; neither of the pipes tasted ill. I mudded them both and they have been giving perfect service for many years. The General may be the best smoking pipe I ever owned. No more hot spot after smoothing in some mud and a few smokes:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QjxIj3lF6So/TyhkRgbmHDI/AAAAAAAABrU/rV5NOmqcclc/s640/P1010312.jpg

[bstarrs]

Does mudding actually mean rubbing mud inside? Or am I stupid for thinking that?

[Commander Quan]

Pipe mud is made with cigar ash and water that is mixed into a paste. It's magic stuff and can be used to raise the heal of a poorly drilled pipe, or fill in a spot that has started to burn out on a cob.

[bstarrs]

Oh I see, that's cool

[Mister Moo]

...or fill in a spot that has started to burn out on a cob.... or a briar! Heel below elevated with mud:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qp-TcD5OywA/TVwBM5JL7FI/AAAAAAAAARY/R_DQX984dkc/s720/bowl%2520dry%2520caked.jpg

[Commander Quan]

The bricks of Moo's house is actually mortared with pipe mud.

[bstarrs]

Any special preparations needed for lighting up a virgin pipe Quan? Mine should be arriving any day and i am excited to try them out.

[Commander Quan]

Not so much with a cob. I'd start with the BS, it should give you the most flavor with the least amount of effort. If you're used to cigars thevolume of smoke will be less than what you are used to so avoid the instinct to puff harder.

[mahtofire14]

This pipe forum has got me very interested in starting smoking pipes. I have been lurking on this side of the forum here for a couple weeks now, picking up info here and there. It has been valuable advice so far and has led me to want to buy a corn cob pipe to start with. My question is does one type of stem (not sure if that's the correct term), whether it's bent or straight make a difference in the taste, draw, or burn? Thanks in advance.

[RevSmoke]

This pipe forum has got me very interested in starting smoking pipes. I have been lurking on this side of the forum here for a couple weeks now, picking up info here and there. It has been valuable advice so far and has led me to want to buy a corn cob pipe to start with. My question is does one type of stem (not sure if that's the correct term), whether it's bent or straight make a difference in the taste, draw, or burn? Thanks in advance.

If you buy a cob, take out the filter, it is useless and does nothing but get soggy and clogged up. Essentially, there is not much difference between straight and bent, I enjoy both. However, if anything, a bent will collect condensation and cause a gurgle more easily than a straight. Cobs are great smokers to try pipe smoking.

[mahtofire14]

If you buy a cob, take out the filter, it is useless and does nothing but get soggy and clogged up. Essentially, there is not much difference between straight and bent, I enjoy both. However, if anything, a bent will collect condensation and cause a gurgle more easily than a straight. Cobs are great smokers to try pipe smoking.

Thanks Todd! I think I'll try a straight one to start off.

[Commander Quan]

When I buy cobs that have the orange bits like the Legend. I only buy the straight shape. The orange plastic bits aren't bent as much as they are kinked and a lot of junk builds up in that kink, and a pipe cleaner can't get it out very well.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

I've enjoyed pipes since I was 15-16 on and off (about 20 years). I'm no expert but thought I had a pretty decent idea of what was what. That said, I want to thank all the OFs on here as you've opened my eyes to several things I was unaware of. Most importantly, the new-found appreciation for a nice cob.

May your bowls always be full gentlemen, thank you.

[Flynnster]

Dearest Old Farts (I use that term endearingly)
I have a couple of questions for you after my first bowl (after giving up on pipes a year ago)
1) How much if at all do you exhale through your nose?
2) I was using Virginia flake and this packing technique, but I found that it didn't burn the sides as much as the center. Is this due to the packing method? Or just something that happens? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9tzmB0JInY

[Nick]

1) I hardly exhale through my nose at all. alot of pipe smokers use whats called the breath smoking method of pipe smoking which basically means that you draw the smoke into your mouth and then lightly exhale partially through the pipe and partially through your lips. The idea being that it keeps the pipe lit better nd you get a more even burn.
2) I think the breath smoking method may help slightly with this but it really just takes practice in packing, lighting, and smoking, to get it right also experiment with rubbing the tobacco out partially or fully.

I also highly recomend the frank method of filling your pipe, hes got vids on youtube.

[Mister Moo]

Dearest Old Farts (I use that term endearingly)
I have a couple of questions for you after my first bowl (after giving up on pipes a year ago)
1) How much if at all do you exhale through your nose?All the flavor is in the snork for me.


snork
-v (snork) Mod. english; 21st century Amer. slang, origin pipe and cigar forums

1. the process of removing recreational pipe or cigar smoke from the mouth through the sinuses and out the nostrils, bypassing the lungs, thereby saturating smell receptors and maximizing taste value while preserving total lung capacity (TLC).

Example: "Taste isn't all in your mouth; try a snork to recognize the full taste of cigar or pipe smoke."

[Nick]

Now that i think more about i do snork a little for better flavor. I just always did it with out noticing.

[ABQChris]

Hi there! From one old fart to another, I'm thinking about switching from my old standby pipe tobacco, Gawith's Dark Bird's Eye, to an aromatic. Oddly, I've been searching for hours and can't find anything online about the nicotine content of aromatics.

Does something cheaper, like Admiral's Choice, contain decent nicotine content? Also, is it normally considered reasonable on the lungs to inhale aromatics (I inhale the Dark Bird's Eye perhaps twice per bowl)? I should know these things after smoking a pipe for nearly four years, but I simply don't. Thank you! I appreciate it.

[RevSmoke]

Hi there! From one old fart to another, I'm thinking about switching from my old standby pipe tobacco, Gawith's Dark Bird's Eye, to an aromatic. Oddly, I've been searching for hours and can't find anything online about the nicotine content of aromatics.

Does something cheaper, like Admiral's Choice, contain decent nicotine content? Also, is it normally considered reasonable on the lungs to inhale aromatics (I inhale the Dark Bird's Eye perhaps twice per bowl)? I should know these things after smoking a pipe for nearly four years, but I simply don't. Thank you! I appreciate it.

The constituent tobaccos are what contain the nicotine. If you have been getting a nicotine hit from Dark Bird's Eye and not been nauseous or unconscious, you will not find the same nic fix in any aromatic - unless it is an aromatic made from Dark Bird's Eye. in fact, there are not many other tobaccos out there that will give you such a nic hit.

Oh wait, try the Gawith flavored ropes, they would be the only tobacco that I could think of that would come do that. I know the ropes have quite a nic hit, but I've never tried their aromatic ropes before. I will say that the Gawith aromatics are not usually something that American palates truly appreciate.

[ABQChris]

The constituent tobaccos are what contain the nicotine. If you have been getting a nicotine hit from Dark Bird's Eye and not been nauseous or unconscious, you will not find the same nic fix in any aromatic - unless it is an aromatic made from Dark Bird's Eye. in fact, there are not many other tobaccos out there that will give you such a nic hit.

Oh wait, try the Gawith flavored ropes, they would be the only tobacco that I could think of that would come do that. I know the ropes have quite a nic hit, but I've never tried their aromatic ropes before. I will say that the Gawith aromatics are not usually something that American palates truly appreciate.

Thank you! That's helpful. I appreciate your time.

[RevSmoke]

Thank you! That's helpful. I appreciate your time.

You are welcome. Been smoking a pipe for almost 30 years now. When I want a nic hit, I don't reach for an aromatic. I usually like a VaPer (Virginia w/Perique) blend. I haven't had Gawith's Dark Birdseye in a while, but that was always fairly high in nicotine.

[MarkinAZ]

snork
-v (snork) Mod. english; 21st century Amer. slang, origin pipe and cigar forums

1. the process of removing recreational pipe or cigar smoke from the mouth through the sinuses and out the nostrils, bypassing the lungs, thereby saturating smell receptors and maximizing taste value while preserving total lung capacity (TLC).



Now that i think more about i do snork a little for better flavor. I just always did it with out noticing.

Can't get enough of the snork myself, and when you get a really favorable and spicy baccy, its just "snork city" out on the patio.

I just blame Dan though:D;)

[Nick]

I blame everything on dan! Haha

About those ropes they are very good. But they are strong!

[ABQChris]

Hey, fellas. Happy Monday. You were so helpful before that I thought I'd pose a rather pressing (but hopefully easy) question about nicotine content.

Knowing my occasionally weak self-discipline, I've been smoking Gawith's Dark Bird's Eye for quite a while, as it's high in nicotine content without having to be inhaled, and this will keep me away from cigarettes -- as long as I get that ol' nicotine.

Two of my trusted online sellers, including Mars, are out of Dark Bird's Eye for the first time I can remember, due to their shared importer having run out. Can anyone recommend a comparable pipe tobacco, at least in terms of mouth-absorbed nicotine content? Thanks so much.

[MarkinAZ]

Hey, fellas. Happy Monday. You were so helpful before that I thought I'd pose a rather pressing (but hopefully easy) question about nicotine content.

Knowing my occasionally weak self-discipline, I've been smoking Gawith's Dark Bird's Eye for quite a while, as it's high in nicotine content without having to be inhaled, and this will keep me away from cigarettes -- as long as I get that ol' nicotine.

Two of my trusted online sellers, including Mars, are out of Dark Bird's Eye for the first time I can remember, due to their shared importer having run out. Can anyone recommend a comparable pipe tobacco, at least in terms of mouth-absorbed nicotine content? Thanks so much.

You may want to contact the following Chris:

http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/gawith-hoggarth/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=4014 (http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/gawith-hoggarth/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=4014)

[ABQChris]

You may want to contact the following Chris:

http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/gawith-hoggarth/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=4014 (http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/gawith-hoggarth/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=4014)

Thanks, Mark! I considered them, but I ordered from them once, and they repackaged the tobacco. It no longer came in a Gawith-Hoggarth bag; it was in a generic, clear plastic bag with the Smoking Pipes logo stuck on it. I figured that they could put any mixture in there without the customer knowing exactly what he's getting, since it was no longer in the factory packaging. Am I being paranoid?

[ABQChris]

Anyone? (Or am I being impatient, in addition to the above paranoia?) :)

[Savvy]

SP is one of the most legitimate retailers. Of course their bulk selections come in SP bags, but I highly doubt it would matter.

If you wanted to still get it in the SG boxes you would have to order the 250/500g boxes that SG releases. Everything else is going to be in SPs own bags.

I definitely have pounds and pounds of various tobacco from that site though. Definitely my preferred retailer.

[ABQChris]

SP is one of the most legitimate retailers. Of course their bulk selections come in SP bags, but I highly doubt it would matter.

If you wanted to still get it in the SG boxes you would have to order the 250/500g boxes that SG releases. Everything else is going to be in SPs own bags.

I definitely have pounds and pounds of various tobacco from that site though. Definitely my preferred retailer.

Thank you for the reply, Savvy. The non-factory packaging was, in fact, a 1-pound bag -- I don't order them any smaller. Mars offers the original 500g distinction, but not SP. Same quantity (virtually), different packaging.

If you're an experienced pipe smoker and you haven't noticed anything lacking in the legitimacy of their tobacco, I admit that that makes me feel a bit better about it.

[RevSmoke]

Thank you for the reply, Savvy. The non-factory packaging was, in fact, a 1-pound bag -- I don't order them any smaller. Mars offers the original 500g distinction, but not SP. Same quantity (virtually), different packaging.

If you're an experienced pipe smoker and you haven't noticed anything lacking in the legitimacy of their tobacco, I admit that that makes me feel a bit better about it.

I have gotten this particular tobacco from SP, in their packaging. Here's a great idea, place your order by phone - ask them for the whole 500g box/bag and see what you get.

Just so you know, Gawith, Hoggarth makes Darks Birdseye not SG. And, it is also available at Pipes & Cigars for 17oz for $53.43. Here's the link.

http://www.pipesandcigars.com/ghtobacco.html

[ABQChris]

I have gotten this particular tobacco from SP, in their packaging. Here's a great idea, place your order by phone - ask them for the whole 500g box/bag and see what you get.

Just so you know, Gawith, Hoggarth makes Darks Birdseye not SG. And, it is also available at Pipes & Cigars for 17oz for $53.43. Here's the link.

http://www.pipesandcigars.com/ghtobacco.html

Perfect, Rev.! I'm grateful for your help. Ordered. :)

[Gabe215]

Been doing some roaming on these threads on some research, my buddy and I want to start smoking pipes (we both are cigar smokers) can I store pipe tobacco in an old empty with a boveda pack? I'm assuming the aromatics will affect my cigars like infused cigars would! Also what if I don't open tin can it go in my coolidor?

I think I'm gonna try and sample some stuff I've read on the what's in your bowl thread, I was gonna try first and foremost Christmas cheer, and so to bed, night cap, royal yacht, exhausted rooster and sextant. I'm assuming I will like strong sweet tasty tobacco any other stuff I should try? Price isn't a huge point to factor because I will not leave being a cigar smoker, it's cold out and my girlfriend will let me smoke a pipe on the house and sounds like a fun hobby!! Thanks CA!

[Gabe215]

Empty humidor*

And unopened tin in a coolidor filled with cigars*

[RevSmoke]

Been doing some roaming on these threads on some research, my buddy and I want to start smoking pipes (we both are cigar smokers) can I store pipe tobacco in an old empty with a boveda pack? I'm assuming the aromatics will affect my cigars like infused cigars would! Also what if I don't open tin can it go in my coolidor?

I think I'm gonna try and sample some stuff I've read on the what's in your bowl thread, I was gonna try first and foremost Christmas cheer, and so to bed, night cap, royal yacht, exhausted rooster and sextant. I'm assuming I will like strong sweet tasty tobacco any other stuff I should try? Price isn't a huge point to factor because I will not leave being a cigar smoker, it's cold out and my girlfriend will let me smoke a pipe on the house and sounds like a fun hobby!! Thanks CA!

First of all, pipe smoking and cigar smoking are two completely different beasts. You will not, by any means, get the volume of smoke from a pipe that you will from a cigar. And if you try, you will fry your tongue and be sorry for days.

As to your questions, an unopened tin need not be stored where there is humidity as it is a vacuum sealed environment, neither letting humidity in or out. I have Christmas Cheer from 1999 which is unopened. Sealed tins will last as long as the seal remains intact.

Other tobaccos that are open, mason jars or other canning jars are great for keeping tobacco in and keeping it fresh. A glass jar with a bail top lid is also helpful.

as for the tobaccos you listed, be careful. Your first one, Christmas Cheer is naturally sweet tobacco, but it is a single crop Virginia and Virginias are naturally sweet. But I must tell you that isn't what you might imagine. Virginias are a great thing to enjoy, but not everybody enjoys the aroma of them as it is a natural tobacco without some sort of topnote on it. Royal Yacht is an aromatic and is usually enjoyed highly for the room note which it is smoked.

Furthermore, strong in pipe tobacco terms is something other than what it is in cigars. Do not expect the same affect.

If I could make a suggestion, I'd find a tobacconist near you (or an old pipe smoker) who can teach you how to pack, light, tamp, and keep your pipe lit live and in person - these simple things can make pipe smoking a pleasurable thing, while doing them improperly can make pipe smoking a royal pain in the asterisk, even if you have a great tobacco.

So, when you say strong and sweet, I'd say your best option is to get a bunch of samples to try so that you can find what you like and what kinds of tobaccos you enjoy. If I might, I would summarize the major types of tobaccos in this way.

Here is the link to a post where I list what I consider the main tobacco types.
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1738987&postcount=789

Hope this helps.

Peace o the Lord be with you.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Quick question for those more experienced than me.
I'm window shopping for a pipe to purchase right after xmas and I'm seeing the majority of pipes are out of stock. Is this normal because we're dealing with a product that takes time to make properly or is it just the gift buying rush that has depleted the stock (I'm eye-balling P&C specifically), or both?

[Conch Republican]

I don't know nearly as much as everyone else, but probably the Christmas rush in your area. I have a guy I. Can ask if you need me to, PM me with what you are looking for Nd I will be happy to ask

[Zanaspus]

P&C tends to get an order of pipes in, make a new posting for each style, and when it sells (regardless of any plans or abilities to acquire it in the future) the listing just stays there forever.

If you want to see the pipe you are actually going to receive, I highly recommend http://www.smokingpipes.com/ . They are a classy organization that receives most of my business. Not a bad thing to say about them in all my dealings.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Smoking pipes has what want. Thanks Tony, I'm going with them as the their tins and pipes fit my needs

[Zanaspus]

Smoking pipes has what want. Thanks Tony, I'm going with them as the their tins and pipes fit my needs

No worries at all. Russ Oulette does mix him some fine baccy. If you've yet to try his blends, several are quite stellar.

[Col. Kurtz]

My regular smoking buddy knew I was sniffing around the edges of pipe smoking. He chose the occasion of Christmas to pipe bomb me!

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc267/jdubx2/DSCN9861_zpsc408dd36.jpg


I know very little about pipe smoking. He knows a bit, but I want to give it a try soon. Specifically, I have read to discard the filters. Should I should clean after smoking and while still warm?

Can you refer me to a good youtube video of the proper way to pack a bowl and break in a cob (if there is such a thing)?

He gave me 4oz of a burley kake blend. How do I rub it out? Do I need to?

Finally, I like to smoke mild to medium cigars. I prefer mild non-peppery Dominican and Cubans. I'm not particularly interested in aromatics. Can you recommend some tobaccos to try? I have my eye on squadron leader.

Thanks! I'm sure I'll have a bunch more questions soon!

[Col. Kurtz]

I think I've figured out most of the basics from rereading this thread. Can someone classify the tobacco types and their characteristics? I see English blends, periques, virginias, burley, oriental, etc. what can I expect from these bases?

So far I don't think I like burley. Too much like the Levi Garrett chewing tobacco from my youth. Being from nc, I'm very familiar with flue cured gold leaf that goes into cigarettes and burley out west. Is virginia similar?

As above, I prefer mild to med cuban and Dominican cigars without pepper. What pipe tobacco comes close?

[Zanaspus]

I think I've figured out most of the basics from rereading this thread. Can someone classify the tobacco types and their characteristics? I see English blends, periques, virginias, burley, oriental, etc. what can I expect from these bases?

So far I don't think I like burley. Too much like the Levi Garrett chewing tobacco from my youth. Being from nc, I'm very familiar with flue cured gold leaf that goes into cigarettes and burley out west. Is virginia similar?

As above, I prefer mild to med cuban and Dominican cigars without pepper. What pipe tobacco comes close?

First, don't dicount all burleys from a taste of Classic Burley Kake. That is a topped (sugary syrup added to "enhance" the flavor) example that I am not particularly fond of despite burley being a go-to smoke of mine. I'm not saying you'll like burley, just give it more chances.My favorite burleys tend to be nutty and "cigary." Before I continue on, I'd suggest that you call the good folks at Cornell & Diehl and have them put together a sample package to try new and different things.

Tobacco types:
Burley: You've encountered. A neutral tobacco tasting tobacco that has lots of examples both good and bad (Go to your local smoke shop and get a pouch of Prince Albert to encounter a "pure" burley experience.

Virginia: Where it all started. That gold stuff in Brightleaf Square in Durham is, in fact an example of a virginia. While many pipe smokers end up here, it's not necessarily a great place to start. Its high sugar content means that smoking it too hot (i.e. smoke coming from your pipe or mouth that someone else can see) tends to make it tastless and tongue-biting. Once you've played around and can handle smiking on the edge of keeping things lit, you may find you like this stuff.

Perique: A condiment tobacco from St James Parrish in LA. It is often mixed in small amounts with virginias to mitigate their bitey qualities. Many folks call it peppery, but in reality, it's a chameleon that has almost as many tastes as blends it's a part of. Pepper, prunes, raisins, sweet cream, etc are only a few of its associated flavors.

Orientals: A group of tobaccos originally grown in the old orient; Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, etc. These tend to add a spicy or buttery quality to blends.

Latakia: A smoked oriental used in many blends which adds a campfire kind of note. This is a love it or hate it thing. I tend to go through love/hate cycles with it.

Types of "blends":

English: We could write a whole book of what does and does not constitute an English blend. Let's just say it's a mixture that always includes orientals/latakia as well as perhaps Virginia, burley and/or Perique

Vaper: Virginia/perique. Just what the name implies. These two are often combined to raise the pH of virginia tobacco and thus mitigate some of virginia's bite.

Welcome to pipe smoking. The information and number of blends compared to cigars is sort of like chess to checkers.

Like I said, call C&D, and they'll be happy to send you small amounts of various things so you can test drive them. Learn what you like and what you don't, and never be afraid to revisit things as pipe tastes are ever-dynamic. You'll find pipes and cigars have less in common than you might first think. And don't discount perique, or latakia, or whatever simply because of your cigar experiences. Like I said, very different animals.

Hope this helps.

[RevSmoke]

I think I've figured out most of the basics from rereading this thread. Can someone classify the tobacco types and their characteristics? I see English blends, periques, virginias, burley, oriental, etc. what can I expect from these bases?

So far I don't think I like burley. Too much like the Levi Garrett chewing tobacco from my youth. Being from nc, I'm very familiar with flue cured gold leaf that goes into cigarettes and burley out west. Is virginia similar?

As above, I prefer mild to med cuban and Dominican cigars without pepper. What pipe tobacco comes close?

First, don't dicount all burleys from a taste of Classic Burley Kake. That is a topped (sugary syrup added to "enhance" the flavor) example that I am not particularly fond of despite burley being a go-to smoke of mine. I'm not saying you'll like burley, just give it more chances.My favorite burleys tend to be nutty and "cigary." Before I continue on, I'd suggest that you call the good folks at Cornell & Diehl and have them put together a sample package to try new and different things.

Tobacco types:
Burley: You've encountered. A neutral tobacco tasting tobacco that has lots of examples both good and bad (Go to your local smoke shop and get a pouch of Prince Albert to encounter a "pure" burley experience.

Virginia: Where it all started. That gold stuff in Brightleaf Square in Durham is, in fact an example of a virginia. While many pipe smokers end up here, it's not necessarily a great place to start. Its high sugar content means that smoking it too hot (i.e. smoke coming from your pipe or mouth that someone else can see) tends to make it tastless and tongue-biting. Once you've played around and can handle smiking on the edge of keeping things lit, you may find you like this stuff.

Perique: A condiment tobacco from St James Parrish in LA. It is often mixed in small amounts with virginias to mitigate their bitey qualities. Many folks call it peppery, but in reality, it's a chameleon that has almost as many tastes as blends it's a part of. Pepper, prunes, raisins, sweet cream, etc are only a few of its associated flavors.

Orientals: A group of tobaccos originally grown in the old orient; Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, etc. These tend to add a spicy or buttery quality to blends.

Latakia: A smoked oriental used in many blends which adds a campfire kind of note. This is a love it or hate it thing. I tend to go through love/hate cycles with it.

Types of "blends":

English: We could write a whole book of what does and does not constitute an English blend. Let's just say it's a mixture that always includes orientals/latakia as well as perhaps Virginia, burley and/or Perique

Vaper: Virginia/perique. Just what the name implies. These two are often combined to raise the pH of virginia tobacco and thus mitigate some of virginia's bite.

Welcome to pipe smoking. The information and number of blends compared to cigars is sort of like chess to checkers.

Like I said, call C&D, and they'll be happy to send you small amounts of various things so you can test drive them. Learn what you like and what you don't, and never be afraid to revisit things as pipe tastes are ever-dynamic. You'll find pipes and cigars have less in common than you might first think. And don't discount perique, or latakia, or whatever simply because of your cigar experiences. Like I said, very different animals.

Hope this helps.

Tony, I think you did a good job with the descriptions.

Cornell & Diehl is a great suggestion - but I'd add a caveat here with them. They do Burley blends like nobody else does, so try a couple burley blends from them. They are also tops in regard to Aromatics as they do not use PG or a heavy syrup when they do top notes, again, my personal opinion is that they do these better than anybody else.

C&D also does a nice job with Latakia blends (what many call English blends). They have a few Virginias and VaPers that are not bad, but here is where you really need to go outside C&D to get a better idea of how these can really sing. This is more of a "you don't smoke only one brand of cigar that you really like" thing.

Once you get through a sampler from C&D, then we can help you get some other things from other blenders to give you other tastes to expand.

Remember though, your tastes may differ from everybody else. What my favorites are may not be yours - or anybody else's for that matter.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Zanaspus]

Tony, I think you did a good job with the descriptions.

Cornell & Diehl is a great suggestion - but I'd add a caveat here with them. They do Burley blends like nobody else does, so try a couple burley blends from them. They are also tops in regard to Aromatics as they do not use PG or a heavy syrup when they do top notes, again, my personal opinion is that they do these better than anybody else.

C&D also does a nice job with Latakia blends (what many call English blends). They have a few Virginias and VaPers that are not bad, but here is where you really need to go outside C&D to get a better idea of how these can really sing. This is more of a "you don't smoke only one brand of cigar that you really like" thing.

Once you get through a sampler from C&D, then we can help you get some other things from other blenders to give you other tastes to expand.

Remember though, your tastes may differ from everybody else. What my favorites are may not be yours - or anybody else's for that matter.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Great point Rev. Virginias are not their forte.

[Col. Kurtz]

A kindly "thank you" for the very informative replies. Off down another slope... Your knowledge has helped me greatly as I try to get a handle on all this.

Virginias are local (to me) brightleaf? Why doesn't a Virginia blend smell or taste like a marlboro?

[RevSmoke]

A kindly "thank you" for the very informative replies. Off down another slope... Your knowledge has helped me greatly as I try to get a handle on all this.

Virginias are local (to me) brightleaf? Why doesn't a Virginia blend smell or taste like a marlboro?

Virginia blends are made from a different tobacco than what goes into Marlboro cigarettes - that tobacco is what we would call in the pipe world a burley tobacco. Pipe tobacco Virginias may or may not be grown in Virginia, in fact, some are grown in Africa, brightleaf is what it is commonly called - Virginias have a higher sugar content than what you will find in cigarettes.

[Col. Kurtz]

Sorry to be a pest. I'm really enjoying pipes so far!

I have a few opened tins laying around (with the lids on). Any danger of them drying out in say six months or so? I see some store in mason jars, but it seems those 50g tins seal fairly well. What's best for storing opened tins? I'm thinking desk drawer.

[RevSmoke]

Sorry to be a pest. I'm really enjoying pipes so far!

I have a few opened tins laying around (with the lids on). Any danger of them drying out in say six months or so? I see some store in mason jars, but it seems those 50g tins seal fairly well. What's best for storing opened tins? I'm thinking desk drawer.

Screw on top tins might keep for a while, but 6 months is pushing it. And that Dunhill square tin would not make it 6 months.

I like to store opened tins in a Tupperware cake or bread container, something that seals completely.

Oh, they will rust in your humidor. ;)

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Col. Kurtz]

Screw on top tins might keep for a while, but 6 months is pushing it. And that Dunhill square tin would not make it 6 months.

I like to store opened tins in a Tupperware cake or bread container, something that seals completely.

Oh, they will rust in your humidor. ;)

Peace of the Lord be with you.

:tu

Would a boveda be too much to throw in with them?

Different Tupperware for aromatics?

And also with you.

[RevSmoke]

:tu

Would a boveda be too much to throw in with them?

Different Tupperware for aromatics?

And also with you.

If it seals air tight, you don't need a boveda.

If your tobaccos are in a tin, I think you'll be good. Although if you want to put the aromatics in one and the others in another, it wouldn't hurt. Also, if you have any with Latakia, those are the ones that are more powerful in regards to proximity to contaminating other tobaccos.

[OnePyroTec]

My :2 would be that a case of jelly jars from the big box store would be your best bet. Container vs. container, they are cheaper than the trademark tupperware brand containers and at least for me...I don't have to listen to my wife ***** about her missing tupperware.

[MarkinAZ]

My :2 would be that a case of jelly jars from the big box store would be your best bet. Container vs. container, they are cheaper than the trademark tupperware brand containers and at least for me...I don't have to listen to my wife ***** about her missing tupperware.

Your wife has missing tupperware too Wayne? Amazing:D

[RevSmoke]

My :2 would be that a case of jelly jars from the big box store would be your best bet. Container vs. container, they are cheaper than the trademark tupperware brand containers and at least for me...I don't have to listen to my wife ***** about her missing tupperware.

Funny, all my Tupperware says Rubbermaid on it. ;)

Rubbermaid that has an air tight seal is the same as Tupperware.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

A dozen small bell jars only runs about 10 bucks. I highly recommend them.
Also, if you go the jar route, check the lids on jars you don't open often after a couple days as they will sometimes loosen a bit. You should only have to re-tighten once though once fixed and left alone.

[RevSmoke]

A dozen small bell jars only runs about 10 bucks. I highly recommend them.
Also, if you go the jar route, check the lids on jars you don't open often after a couple days as they will sometimes loosen a bit. You should only have to re-tighten once though once fixed and left alone.

I use canning jars for my bulk tobacco, but for tobacco already in a tin? Do you seriously take it out of the tin to put in a jar? I applaud you for doing so!

Personally, I like the tins for another reason - because I can slip one in my pocket and go. If I want to take some tobacco that is jarred, I take a couple pipe's worth and put it in a tin or pouch - glass jars don't not travel well, and break too easily (yes, I learned the hard way - I even thought 1/2 pint jars, being smaller was the ticket - it took break 2 of those even to teach me).

I have a large-ish Rubbermaid container that seals air tight, I think it was made to hold a loaf of bread. At present it has 9 tins in it, some 50g and a couple 100g. A couple of the tins have been in there for over a year and are still fresh.

In the 32+ years of pipe smoking, I've done a bunch of things. In college, I had only one container with tobacco, and it was the only blend I smoked. It held almost a pound, so I would just fill it up and smoke it. Usually, it lasted me about 2 months. I had either a pipe or a cigar in my mouth almost constantly, and pipes more than cigars. (My humidor held about 100 cigars, and it usually only had Punch Rothschilds, AF Chateaus, AF Rothschilds, and El Rey del Mundo Robustos in it.)

It wasn't till I was at Seminary that my tastes in tobacco expanded. I tried to get by on the cheap, and I really thought I couldn't justify a bunch of different tobacco sitting around. Well, that changed and so I needed to discover ways to store numerous open tins and bulk tobacco in baggies that were open so I could leave Mason/Ball jar sealed shut w/out opening and closing all the time. I also began to smoke less often, and cigars began to take up more of my smoking rotation space. That's where I discovered the Rubbermaid container. It has been servicing my "open tobacco" sealing needs for about 25 years or so.

There are many ways to do this, mine is just one.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[OnePyroTec]

When "I" open a tin, it goes straight to a canning jar. I have so many cigars & pipe tobacco that I could never finish a tin before it would dry out because I am usually smoking a different tobacco most of the time.

When I travel for work for days on end, I do take a range bag (it is cushioned) full of the little jars & the pistol case carries about a dozen pipes . Sometime is it is just a day trip, I'll load a few pipes or take an old tin with some tobacco in it.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Like Wayne, I dump the majority into a jar but keep some in the tin for smoking. I do like the idea of using rubbemaid/tupperware too though Todd, I'll have to pick up something during my next errand run. Seems a small price to pay for a little more peace of mind. The issue never presented itself in the past as I would only buy enough baccy to smoke. Now that I'm starting to branch out and explore more, I've found I have a small "collection" of blends on my hands that I wouldn't want drying up.

As always, thanks to all who contribute to this thread, top notch information and ideas.

[RevSmoke]

If I take a couple pipes along fishing or golfing for, I don't usually have room for more than one blend in one container (and a 3-finger cigar case). A tin (or tobacco pouch) is safer for me than even a small Mason jar held in my pocket. The round twist-to-open tins seal fairly nicely and float better than Mason jars too.

I have even taken to putting labels on old tins, taking a few ounces out of a larger Mason jar to put in that tin, and till the tobacco is gone, keeping that tin in my Rubbermaid storage.

Of course, as I shave with a double edge razor, I put spent blades in an old Robert McConnell Scottish Flake tin that I super-glued shut and cut a corner slit in with a saws all. I have put spent blades in there for the last 2 years and there is still room.

Tins come in handy.

[Zanaspus]

When "I" open a tin, it goes straight to a canning jar. I have so many cigars & pipe tobacco that I could never finish a tin before it would dry out because I am usually smoking a different tobacco most of the time.

When I travel for work for days on end, I do take a range bag (it is cushioned) full of the little jars & the pistol case carries about a dozen pipes . Sometime is it is just a day trip, I'll load a few pipes or take an old tin with some tobacco in it.

You're a better man than I am. I would suggest that in the future you let a tin or two "dry out." There are a lot of tobaccos out there that are simply better when "crackly."

[RevSmoke]

You're a better man than I am. I would suggest that in the future you let a tin or two "dry out." There are a lot of tobaccos out there that are simply better when "crackly."

I do not know about crackly, but I definitely like my tobaccos better on the drier side than the wet or even moist side.

[Dude Here]

Here's one I'm hoping you old farts can help me with. My pipe smells and tastes like an ashtray. Pretty badly too. I've had two bowls through it thus far and it's got a black char on the inside of the bowl. Is the ashtray taste and charring normal? I've ran about six pipe cleaners through it since I bought the pipe. The cleaners help a little but but it's still got a really strong ashtray smell and taste. I'm pretty sure it's something I'm doing wrong though, probably smoking too fast/hard. Any help ya'll can give me to get that smell and taste out is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Edit: it's a Missouri Meerschaum pipe and a burley house blend from the B&M that I'm smoking.

[DaBear]

Here's one I'm hoping you old farts can help me with. My pipe smells and tastes like an ashtray. Pretty badly too. I've had two bowls through it thus far and it's got a black char on the inside of the bowl. Is the ashtray taste and charring normal? I've ran about six pipe cleaners through it since I bought the pipe. The cleaners help a little but but it's still got a really strong ashtray smell and taste. I'm pretty sure it's something I'm doing wrong though, probably smoking too fast/hard. Any help ya'll can give me to get that smell and taste out is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Edit: it's a Missouri Meerschaum pipe and a burley house blend from the B&M that I'm smoking.

Since its a cob, no need to worry. Cobs need about 5-10 bowls smoked in em to break in. Those first bowls that "ashtray" flavor comes from the bowl getting its initial char. Once thats done itll calm down. Then you get my favorite thing about a cob after its smoked, that faint smell of my great-grandmother's corn if you smell the outside of the bowl.

[Dude Here]

Since its a cob, no need to worry. Cobs need about 5-10 bowls smoked in em to break in. Those first bowls that "ashtray" flavor comes from the bowl getting its initial char. Once thats done itll calm down. Then you get my favorite thing about a cob after its smoked, that faint smell of my great-grandmother's corn if you smell the outside of the bowl.

Thanks for the info! So another question on the same topic. Do briars that come "pre-charred" still go through that ashy taste period? Or do briars not really have this happen to them at all? Thanks again!

[DaBear]

Thanks for the info! So another question on the same topic. Do briars that come "pre-charred" still go through that ashy taste period? Or do briars not really have this happen to them at all? Thanks again!

Briars tend to not have that same period like a cob. On the other hand, a new briar still needs broken in and a good cake formed in the bowl for heat reasons mainly. A good cake helps keep the bowl cooler throughout the smoke, and in newer briars, this typically means the bowl will get hot much quicker than will be the norm down the road. And I'm assuming the "pre-charring" you're referring to is the bowl having a finish on the inside. Thats just something a lot of companies use to help that initial cake form in the bowl.

[OnePyroTec]

You're a better man than I am. I would suggest that in the future you let a tin or two "dry out." There are a lot of tobaccos out there that are simply better when "crackly."

I do dry 'em as I go. If I dried then packed it into jars, it would turn to dust. (I pack the jars pretty tight sometimes)

I smoke a lot of cobs too...when I'm done with a bowl, I tend t take a paper towel and wad it up a bit to wipe the inside of my cob...sometimes I'll dampen it a tiny bit if I let the pipe cool down before wiping.

[RevSmoke]

Here's one I'm hoping you old farts can help me with. My pipe smells and tastes like an ashtray. Pretty badly too. I've had two bowls through it thus far and it's got a black char on the inside of the bowl. Is the ashtray taste and charring normal? I've ran about six pipe cleaners through it since I bought the pipe. The cleaners help a little but but it's still got a really strong ashtray smell and taste. I'm pretty sure it's something I'm doing wrong though, probably smoking too fast/hard. Any help ya'll can give me to get that smell and taste out is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Edit: it's a Missouri Meerschaum pipe and a burley house blend from the B&M that I'm smoking.

I do dry 'em as I go. If I dried then packed it into jars, it would turn to dust. (I pack the jars pretty tight sometimes)

I smoke a lot of cobs too...when I'm done with a bowl, I tend t take a paper towel and wad it up a bit to wipe the inside of my cob...sometimes I'll dampen it a tiny bit if I let the pipe cool down before wiping.

A) Does it still have the filter in the stem? If so, get rid of it. It is more of a pain than it is a benefit, and often smells nasty.

B) You do not need to wipe the inside of the bowl. Dump the dottle and let a bit of a cake build up on the inside of the bowl, that is what protects the pipe itself. When you wipe it out, the cake doesn't have a chance to build up.

How to build a cake? This is the simple explanation. Smoke your pipe down to dottle (ash), put your thumb over the bowl and shake the ash inside for a couple seconds, remove thumb and dump dottle out, set pipe down and let it rest. If you have not done so, run a pipe cleaner through it. A cake will develop on the inside of the bowl and protect the pipe itself, this is a good thing.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[OnePyroTec]

I can say for sure that my cobs I use a lot, have a good amount of cake in them. I have even had to ream a couple old ones. But at the same time, they never have smelled bad.

[Col. Kurtz]

Thanks for all the great advice frats! I'm heavily down the slope now. My first few tries with a pipe were unfulfilling. With your kind guidance I feel like I'm fully experiencing all the bowl has to offer. I never thought I'd get the same satisfaction as with a cigar, yet I do and then some. Also it's much more cost effective. Thanks!!

[Dude Here]

A) Does it still have the filter in the stem? If so, get rid of it. It is more of a pain than it is a benefit, and often smells nasty.

B) You do not need to wipe the inside of the bowl. Dump the dottle and let a bit of a cake build up on the inside of the bowl, that is what protects the pipe itself. When you wipe it out, the cake doesn't have a chance to build up.

How to build a cake? This is the simple explanation. Smoke your pipe down to dottle (ash), put your thumb over the bowl and shake the ash inside for a couple seconds, remove thumb and dump dottle out, set pipe down and let it rest. If you have not done so, run a pipe cleaner through it. A cake will develop on the inside of the bowl and protect the pipe itself, this is a good thing.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Thanks for the cake building advice Rev! It came with a filter but I pulled that out as soon as I walked out of the shop. I don't smoke filtered cigars, why would a pipe need one. Gonna go for another bowl tonight, hopefully that ashtray flavor will dissipate some more.

[Dude Here]

Back again with another question gentlemen.

What is sort of the general rule of thumb when it comes to puffing on the pipe? By this I mean that in the cigar world one draw per minute is the most general advice given, is there a similar timeframe with pipes? I've been experimenting with several different cadences and have yet to find one that really feels right. Thus far taking a small puff (sip I guess) every few seconds is working the best for keeping the pipe lit, but are longer paced fuller draws the better way? What's the best puffing method for really tasting the tobacco? Thanks again everyone, this is a new and exciting venture and it's really nice to have a resource like this available.

[Zanaspus]

Back again with another question gentlemen.

What is sort of the general rule of thumb when it comes to puffing on the pipe? By this I mean that in the cigar world one draw per minute is the most general advice given, is there a similar timeframe with pipes? I've been experimenting with several different cadences and have yet to find one that really feels right. Thus far taking a small puff (sip I guess) every few seconds is working the best for keeping the pipe lit, but are longer paced fuller draws the better way? What's the best puffing method for really tasting the tobacco? Thanks again everyone, this is a new and exciting venture and it's really nice to have a resource like this available.

It depends on the tobacco really. Pure Virginias and Va/Pers are meant to be sipped and kept right on the edge of going out. By doing so, you can get puffs of sweetness you never knew existed in the tobacco world. English and Burley blends on the other hand tend to be very blend specific. There are several of these that I find deliver the best flavor when puffed like a steam engine, while there are others that taste best when smoked like a pure Virginia. Experiment extensively with what you're smoking.

This is why I always have to laugh when reviewers say things like, "I tried one bowl and knew it was not for me." I don't really feel I'm qualified to judge a tobacco until I've smoked at least 2 (preferably 8) ounces of a particular blend.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Spot on advice Tony. Very well put.

[RevSmoke]

It depends on the tobacco really. Pure Virginias and Va/Pers are meant to be sipped and kept right on the edge of going out. By doing so, you can get puffs of sweetness you never knew existed in the tobacco world. English and Burley blends on the other hand tend to be very blend specific. There are several of these that I find deliver the best flavor when puffed like a steam engine, while there are others that taste best when smoked like a pure Virginia. Experiment extensively with what you're smoking.

This is why I always have to laugh when reviewers say things like, "I tried one bowl and knew it was not for me." I don't really feel I'm qualified to judge a tobacco until I've smoked at least 2 (preferably 8) ounces of a particular blend.

Spot on advice Tony. Very well put.

:tpd:

[Col. Kurtz]

I'm roughly a month into pipe smoking and really digging it so far. I thank all you old farts for the kind advice.

I have quite a few open tins that I have sampled.

C&D Crosseyed cricket
Dunhill Flake
Dunhill Elizabethan Mixture
Squadron Leader
Three Nuns (current)
Escudo
Home and Hearth Burley Kake

Here are my takes and ranking so far:

7. Crosseyed Cricket - Aromatic- Sweet and smokey. Tough to get my arms around this one. Had quite a few bowls to start, but haven't found my way back recently... Not bad, just different.

6. H&H Burley Kake - mild aromatic - Not as smokey as sweet. I can see the nutty characteristics associated with burley here. Nice room note for the non-smoker. Very cool smoking and easy. Nice and relaxing, but lacking in flavors and engagement for me.

5. Dunhill Flake - Straight Virginia - I call this the champagne of pipe tobacco. Not strong, not spicy. I've folded and stuffed: I've cube cut and rubbed it out. A full bowl lasts two hours. I'm tired of this one half way through. Light, and savory. I don't get the sweet out of this that others do. Not bad, but not very engaging. I think I may rub this out with some burley kake to see what happens...

4. Squadron Leader - English/oriental Mixture - moderate strength, mild to moderate smokey flavors. The tin note is more smokey and scotch-ey than the smoke. Very nice tobacco. Perhaps not my cup-o-tea. Love the icky sticky consistency of this one out of the tin. Very appealing!! Not giving up on this one by any means, just more wild about the next three right now.

3. Escudo - VAPER - Very nice coin cut tobacco. One coin quitar pick folded into my small Kaywoodie is perfect. One hour of bliss. Slow smoking and cool. I find myself tamping the edges into the fire. I've not had as much luck rubbing it out. I figure it's coin cut for a reason. Not spicy or confrontational at all. Very smooth and strong in a backhanded kind of way. I can see many layers in this smoke. It seems to hit it's stride right before it clogs up my stinger with dottle.

2. Elizabethan Mixture - VAPER - this was tops in my book for a while. Spicy, smooth, sweet, and thick smoke. What more can be said about this one? I could be a very happy man smoking nothing but this. I love it.

1. Three Nuns - Virginia, Kentucky - Curly cut - spun There seems to be some controversy surrounding this one. I never had the pleasure of smoking the VAPER blend, so I can't compare the two. The original must have been bliss if this is a mere shadow as some allege. This is perfect in my opinion. The tin smells like sweet horse feed. Heavy molasses scents and flavors. Smokes cool with no bite. I was worried since this is a Mac Baren blend and others are concerned with the McB bite. The small coins stack and fold nicely in my pipes. I seem to tamp and push this one together quite a bit, but the sweet; humid, cool smoke is it's own reward. I don't have to tamp and relight as much as Dunhill flake, but it's almost as annoying. The flavors on re-lighting are superb. Thick; smooth, tongue coating, nutty sweetness. Bliss. :tu:tu

Again, thanks for the pushes in the right direction. I can't wait to try more blends.

Next on my list is Hal O the Wynd, or Dunbar if I can find it locally.

Cheers!

[RevSmoke]

3. Escudo - VAPER - Very nice coin cut tobacco. One coin quitar pick folded into my small Kaywoodie is perfect. One hour of bliss. Slow smoking and cool. I find myself tamping the edges into the fire. I've not had as much luck rubbing it out. I figure it's coin cut for a reason. Not spicy or confrontational at all. Very smooth and strong in a backhanded kind of way. I can see many layers in this smoke. It seems to hit it's stride right before it clogs up my stinger with dottle.

2. Elizabethan Mixture - VAPER - this was tops in my book for a while. Spicy, smooth, sweet, and thick smoke. What more can be said about this one? I could be a very happy man smoking nothing but this. I love it.

1. Three Nuns - Virginia, Kentucky - Curly cut - spun There seems to be some controversy surrounding this one. I never had the pleasure of smoking the VAPER blend, so I can't compare the two. The original must have been bliss if this is a mere shadow as some allege. This is perfect in my opinion. The tin smells like sweet horse feed. Heavy molasses scents and flavors. Smokes cool with no bite. I was worried since this is a Mac Baren blend and others are concerned with the McB bite. The small coins stack and fold nicely in my pipes. I seem to tamp and push this one together quite a bit, but the sweet; humid, cool smoke is it's own reward. I don't have to tamp and relight as much as Dunhill flake, but it's almost as annoying. The flavors on re-lighting are superb. Thick; smooth, tongue coating, nutty sweetness. Bliss. :tu:tu

Again, thanks for the pushes in the right direction. I can't wait to try more blends.

Next on my list is Hal O the Wynd, or Dunbar if I can find it locally.

Cheers!

So, I am assuming the Thee Nuns is the new edition? I'd gladly trade you a for few bowls of Three Nuns - I will send you a couple of Hal 'O the Wynd? If you are interested, give me a PM.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Todd

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

The original must have been bliss if this is a mere shadow as some allege.

Same here. It's tough to hear the stories of tobaccos past and how the current homage to the blend "just isn't the same". If anything, it's pushed me towards stocking more than I need for cellaring.

[Col. Kurtz]

So, I am assuming the Thee Nuns is the new edition? I'd gladly trade you a for few bowls of Three Nuns - I will send you a couple of Hal 'O the Wynd? If you are interested, give me a PM.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Todd


Indeed it is. PM incoming :tu

[RevSmoke]

Same here. It's tough to hear the stories of tobaccos past and how the current homage to the blend "just isn't the same". If anything, it's pushed me towards stocking more than I need for cellaring.

Three Nuns was very good, but it wasn't something that really "WOW"ed me personally. Do not get me wrong, I liked it, but some thought it was better. It never lived up to the hype (in my estimation). So, does the new stuff by MacBaren NOT have Perique in it? Hmmm, is that really Three Nuns then? I thought this was a recreation of the old recipe? If it is, how can you do that by removing a key ingredient? Granted, there was not as much Perique in it as I would have liked.

I would still love to try it, just to see how it compares to the old stuff. It does scare me that MacBaren is blending it though, for everything MacBaren does bites me like a rabid dog.

Yes, if you find something you really like, put some away. If nothing else, even if it stays in production till forever, aged tobaccos usually are even better.

By the way, sometimes memories are better than the reality ever was.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Zanaspus]

Same here. It's tough to hear the stories of tobaccos past and how the current homage to the blend "just isn't the same". If anything, it's pushed me towards stocking more than I need for cellaring.

IMHO, "The good old days" were always better. We see the past through rose colored glasses. Are some good blends gone? Sure. But there are more great blenders/blends about today than there have ever been in the past. If you find something you can't live without, buy big. Otherwise, there's always another 50 great blends to try.

[RevSmoke]

I'm roughly a month into pipe smoking and really digging it so far. I thank all you old farts for the kind advice.

Old farts? Seriously? You want to call me an old fart? Fart? Yes! Old? I refuse to go into that dark night.

7. Crosseyed Cricket - Aromatic- Sweet and smokey. Tough to get my arms around this one. Had quite a few bowls to start, but haven't found my way back recently... Not bad, just different.

Good assessment. I haven't had any in ages, but it reminded me of Lakakia and Fruit Loops.

5. Dunhill Flake - Straight Virginia - I call this the champagne of pipe tobacco. Not strong, not spicy. I've folded and stuffed: I've cube cut and rubbed it out. A full bowl lasts two hours. I'm tired of this one half way through. Light, and savory. I don't get the sweet out of this that others do. Not bad, but not very engaging. I think I may rub this out with some burley kake to see what happens...

Please, oh please, do not pollute this wonderful VA with any crappy Burley. (OK, my personal taste is that there is nothing redeeming about burley, so I see no reason for it.) But that parenthetical statement and your finding sweetness in the burley proves a point - everybody's palate is different. Of course, it might also have to do with the pipes you are using (has something been smoked in it previously that has ghosted it), and the rate at which you smoke, or what might be distracting you while smoking it. I find Dunhill Flake wonderfully sweet - but it smokes sweeter when it is a bit dried out.

4. Squadron Leader - English/oriental Mixture - moderate strength, mild to moderate smokey flavors. The tin note is more smokey and scotch-ey than the smoke. Very nice tobacco. Perhaps not my cup-o-tea. Love the icky sticky consistency of this one out of the tin. Very appealing!! Not giving up on this one by any means, just more wild about the next three right now.

Icky, sticky is not a good way for tobacco to be in order for it to smoke well. Most tobaccos are sent out overly moist so that they do not dry out to fast. However, smokability comes with some drying time. When you pinch a clump of tobacco it should not stick together, but neither should it turn to dust, but it should feel more on the drier side when it is time to smoke. (at least, that is what I have personally found to be true)

3. Escudo - VAPER - Very nice coin cut tobacco. One coin quitar pick folded into my small Kaywoodie is perfect. One hour of bliss. Slow smoking and cool. I find myself tamping the edges into the fire. I've not had as much luck rubbing it out. I figure it's coin cut for a reason. Not spicy or confrontational at all. Very smooth and strong in a backhanded kind of way. I can see many layers in this smoke. It seems to hit it's stride right before it clogs up my stinger with dottle.

The coin cut can be smoked that way, but ropes are made so that the constituent tobaccos can meld, and then it is cut into coins so that you don't have to. They are left as coins cause it look cool. it can be folded and smoked, I like it that way. Rubbed out however, I (PERSONALLY) have found that the flavors open up a bit. Rubbing it also allows it to dry more evenly and "hits it's stride" a bit sooner.
2. Elizabethan Mixture - VAPER - this was tops in my book for a while. Spicy, smooth, sweet, and thick smoke. What more can be said about this one? I could be a very happy man smoking nothing but this. I love it.

1. Three Nuns - Virginia, Kentucky - Curly cut - spun There seems to be some controversy surrounding this one. I never had the pleasure of smoking the VAPER blend, so I can't compare the two. The original must have been bliss if this is a mere shadow as some allege. This is perfect in my opinion. The tin smells like sweet horse feed. Heavy molasses scents and flavors. Smokes cool with no bite. I was worried since this is a Mac Baren blend and others are concerned with the McB bite. The small coins stack and fold nicely in my pipes. I seem to tamp and push this one together quite a bit, but the sweet; humid, cool smoke is it's own reward. I don't have to tamp and relight as much as Dunhill flake, but it's almost as annoying. The flavors on re-lighting are superb. Thick; smooth, tongue coating, nutty sweetness. Bliss. :tu:tu

Looking forward to trying this. I remember this with Perique, and then the next version without. WOW, talk about a perversion - it was like mammoric glands on a male bovine. I took some of the second version and added some Perique and let it sit. I think I got the ratios wrong, but it was an improvement. I am looking forward to trying this, and if necessary, I still have some more Perique left.



Jerry, it is good to see someone trying new things. Do not let yourself be corrupted by thinking, "I need to like it because Joe Pipester says it is marvelous." I have a buddy who smokes only Carter Hall. I cannot stand it, but he loves it - so be it.

But, try a bunch of things to find what you like.

I still try things, but I have found a few blends that are my staples. I do not see spending money on tobaccos that I think are nice but don't get into the rotation.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Todd

[RevSmoke]

Yes, if you find something you really like, put some away. If nothing else, even if it stays in production till forever, aged tobaccos usually are even better.

By the way, sometimes memories are better than the reality ever was.


IMHO, "The good old days" were always better. We see the past through rose colored glasses. Are some good blends gone? Sure. But there are more great blenders/blends about today than there have ever been in the past. If you find something you can't live without, buy big. Otherwise, there's always another 50 great blends to try.

I think we are echoes of one another.

I miss Syrian Latakia in blends. Cyprian is nice, but different. Some blends have changed just by that simple omission. So, while some is rose colored glasses, some is not.

I also agree that we have access to more stuff than before. But while there are more blends and blenders, I also believe there is also more schlock out there as well.

I do not smoke as often as I used to, so when I do smoke something it has to be something I really like. If it isn't, I get upset that I wasted my one smoke for a few days on a mediocre tobacco - that sucks. So, while I still like to try stuff, I have found a bunch of stuff that really satisfies me, so that is what I stock up on to keep on hand.

[mahtofire14]

Ever since I joined this site I have been sneaking around in this section trying to pick up a few beginner tips and trying to convince myself to give pipes another try. I used to think smoking a pipe was just filling a pipe with tobacco and lighting it. However after reading this thread for awhile that's obviously why I became quickly frustrated with pipe smoking.

Anyway, I have one question for the experts. When packing flake, do you still tamp it down like you would with regular tobacco? I've never smoked flake and am curious about it. Thanks in advance.

[RevSmoke]

Ever since I joined this site I have been sneaking around in this section trying to pick up a few beginner tips and trying to convince myself to give pipes another try. I used to think smoking a pipe was just filling a pipe with tobacco and lighting it. However after reading this thread for awhile that's obviously why I became quickly frustrated with pipe smoking.

Anyway, I have one question for the experts. When packing flake, do you still tamp it down like you would with regular tobacco? I've never smoked flake and am curious about it. Thanks in advance.

Once lit, yes, you will tamp.

[Robulous78]

Hey Old Fart's, (said endearingly)

Tried some Hearth & Home Meat Candy Maple & Bacon and fell in love, Went ahead and ordered a few more oz's...

I still really have little idea about pipe tobaccos, but this one caught my fancy, any more you can recommend similar to this?

Thanks,

Rob

[mahtofire14]

Once lit, yes, you will tamp.

The reason I ask is while reading up on packing pipes the majority have suggested lightly tamping the tobacco when you fill the bowl once, tamping it so it is half full, filling it to the top again, then tamping again. Is this considered the "correct" way? I will go back and read the thread in here about it as well. Rev, I was referring the this step in regards to packing with flake. Thanks for the help, by the way.

[Robulous78]

The reason I ask is while reading up on packing pipes the majority have suggested lightly tamping the tobacco when you fill the bowl once, tamping it so it is half full, filling it to the top again, then tamping again. Is this considered the "correct" way? I will go back and read the thread in here about it as well. Rev, I was referring the this step in regards to packing with flake. Thanks for the help, by the way.

Most will say something of the "Frank Pack" method.

I have heard the above referred to as the 3 handshakes method. It is what I use with mostly success...

Fill and pack down lightly, as if shaking a baby's hand.

Fill again and pack down, with a bit more pressure, as if shaking a woman's hand.

Fill again and pack down firmly, as if shaking a mans hand...

IDK if its the best way but its an easy one to remember... :tu

[mahtofire14]

Most will say something of the "Frank Pack" method.

I have heard the above referred to as the 3 handshakes method. It is what I use with mostly success...

Fill and pack down lightly, as if shaking a baby's hand.

Fill again and pack down, with a bit more pressure, as if shaking a woman's hand.

Fill again and pack down firmly, as if shaking a mans hand...

IDK if its the best way but its an easy one to remember... :tu

Thanks Rob, I'm planning on heading to a local shop with a nice selection of tobacco and picking up a few of the basic blends. Hopefully I'll have the time!

[RevSmoke]

The reason I ask is while reading up on packing pipes the majority have suggested lightly tamping the tobacco when you fill the bowl once, tamping it so it is half full, filling it to the top again, then tamping again. Is this considered the "correct" way? I will go back and read the thread in here about it as well. Rev, I was referring the this step in regards to packing with flake. Thanks for the help, by the way.

If you rub the flake out (what I do 95% of the time), you will have basically normal tobacco, so do it that way. If you fill with rolled up flake, I usually dribble some rubbed flake on the top to get an even burn and will lightly press that in.

Hope that helps.

I think one of the best things to do is find and experienced piper to sit with and watch, having him show you things, and then observe your technique. It lowers the learning curve drastically.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Todd

[mahtofire14]

Thanks Todd, that's what I was looking for.

[Commander Quan]

Hey Old Fart's, (said endearingly)

Tried some Hearth & Home Meat Candy Maple & Bacon and fell in love, Went ahead and ordered a few more oz's...

I still really have little idea about pipe tobaccos, but this one caught my fancy, any more you can recommend similar to this?

Thanks,

Rob

C&D's Autumn Evening is mapley like the VMC but not as good IMO. Just like you I've been smoking a lot of this recently too.

[Flynnster]

Not a total newb at this point, but I've come across a question.

Just got an order in and I got an ounce of McClelland's VBC, Vanilla Black Cavendish. I've noticed that it doesn't burn or light nearly as easily as any other tobacco that I've had. It doesn't seem overly moist. Does Cavendish not take a flame as well in general?

[mahtofire14]

I'm wondering what are the good "basic blends" that all new pipe smokers should try/start with to guide them in the direction of what they like. I have been watching the latest purchase thread getting ideas but I figured I'd also ask the almighty experts.

I've got two blends right now, a virginia blend from my local pipe shop that is blended by the owner, nice, but pretty sweet. I also have a tin of Nightcap which I have really enjoyed so far. If anyone has some suggestions I really appreciate it.

[DaBear]

Nightcap is a good place to start for Latakias, its found pretty much everywhere and is a solid blend. The Frog Mortons are also good places to get started for that.

As for VaPers, Escudo is probably the best for just trying them to see if you like em. One of the most consistent VaPers and found dang near everywhere.

Straight Virginias are tricky. Theres so much diversity amongst them that just because you don't like one type of virginia, doesn't mean you won't like another(take myself for example: I can't stand lemon/bright VAs, have grown into orange/red VAs, and absolutely love dark stoved VAs). If theres any particular blends I'd say are good indications of what VAs have to offer I'd say McClelland's yearly Christmas Cheer(almost always a solid middle of the road choice and pretty tasty) and Dunhill Flake as the two stand out blends.

Aromatics tend to be a dime a dozen, but Lane 1-Q and BLWB/Burley Light Without a Bite are some solid choices to start on down that road that can be found easily.

Pete, if you'd like I can take you on in the Pipe NST and send you a good smac--errr, number of samples to try.

[mahtofire14]

Nightcap is a good place to start for Latakias, its found pretty much everywhere and is a solid blend. The Frog Mortons are also good places to get started for that.

As for VaPers, Escudo is probably the best for just trying them to see if you like em. One of the most consistent VaPers and found dang near everywhere.

Straight Virginias are tricky. Theres so much diversity amongst them that just because you don't like one type of virginia, doesn't mean you won't like another(take myself for example: I can't stand lemon/bright VAs, have grown into orange/red VAs, and absolutely love dark stoved VAs). If theres any particular blends I'd say are good indications of what VAs have to offer I'd say McClelland's yearly Christmas Cheer(almost always a solid middle of the road choice and pretty tasty) and Dunhill Flake as the two stand out blends.

Aromatics tend to be a dime a dozen, but Lane 1-Q and BLWB/Burley Light Without a Bite are some solid choices to start on down that road that can be found easily.

Pete, if you'd like I can take you on in the Pipe NST and send you a good smac--errr, number of samples to try.

That'd be great Bear! Although I don't have much stock to send you much in return. If you're still up for it I'll head over to that thread and see what we can do.

[RevSmoke]

I'm wondering what are the good "basic blends" that all new pipe smokers should try/start with to guide them in the direction of what they like. I have been watching the latest purchase thread getting ideas but I figured I'd also ask the almighty experts.

I've got two blends right now, a virginia blend from my local pipe shop that is blended by the owner, nice, but pretty sweet. I also have a tin of Nightcap which I have really enjoyed so far. If anyone has some suggestions I really appreciate it.

Basic blends? How about my favorite blends? Hmm, depends on the day. I have tried literally, hundreds of blends. There are some that I keep around to smoke. Not all are presently open, but enough are. Of them all, my go to tobaccos are Gawith & Hoggarth Louisiana Flake and Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake.

Aromatic - CAO Sweet Vanilla Honeydew mixed 50/50 with McClelland 5100, Two Friends Celtic Mist. Gawith & Hoggarth Bob's Chocolate Flake

Virginia - Dunhill Flake, McClelland 5100, 2000, 2010, 2035, Samuel Gawith Full VA Flake, Gawith & Hoggarth Bright CR Flake, Astley's 109, McClelland Christmas Cheer, Rattrays Marlin Flake, Old Gowrie, Dan Hmborger Veermaster,

VaPers (Virginia/Perique Blends) - Rattray's Hal 'O the Wynd, Escudo, Esoterica Dorchester, Robert McConnell Scottish Flake, Gawith & Hoggarth Louisiana Flake, Samuel Gawith St. James Flake, Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake, Hearth & Home Anniversary Kake, Cornell & Diehl 417P Night Train

English Blends (blends with varying amounts of Latakia) - Cornell & Diehl Bow-Legged Bear, Pirate Kake, Gawith & Hoggarth Mixture #12, McClelland Frog Morton, (used to have a bunch more, but haven't been smoking these much, so it is only these couple that remained in my rotation), McClelland 2020

Others that don't fit one of these categories - McClelland 2050, 2025, Esoterica Stonehaven

Peace of the Lord be with you.[/QUOTE]

[kydsid]

Well my wife got me a pipe for an anniversary gift. Seems I relight it a lot. Is there a point were you are relighting too much?

[DaBear]

Only if the pipe is getting too hot. Typically when you get started it takes awhile to get used to the cadence so the baccy will go out fairly often. You'll eventually get used to it, but it takes practice. Also if its about to go out, but not quite out, try tamping while drawing on it, that can sometimes get you a full relight without touching the matches/lighter. Oh, and the baccy always plays a big part in how much it goes out. If its too wet, it won't want to burn and will go out all the time.

[mahtofire14]

I'm not an experienced pipe smoker as I have just started, but I have found the different threads here, and also the different questions asked throughout THIS thread. I have also found youtube quite helpful with ideas and tips on how to pack and light different pipes, and different types of tobacco. It really helps being able to actually see someone do it.

[kydsid]

Thanks I'll give YouTube a try. The wet tobacco is probably true too as I bought it last night from a jar they keep near the door and it's very humid here.

[Zanaspus]

Well my wife got me a pipe for an anniversary gift. Seems I relight it a lot. Is there a point were you are relighting too much?

No

[RevSmoke]

Well my wife got me a pipe for an anniversary gift. Seems I relight it a lot. Is there a point were you are relighting too much?

Only if the pipe is getting too hot. Typically when you get started it takes awhile to get used to the cadence so the baccy will go out fairly often. You'll eventually get used to it, but it takes practice. Also if its about to go out, but not quite out, try tamping while drawing on it, that can sometimes get you a full relight without touching the matches/lighter. Oh, and the baccy always plays a big part in how much it goes out. If its too wet, it won't want to burn and will go out all the time.

I'm not an experienced pipe smoker as I have just started, but I have found the different threads here, and also the different questions asked throughout THIS thread. I have also found youtube quite helpful with ideas and tips on how to pack and light different pipes, and different types of tobacco. It really helps being able to actually see someone do it.

No

Lots of good stuff here. Wet tobacco means lots of relights. I like the idea of "cadence," never called it that before, but each tobacco (and then humidity in that tobacco) play a roll in how to keep it smoldering enough to stay lit - and then also how many lights you will need even if you find that "cadence."

I personally like flakes, but how dry they are and how much I rub them out will dictate the puff rate (cadence) of my smoke with each of them.

Each of your pipes will smoke differently too.

All this plays into this hobby. You'll get a feel for it.

I will admit a cigar is much easier for the puff rate is immediately noticeable. With a pipe, it is more subtle.

Enjoy it and be patient.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[kydsid]

Well that's great advice but it begets another question. What do you mean by "how much I rub them out"?

[DaBear]

Well that's great advice but it begets another question. What do you mean by "how much I rub them out"?

Flake tobaccos are whole leaves stacked on top of eachother and pressed then cut into thin slices, these slices can either be folded and stuffed into your pipe or rubbed out and broken apart and then packed into your pipe. When you rub out a flake/coin you can leave it fairly rough in what would be called a broken flake(ie large chunks still in a flake) with a light rubbing out or you can give them a full rubbing out which will leave it as almost a ribbon cut.

[RevSmoke]

Well that's great advice but it begets another question. What do you mean by "how much I rub them out"?

There is some tobacco that comes in what is referred to as a ribbon cut and is the form most pipe tobacco is sold in. Some pipe tobacco is made in a pressed form called a plug. Some is slices from a large pressed plug and is called a flakes. Still more tobacco comes as a rope where the tobacco leaves are spun together to make it, and it comes in various diameter ropes. Cut slices from rope may be called either coins or disks.

While you can buy some tobacco even in plug or rope form, what you will more often find is either flakes, disks, or coins. To smoke these forms, there are many method to get them into the pipe - I referred to that as "how much I rub them out." Some will take a flake/disk and fold it and stuff it into their pipe. Some will rub it out completely to basically a ribbon form. And of course, there are varying degrees in between.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[RevSmoke]

Flake tobaccos are whole leaves stacked on top of eachother and pressed then cut into thin slices, these slices can either be folded and stuffed into your pipe or rubbed out and broken apart and then packed into your pipe. When you rub out a flake/coin you can leave it fairly rough in what would be called a broken flake(ie large chunks still in a flake) with a light rubbing out or you can give them a full rubbing out which will leave it as almost a ribbon cut.

When I was writing my response, DaBear hadn't posted his yet. We must have been writing at the same time.

He give more detail on the making of the "plugs" which can be cut into plug sizes to sell or slice into flakes.

[Mister Moo]

When I was writing my response, DaBear hadn't posted his yet. We must have been writing at the same time.
You all are running willy-nilly here. :sl


:D

Nice to see a reliable pipe smoking resource in a barn full of cigar smokers.

[TXSmokey]

what should i do when the baccy tastes kinda watered down? for instance, the first tin of Mississippi river i had was great, but the second tasted watered down so to speak. I tried setting it out for about 10 minutes before smoking it but still got the same results. did i get a bad batch?

[RevSmoke]

what should i do when the baccy tastes kinda watered down? for instance, the first tin of Mississippi river i had was great, but the second tasted watered down so to speak. I tried setting it out for about 10 minutes before smoking it but still got the same results. did i get a bad batch?

I am not sure what you mean by watered down. If you mean it tastes like there was not as much flavor as the first time you smoked it, that could come from a couple things.
You might have tried it the first time with a clean palate, and so the flavors were more intense the first time. What I mean by a 'clean palate' is just that, a palate that has not had a smoke in it for a few days, time to be 'clean'.
It might mean that you have tongue bite, where your tongue is sore, and therefore flavors are muted.
Or, the moisture content was different.

Peace of The Lord be with you.

[gravel]

I am not sure what you mean by watered down. If you mean it tastes like there was not as much flavor as the first time you smoked it, that could come from a couple things.
You might have tried it the first time with a clean palate, and so the flavors were more intense the first time. What I mean by a 'clean palate' is just that, a palate that has not had a smoke in it for a few days, time to be 'clean'.
It might mean that you have tongue bite, where your tongue is sore, and therefore flavors are muted.
Or, the moisture content was different.

Peace of The Lord be with you.

If I may add to the good Rev's post, time of day also affects your palate. Anytime you eat or drink you potentially alter your palate. Ambient temperatures also may affect flavor. If your smoke feel rushed, flavor will be compromised. Other environmental factors come into play as well with allergens being notable for me.

Everything tastes better on vacation or during a long relaxed weekend.

Edit: Per the thread - been smoking pipes since 2002. :)

[TXSmokey]

I am not sure what you mean by watered down. If you mean it tastes like there was not as much flavor as the first time you smoked it, that could come from a couple things.
You might have tried it the first time with a clean palate, and so the flavors were more intense the first time. What I mean by a 'clean palate' is just that, a palate that has not had a smoke in it for a few days, time to be 'clean'.
It might mean that you have tongue bite, where your tongue is sore, and therefore flavors are muted.
Or, the moisture content was different.

Peace of The Lord be with you.

i'm pretty sure it wasn't tongue bite, but i'm gonna try not smoking for a few days and trY again.
Thanks

[RevSmoke]

i'm pretty sure it wasn't tongue bite, but i'm gonna try not smoking for a few days and trY again.
Thanks

Do you smoke cigars?

I ask for it brings up something I thought about later. If I smoke a cigar and then smoke my pipe, the pipe always tastes flat. Cigar smoke is much stronger (even from mild cigars) and while you may not notice it, leaves a finish that lasts a long time in the mouth.

[TXSmokey]

that may be it. so far it's only happened with Mississippi river and a couple aromatics
Thanks

[Subvet642]

I have a question...I'm fairly new to pipes as I smoke them only occasionally but want to get more into it. I saw these pipes on the 'bay that are carved from pear tree root by a craftsman in Poland. Question: Does anyone know how pear tree root compares to briar?

[WaRevo]

I bought a pear root pipe and sadly was very unhappy with it. For the price of most the ones I seen back then I could have picked up a nice smoking Briar same price and less in some cases. I don't know what kind of Tobacco you plan to smoke out of it, What I seen is that the pipe didn't like to build a cake and it smoked hot. Also was a little bit of wood burning. A friend of mine liked the look of the pipe and wanted it so I was more then happy to let him have it.

James

[Subvet642]

I bought a pear root pipe and sadly was very unhappy with it. For the price of most the ones I seen back then I could have picked up a nice smoking Briar same price and less in some cases. I don't know what kind of Tobacco you plan to smoke out of it, What I seen is that the pipe didn't like to build a cake and it smoked hot. Also was a little bit of wood burning. A friend of mine liked the look of the pipe and wanted it so I was more then happy to let him have it.

James

Gotcha! Thank you.:D

[RevSmoke]

I bought a pear root pipe and sadly was very unhappy with it. For the price of most the ones I seen back then I could have picked up a nice smoking Briar same price and less in some cases. I don't know what kind of Tobacco you plan to smoke out of it, What I seen is that the pipe didn't like to build a cake and it smoked hot. Also was a little bit of wood burning. A friend of mine liked the look of the pipe and wanted it so I was more then happy to let him have it.

James

Gotcha! Thank you.:D

Glad someone else had an answer. I was going to say this...

After the past couple hundred years of pipe smoking, briar, meeshaum, corn cob, (and to some extent, clay) pipe are now presently widely accepted and available. I know that there are many other things that have been tried. As those 3 (4) are the ones that are "readily" available, I doubt that pear root is a good choice.

But, that was only to be my :2

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[ApexAZ]

So I have had 2 tins of GLP Virginia blends, each with about 3 years of age on them, according to the sticker on the bottom. Laurel Heights and Stratford.

I haven't had a lot of experience with virginia blends before now, and the sweetness really just blows me away each time. The Laurel Heights seems especially sweet, since it's lacking the perique the other blend incorporates. It kind of reminds me of sweet black tea.

Anyways, I was reading a piece written by Mr. Pease where he stated that pretty much all tobacco has some type of casing or topping added to enhance the flavor.

My question is, how much of the sweetness is attributed to natural sweetness, and how much to topping? How do I find out what was added?

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

I dare not attempt to speak for GLP but it's my understanding that he uses the smallest amount of "juice" to hit the target flavor for his blends. As you try more VA's , you will notice many do have a great natural sweetness due to the higher sugar content that is the norm for those leaves. If I'm off base, please chime in.

[Subvet642]

This has probably been asked before, but how does one properly "break-in" a new pipe? The wife has been pretty supportive of this new-ish aspect of the hobby/sickness so I've pulled the trigger on a couple of new Chacom pipes. As I've only ever bought estate pipes and Dr. Grabows, I don't want to screw it up.

[MarkinAZ]

This has probably been asked before, but how does one properly "break-in" a new pipe? The wife has been pretty supportive of this new-ish aspect of the disease so I've pulled the trigger on a couple of new Chacom pipes. As I've only ever bought estate pipes and Dr. Grabows, I don't want to screw it up.

Here's a nice article by Patrick Dennis titled "Breaking In A Pipe":

http://www.chicagopipeshow.com/education/Documents/BreakingInAPipe-PatrickDennis.pdf

And, another from PipesandCigars:

http://www.pipesandcigars.com/faq/article/103/new-pipe-break-in

I tend to agree with Mr. Dennis myself...

[WaRevo]

For me I am different then most people that smoke pipe. In some cases I do the Dennis method and I use Prince Albert to start my break in. However seeing that I am not like most I rarely have a pipe with cake in it. I make sure that I clean my pipe after every use and that I keep the stem and bowl as clean as I can daily. I do use alot of Cleaners and from what I have seen in Estate pipes that I have bought I can't understand really how some people could let the pipe fill with such cake. I mean I have had some pipes that you couldn't even put a Pipe tool into let alone a Dr. Grabow filter How in the world did they even smoke the pipe. Then when I take the stem out and it is filled with SO MUCH junk I am like OMG that is nasty. This one pipe I just got from a person that said they didn't want to smoke pipe anymore and didn't like it, Buying the pipe at 1/4 the cost of new because he thought there was something wrong with it. I get it, The pipe wasn't really deep with cake but the drawhole was filled with unsmoked tobacco and the buildup in the shank was deep tar and i was like no wonder they didn't like it. Honestly it looked like they never ran a pipe cleaner in the stem or shank at all. Again the bowl wasn't that bad, ran a Czech took around the bowl maybe 15 times before it was a good clean thin cake. The shank took my shank brush, 40 Q-tips before it came out looking almost clean and the stem took 15 Q-tips and 5 bristle pipe cleaners, and 4 soft pipe cleaners before I could pass it with Alcohol on the tip and pull all the way through clean.

my first thought when I seen this was It had to have been HORRID to smoke this pipe.

James

[MarkinAZ]

Here's a thread regarding breaking-in your pipe from Pipesmokersforum for your review Darren:

http://www.pipesandcigars.com/faq/article/103/new-pipe-break-in

As you will see, there are various thoughts as to how to break a new pipe in...

[ApexAZ]

I have very little experience myself, but I figured I'll just smoke the thing and not worry too much about it, EXCEPT for keeping it as cool as possible. Heating it up to the point of burning the briar seems like a bad idea and I can see the rationality behind that.

[RevSmoke]

I find Chacoms can break in very slowly and difficultly.

Fill it and smoke it. There are all sorts of methods. Virginias I have found make the hardest cakes.

Smoking too hot and/or too fast are the sure ways to possible harm a pipe.

Peace of The Lord be with you.

[Subvet642]

For me I am different then most people that smoke pipe. In some cases I do the Dennis method and I use Prince Albert to start my break in. However seeing that I am not like most I rarely have a pipe with cake in it. I make sure that I clean my pipe after every use and that I keep the stem and bowl as clean as I can daily. I do use alot of Cleaners and from what I have seen in Estate pipes that I have bought I can't understand really how some people could let the pipe fill with such cake. I mean I have had some pipes that you couldn't even put a Pipe tool into let alone a Dr. Grabow filter How in the world did they even smoke the pipe. Then when I take the stem out and it is filled with SO MUCH junk I am like OMG that is nasty. This one pipe I just got from a person that said they didn't want to smoke pipe anymore and didn't like it, Buying the pipe at 1/4 the cost of new because he thought there was something wrong with it. I get it, The pipe wasn't really deep with cake but the drawhole was filled with unsmoked tobacco and the buildup in the shank was deep tar and i was like no wonder they didn't like it. Honestly it looked like they never ran a pipe cleaner in the stem or shank at all. Again the bowl wasn't that bad, ran a Czech took around the bowl maybe 15 times before it was a good clean thin cake. The shank took my shank brush, 40 Q-tips before it came out looking almost clean and the stem took 15 Q-tips and 5 bristle pipe cleaners, and 4 soft pipe cleaners before I could pass it with Alcohol on the tip and pull all the way through clean.

my first thought when I seen this was It had to have been HORRID to smoke this pipe.

James

Hi James, I'm kinda anal like that, too. :r I've only bought estate pipes that have been reasonably serviced; you know, bowl reamed, everything cleaned up a bit. I, of course, do my own cleaning, too.

Mark, thanks for the links! And thanks for the good advice from Brian and the Rev, too. I'm not too worried about smoking too fast, see, I smoke a lot of small ring CC's so I tend to smoke slowly, anyway. Hopefully, the Chacoms won't give me too much trouble. I hear that they're pretty cool smokers and the smallish bowl sizes suit me as well. Besides, they make such pretty pipes.

[RevSmoke]

Hi James, I'm kinda anal like that, too. :r I've only bought estate pipes that have been reasonably serviced; you know, bowl reamed, everything cleaned up a bit. I, of course, do my own cleaning, too.

Mark, thanks for the links! And thanks for the good advice from Brian and the Rev, too. I'm not too worried about smoking too fast, see, I smoke a lot of small ring CC's so I tend to smoke slowly, anyway. Hopefully, the Chacoms won't give me too much trouble. I hear that they're pretty cool smokers and the smallish bowl sizes suit me as well. Besides, they make such pretty pipes.

Here is something to consider, since you already like estate pipes. Certain pipe brands really hold value well, usually 50% of new pipe prices. It is why I buy estate pipes. You get a pipe for about 50% of the new price at the time of purchase... as the price of the new pipes in that brand rises, so does the price of the estates of that brand. I have purchased an estate pipe for $50 which I sold about 15 years later for $110.

You are also right, they come cleaned and ready to smoke, and you usually do not have to struggle through the break in period.

Brands I have found easy to break in: Castello, Radice, Don Carlos, Lee von Erck, Cobs. Stanwell, Savinelli, Meerschaums

Brands I have found hard to break in: Peterson, Dunhill, Chacom, Butz-Choquin

Brands that were all over the map in regard to breaking in are plethora!

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Subvet642]

Here is something to consider, since you already like estate pipes. Certain pipe brands really hold value well, usually 50% of new pipe prices. It is why I buy estate pipes. You get a pipe for about 50% of the new price at the time of purchase... as the price of the new pipes in that brand rises, so does the price of the estates of that brand. I have purchased an estate pipe for $50 which I sold about 15 years later for $110.

You are also right, they come cleaned and ready to smoke, and you usually do not have to struggle through the break in period.

Brands I have found easy to break in: Castello, Radice, Don Carlos, Lee von Erck, Cobs. Stanwell, Savinelli, Meerschaums

Brands I have found hard to break in: Peterson, Dunhill, Chacom, Butz-Choquin

Brands that were all over the map in regard to breaking in are plethora!

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Like I said elsewhere, pure gold!

[WhiteMamba]

So a pastor friend of mine decided I needed to "smoke pipes like a man" instead of cigars. I'm not quite sold as I have come to enjoy cigars quite a bit. He gave me a Dr. Grabow and a corncob pipe. I have tried smoking both but I'm not quite sure if I'm doing any of this right since I have never smoked a pipe or known anyone who has. It seems like it should be self explanatory but I am having problems. When I light it the top burns but then it goes out, and I can never seem to get to the bottom. Anyone have some words of wisdom for me? Cigars seem like a lot less work.

[Commander Quan]

Dry the tobacco more than you think you should
Fill the pipe less than you think you should
Puff often, but not too often, and tamp only when needed.

There is a learning curve that all pipers go though, stick with it and you're technique will improve.

[WhiteMamba]

How do I know when to tamp? I guess I don't necessarily understand the concept.

[Commander Quan]

You only want to compact the top layer of ash, not compress the tobacco underneath.

If the pipe isn't staying lit, you probably either have the tobacco packed too tightly in the pipe, or it is too most.

[WhiteMamba]

Probably a combination of the two. Thanks for the help

[RevSmoke]

How do I know when to tamp? I guess I don't necessarily understand the concept.

Do you know where Riegels is in Georgetown Square in Ft Wayne? Get over there with your pipe and sit down with Dennis and tell him what your issue is. Live tutoring is a great benefit, and he's a great guy. Tell him I sent you. If not Dennis, his son would also be a great help.

We can tell you what to do, but sometimes a live tutor is a better resource, and much more helpful than any advice we can give you here. I learned more from experimentation and then time with a veteran pipester refining with him, watching him, letting him watch my technique and then his commentary.

Peace of The Lord be with you.