Questions You Thought Were Too Dumb to Ask (Pipes Edition)

[Tobias Lutz]

Since we have a lot of guys just beginning in the pipe world, I thought we'd offer this thread as an ongoing Q&A between the new guys, and the experienced guys- with the hope that the former will transition into the latter. Feel free to continue starting threads around different questions, but here is a place for any and all pipe related inquiries.

Here's a couple examples:

Q What do people mean by Dunhill EMP?
A EMP refers to Dunhill's blend, Early Morning Pipe

Q What is a "p-lip" stem?
A It is a design, originally by Peterson (circa 1898) that directs the smoke upward in your mouth, rather than straight across the tongue like a traditional stem.

Q What do people mean by a "parfait"?
A A parfait is when you layer more than one blend of tobacco in the bowel of your pipe to achieve a different flavor experience. Example- packing the bottom half with Nightcap, and the top half with Bob's Chocolate Flake

[Haebar]

What kind of glue should I use to glue the nickel band back on a Peterson pipe?

[NWSmoke]

OK I'll go. Seriously, what's the difference between a $25 Grabow or Brog and a $100 savinelli? I'm referring to smokemanship not so much craftsmanship (although at some point those two must cross paths). I have 4 inexpensive pipes (2 baskets, a MM, & a Mr Brog) and every time I think of getting something in the 100+ range I get scared and back out. Is it really worth it?

[Haebar]

OK I'll go. Seriously, what's the difference between a $25 Grabow or Brog and a $100 savinelli? I'm referring to smokemanship not so much craftsmanship (although at some point those two must cross paths). I have 4 inexpensive pipes (2 baskets, a MM, & a Mr Brog) and every time I think of getting something in the 100+ range I get scared and back out. Is it really worth it?

Probably not a whole lot of difference in the case of the MM; they smoke about as good as any pipe. With the baskets, you could probably do better in terms of smokemanship with a Savinelli or another similar premium pipe. I don't know why but my Savinelli and Dunhill do smoke better than my basket pipes. One other factor to consider is the resale market... if you decide to give it up, you can get something out of your premium pipe, whereas the outlook is not so good for a basket pipe.

[bluenoser]

I see alot of people on here have a large amount of pipes, I'm sure alot of it is collection but is there a need for multiple pipes or could a guy get away with just 1?

[Pugsley]

What kind of glue should I use to glue the nickel band back on a Peterson pipe?

I've only had 2 Petersons with nickel bands and they were both press fit. Was yours glued?

[JustTroItIn]

OK I'll go. Seriously, what's the difference between a $25 Grabow or Brog and a $100 savinelli? I'm referring to smokemanship not so much craftsmanship (although at some point those two must cross paths). I have 4 inexpensive pipes (2 baskets, a MM, & a Mr Brog) and every time I think of getting something in the 100+ range I get scared and back out. Is it really worth it?

Quality materials, higher quality standards, and finish are most likely your biggest differences. Let's look at a couple pipes and compare.

Since both of my Grabows are old, lets compare those to two of my old Savinelli's.

The top pipe is a Grabow Lark and the bottom is a Crown Duke (I really need to clean both the stems again). Both are good smokers.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1801_zpsdecfd628.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1801_zpsdecfd628.jpg.html)

Take is apart and look at the stem and you will see they cranked these out. The hole in the stem is off center. The metal on the stem itself is cheap tin or aluminum with teeth in the middle to grip the tenon.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1795_zpsab8d9eca.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1795_zpsab8d9eca.jpg.html)

The Crown Duke has a bit better, but similarly cheap metal tenon. If you look closely at the pipe, the finish they used is starting to spider web.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1802_zpsd65a8009.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1802_zpsd65a8009.jpg.html)

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1798_zps266de15d.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1798_zps266de15d.jpg.html)

I will cover the Savinelli's in the next post due to pic limitation.

[Haebar]

I've only had 2 Petersons with nickel bands and they were both press fit. Was yours glued?

I don't know. I bought it on Ebay and it was loose when I got it.

[Haebar]

I see alot of people on here have a large amount of pipes, I'm sure alot of it is collection but is there a need for multiple pipes or could a guy get away with just 1?

You have to let your pipes rest and air out after smoking them or they start to turn sour. I'd recommend a rotation of at least three pipes if you're smoking every day.

[JustTroItIn]

Savinelli's are mass produced pipes too, but the briar is generally a bit nicer. Better quality materials are used. A bit more attention to detail.

The top pipe is a Savinelli Deluxe the bottom Pipe is a Roma.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1803_zps8ef853d8.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1803_zps8ef853d8.jpg.html)

Compare the tenon and materials to that used on the Grabow.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1799_zpseba48fcb.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1799_zpseba48fcb.jpg.html)

Look at the grain of the briar itself.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1804_zps0f15ff72.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1804_zps0f15ff72.jpg.html)

[JustTroItIn]

Just for giggles, let's look at a reletively new Savinelli. This is my Alligator 310.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1805_zpscacba149.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1805_zpscacba149.jpg.html)

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1806_zps50b1e137.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1806_zps50b1e137.jpg.html)

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd62/jclarke7/IMG_1807_zps117c1483.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/jclarke7/media/IMG_1807_zps117c1483.jpg.html)

When you get down to it, pipes are tools. Tools for smoking tobacco, but still tools. You can buy Harbor Freight, Craftsman, or Snap-On.

[Pugsley]

I don't know. I bought it on Ebay and it was loose when I got it.

I don't think I'd glue it on. You can try this: Remove the stem and the band, then apply a very light coat of clear fingernail polish only to the area the band covers. Allow that to dry completely, then slide the band on over it. If it's still loose, repeat the process. If it's too tight to slide on, lightly sand the dried polish with very fine sandpaper until it fits. I did this on a brand new Peterson Aran that came with a loose band.

[Alligator Gar]

I am anxiously awaiting my first pipe in 30 years. Can you offer any advice on breaking it in?

[Horseshoe]

I have 2 new pipes. A peterson Christmas 2014 and a Sav. #607. I am afraid to use them until I get more experience with smoking a pipe. Should I just suck it up and use them or give it a bit of time? I am getting to the point to where I can minimize my re-lights but I am not great yet.

Also are there better break in tobaccos?

[Pugsley]

I am anxiously awaiting my first pipe in 30 years. Can you offer any advice on breaking it in?

Everyone has their own way of breaking in a new pipe. This is copied from Pipedia.org and hits on the most important points.

"Breaking in" your pipe

The process of "breaking in" a pipe serves two functions. First, any saps, resins, acids, stains, demons, or other nasty things that have remained in the briar are driven out. Second, and most importantly, a "cake"--the layer of charred residue that builds up inside the bowl as tobacco is smoked in it--is developed. This cake protects the bowl of the pipe from the heat of burning tobacco and prevents it from "burning out." It should be noted that most of the information in this section applies to briar pipes only. Most other pipes require no break in period, or at most a very brief one. Additionally, one should not allow a cake to build up in a meerschaum or clay, as this could cause the bowl to crack.

It is important to smoke a new pipe slowly, to avoid damaging the naked briar. Some recommend that a new pipe be filled only one-third to one-half full for the first several smokes, after which the bowl can be filled a little more with each smoke. To be honest, this procedure is not necessary, but I always recommend it--and usually practice it--because it is all too easy to damage a new pipe through carelessness. Don't try to rush the break-in period, and don't be overly concerned if a new pipe has a bitter taste. Some pipes break in easier than others, and it is not uncommon for a pipe that is very difficult to break in to mature into a great smoker.

Some pipes are sold with a bowl coating designed to protect the briar until a cake is built up (sometimes such bowls are called "pre-carbonized"). Many pipes, however, are not so treated. While a "naked" bowl is not likely to be damaged so long as the pipe is smoked slowly, many people advocate preparing the bowl interior of a new pipe. Some recommend that the inside of the bowl be dampened with water to protect the briar, while others recommend honey, or a mixture of honey and water. Honey may help a cake form more quickly, but after trying all of these techniques I find that these days I tend to use nothing at all.

Finally, try not to smoke a new pipe outdoors if you can possibly avoid it. Even a gentle breeze will cause the pipe to burn much hotter than it would indoors, which can irreparably damage a briar that is not protected by a cake. I've never had a problem smoking my pipes outdoors (after they've been broken in, of course), but if you're concerned about possible damage, you can purchase wind caps from your tobacconist which will shield the burning tobacco from the effects of wind.

[NWSmoke]

Quality materials, higher quality standards, and finish are most likely your biggest differences. Let's look at a couple pipes and compare.

Since both of my Grabows are old, lets compare those to two of my old Savinelli's.

The top pipe is a Grabow Lark and the bottom is a Crown Duke (I really need to clean both the stems again). Both are good smokers.

<pics>

Take is apart and look at the stem and you will see they cranked these out. The hole in the stem is off center. The metal on the stem itself is cheap tin or aluminum with teeth in the middle to grip the tenon.

<pics>

The Crown Duke has a bit better, but similarly cheap metal tenon. If you look closely at the pipe, the finish they used is starting to spider web.


<pics>

I will cover the Savinelli's in the next post due to pic limitation.


Savinelli's are mass produced pipes too, but the briar is generally a bit nicer. Better quality materials are used. A bit more attention to detail.

The top pipe is a Savinelli Deluxe the bottom Pipe is a Roma.

<pics>

Compare the tenon and materials to that used on the Grabow.

<pics>

Look at the grain of the briar itself.

<pics>


Just for giggles, let's look at a reletively new Savinelli. This is my Alligator 310.


<pics>

When you get down to it, pipes are tools. Tools for smoking tobacco, but still tools. You can buy Harbor Freight, Craftsman, or Snap-On.

Thank you sir for the run down. Some of this I knew or suspected, but this was a great explanation. I love your tool break down as that I can understand. Harbor freight tools you end up fighting with but yet might be able to get the job done with; I assume this would be basket pipes. Snap on are beautiful pieces but I'd say beyond diminishment of returns. I still must ask though how does all this come down to smoking tobacco? I get that some pipes have more attention to detail, cleaner pieces of briar, but when it comes to getting the job done (asthetics and "quality" aside), is a grabow or brog going to be any different than a $100 pipe?

[Pugsley]

I have 2 new pipes. A peterson Christmas 2014 and a Sav. #607. I am afraid to use them until I get more experience with smoking a pipe. Should I just suck it up and use them or give it a bit of time? I am getting to the point to where I can minimize my re-lights but I am not great yet.

Also are there better break in tobaccos?

I would say go for it. You'll always have to do relights, that's just part of smoking a pipe. The best tobacco I have found for breaking in a new briar is Carter Hall. It burns cool but quickly and nothing builds cake faster. I've broken in dozens of new pipes with it. Don't expect that first bowl in a new briar to be the best smoke you've ever had, it won't be. There will be flavors of nasty crap burning away, but all that will vanish after a bowl or two.

[Haebar]

I don't think I'd glue it on. You can try this: Remove the stem and the band, then apply a very light coat of clear fingernail polish only to the area the band covers. Allow that to dry completely, then slide the band on over it. If it's still loose, repeat the process. If it's too tight to slide on, lightly sand the dried polish with very fine sandpaper until it fits. I did this on a brand new Peterson Aran that came with a loose band.

Thanks! I'll try that.

[JustTroItIn]

is a grabow or brog going to be any different than a $100 pipe?

Yes and no. It's kind of a lottery. There are Grabows and Brogs that will smoke as well as any Dunhill, but I'm sure there are some duds. When you buy a higher end brand you are almost always going to get a tool that performs well at the job it was designed.

[JustTroItIn]

I am anxiously awaiting my first pipe in 30 years. Can you offer any advice on breaking it in?

I'm of the camp of picking a neutral burly, like Prince Albert or Carter Hall, and just smoking a few bowls to build a lite layer of cake. After that, I just smoke it as I see fit.

[NWSmoke]

Yes and no. It's kind of a lottery. There are Grabows and Brogs that will smoke as well as any Dunhill, but I'm sure there are some duds. When you buy a higher end brand you are almost always going to get a tool that performs well at the job it was designed.

So in a nutshell... it's half insurance. Ironically my first pipe was a basket pipe that seems to do better than my brog and MM.

I really appreciate the time you've taken. I've researched this before and the resounding answer I've seem to come across was it depends lol.

[JustTroItIn]

So in a nutshell... it's half insurance. Ironically my first pipe was a basket pipe that seems to do better than my brog and MM.

I really appreciate the time you've taken. I've researched this before and the resounding answer I've seem to come across was it depends lol.

Welcome to pipe smoking! :D

[Tobias Lutz]

What kind of glue should I use to glue the nickel band back on a Peterson pipe?

I would try some heat rated weld epoxy.

[Tobias Lutz]

OK I'll go. Seriously, what's the difference between a $25 Grabow or Brog and a $100 savinelli? I'm referring to smokemanship not so much craftsmanship (although at some point those two must cross paths). I have 4 inexpensive pipes (2 baskets, a MM, & a Mr Brog) and every time I think of getting something in the 100+ range I get scared and back out. Is it really worth it?

I have 40+ pipes in rotation...5 of them were originally over $100. If you're interested in the artisan aspect, aesthetics, etc. then buy away. There is certainly nothing to be frowned upon with building a collection of nice pipes. Just don't fall into the trap of believing you can't get just as enjoyable a smoke from something in the $30-$50 range (if chosen wisely).

[Tobias Lutz]

I see alot of people on here have a large amount of pipes, I'm sure alot of it is collection but is there a need for multiple pipes or could a guy get away with just 1?

Generally you want to let a pipe rest a bit between smokes (for the moisture to leave the briar). I've found that repeatedly burning the same pipe over the course of a day works, but once it has sat for about 8 hours, it needs to rest a day or two before it is good again. That said, if you smoke once or twice a day, you can easily get by with 3-4 pipes (of which 2 or 3 can be inexpensive cobs).

[Tobias Lutz]

I am anxiously awaiting my first pipe in 30 years. Can you offer any advice on breaking it in?

Many suggest only partially loading it and smoking it down the first couple times. I just pack and smoke. The key is simply to make sure that the cake forms all the way down the walls and to the heel of the bowl.

[Tobias Lutz]

I have 2 new pipes. A peterson Christmas 2014 and a Sav. #607. I am afraid to use them until I get more experience with smoking a pipe. Should I just suck it up and use them or give it a bit of time? I am getting to the point to where I can minimize my re-lights but I am not great yet.

Also are there better break in tobaccos?

Pipes are for smoking. I find Burley and VA blends are better for breaking in than most aromatics, simply because they tend to burn dryer.

[mooster]

When do the stupid questions start?

Oh, wait...

[Nachman]

Thank you sir for the run down. Some of this I knew or suspected, but this was a great explanation. I love your tool break down as that I can understand. Harbor freight tools you end up fighting with but yet might be able to get the job done with; I assume this would be basket pipes. Snap on are beautiful pieces but I'd say beyond diminishment of returns. I still must ask though how does all this come down to smoking tobacco? I get that some pipes have more attention to detail, cleaner pieces of briar, but when it comes to getting the job done (asthetics and "quality" aside), is a grabow or brog going to be any different than a $100 pipe?

One of the big differences in a more expensive pipe, IMHO, is the break in. Good pipes break in much faster than cheap pipes. This is one reason a cheap pipe may drive a new piper away from the hobby. Another difference is the engineering and design. A well designed pipe will smoke better. Another difference is the closer tolerances in manufacturing of the better pipes. No matter haw well designed, if the tolerances are loose, the pipe does not conform to the original design and may not perform as intended. Get a Savinelli or Nording and try it, and then you will know. If you try this and come to the conclusion I am wrong, you can write it up to the cost of education, but I don't think that will happen.

[NWSmoke]

One of the big differences in a more expensive pipe, IMHO, is the break in. Good pipes break in much faster than cheap pipes. This is one reason a cheap pipe may drive a new piper away from the hobby. Another difference is the engineering and design. A well designed pipe will smoke better. Another difference is the closer tolerances in manufacturing of the better pipes. No matter haw well designed, if the tolerances are loose, the pipe does not conform to the original design and may not perform as intended. Get a Savinelli or Nording and try it, and then you will know. If you try this and come to the conclusion I am wrong, you can write it up to the cost of education, but I don't think that will happen.

OK, now this makes sense. I appreciate you taking the time.

[Rocket Scientologist]

That said, if you smoke once or twice a day, you can easily get by with 3-4 pipes (of which 2 or 3 can be inexpensive cobs).

So if smoking once or twice a day = 3-4 pipes, does that mean you smoke 20 times a day? (4 pipes = 2x a day ... 40 pipes = 20x a day)

[Rocket Scientologist]

What's the best way to use a tamper? When do you use one?

[Nachman]

What's the best way to use a tamper? When do you use one?

Use a tamper lightly. If you press too hard you pack the tobacco too tightly. I know it is time to tamp when the smoke volume decreases. The cherry is not making good contact with the unburnt tobacco, so you tamp and push it down a little.

[JustTroItIn]

Puffing while you tamp can reignite a pipe that's going out on you.

[Tobias Lutz]

What's the best way to use a tamper? When do you use one?

I was taught to not actually press the tamp, but instead, hold it about 1/2" above the burn line in the bowl and drop it. The weight of the tamp will provide the pressure you need and you never "over pack" it.

[bluenoser]

Straight or bent, other than appearance is there a difference in how they smoke? benefit from one or the other?

[Branzig]

Straight or bent, other than appearance is there a difference in how they smoke? benefit from one or the other?

The biggest benefit I find from a bent pipe is its ease to clinch. Bent pipes have a great center of gravity and clench a lot easier than a straight pipe does. So if you are going to be using both your hands a lot or will be moving about a bunch, a bent pipe can be handy. On the other side, extreme pipe bends make it almost impossible to pass a pipe cleaner down to the bowl, so if it is gurgling you may have some issues.

I would say 99% of it comes down to aesthetics in the end though. I, for instance, much prefer a straight pipe to bent. I find a stout straight pipe to be far more masculine than a bent one. I would say my pipe collection is around 90% straight to 10% bent.

[mooster]

OK I'll go. Seriously, what's the difference between a $25 Grabow or Brog and a $100 savinelli? I'm referring to smokemanship not so much craftsmanship (although at some point those two must cross paths). I have 4 inexpensive pipes (2 baskets, a MM, & a Mr Brog) and every time I think of getting something in the 100+ range I get scared and back out. Is it really worth it?

One difference I notice and appreciate with higher priced pipes is the attention to detail. It absolutely drives me crazy to be able to see any kind of gap between the stem and the shank, and it's pretty common in cheaper pipes. But then, unless it's really bad, I guess that's in the craftsmanship side.

[Horseshoe]

I was taught to not actually press the tamp, but instead, hold it about 1/2" above the burn line in the bowl and drop it. The weight of the tamp will provide the pressure you need and you never "over pack" it.

Wow. That sounds like a sure way to do it. Thanks for the tip.

[Griz]

Straight or bent, other than appearance is there a difference in how they smoke? benefit from one or the other? Depending upon the severity of the bend, I have a harder time getting bent pipes to pass a pipe cleaner. I've read in another forum where, over the course of time, members have poked a hole through their stem at the curve. It's not happened myself, but listening to the metal of the cleaner scraping along the inside of my stem gives me pause as I imagine a groove being cut.

I do prefer the looks of bent pipes and, as previously mentioned, they are easier to clench. However, my go to pipes are straight and not as much trouble to clean IMHO.

[Tobias Lutz]

Straight or bent, other than appearance is there a difference in how they smoke? benefit from one or the other?

As has been noted, passing a cleaner through a bent pipe can sometimes be a challenge. I also find that condensation in the stem tend to pool quicker (i.e. gurgling) in a bent. For those two reasons, I prefer straight and 1/4 bent shapes. YMMV

[Nature]

I know that the tobacco needs to be maintained somewhat moist for storage to maintain the flavors. I see many here recommend drying the tobacco before smoking. Can it be too dry? If so, what are the consequences?

[mooster]

I know that the tobacco needs to be maintained somewhat moist for storage to maintain the flavors. I see many here recommend drying the tobacco before smoking. Can it be too dry? If so, what are the consequences?

The only consequence I know of is it crumbles to dust. Any less dry than that, and it's fine, at least with virginias. In fact, it's the bowls you load and forget in the pipe that are usually the best with virginias.

[Nature]

In fact, it's the bowls you load and forget in the pipe that are usually the best with virginias.

Ha ha, that is exactly what happened! Except it was an English. Loaded a bowl and didn't get around to it when I was planning on it. I came across it sitting in the console of my car about 5 days later.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Horseshoe]

Are aero's able to age? I am a slow smoker and I have what I feel is a lot of baccy. Mostly aero's. If they don't age, is their a typical shelf life in jars for optimal quality?

[Tobias Lutz]

Are aero's able to age? I am a slow smoker and I have what I feel is a lot of baccy. Mostly aero's. If they don't age, is their a typical shelf life in jars for optimal quality?

Lots of theories on this one. I tend to believe the following: 1. The toppings on aros will retard their fermentation (i.e. slow down the natural sweetening of the base leaf). 2. The toppings themselves will dissipate some over time.

I have a lot of aros cellar myself because while I believe the two points above, I am also firmly in the camp that thinks the tobacco will remain pleasantly smokeable no matter how long it has sat. IOW, it won't be what it was, but it son't "spoil" either.

[Branzig]

Are aero's able to age? I am a slow smoker and I have what I feel is a lot of baccy. Mostly aero's. If they don't age, is their a typical shelf life in jars for optimal quality?

I think the biggest thing you will notice with aros that have been jarred up a long time is the lack of topping.

Over time the toppings will dissipate and the once bold flavors will be muted. Sometimes this is a good thing to people, as in the essence found in many Lakeland tobaccos. Other times it is an annoyance, especially if the casing is a flavor that you love upfront and want strong.

As far as true aging, I think it depends on the blend. Anything that is soaked in PG won't age worth a darn. YMMV

[mooster]

I have a lot of aros cellar myself because while I believe the two points above, I am also firmly in the camp that thinks the tobacco will remain pleasantly smokeable no matter how long it has sat. IOW, it won't be what it was, but it son't "spoil" either.

I agree with this to a point: IF the tobacco used in the aro was good, it will remain good. Big word.

[Tobias Lutz]

I agree with this to a point: IF the tobacco used in the aro was good, it will remain good. Big word.

Are you proposing my 10lbs of Mixture no.79 will be less than stellar in a score and 5 years from now?

[defetis]

Are you proposing my 10lbs of Mixture no.79 will be less than stellar in a score and 5 years from now?

Hey did you ever post an after pic of that rope you home made?

[Tobias Lutz]

Hey did you ever post an after pic of that rope you home made?

I restarted the thread (http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/showthread.php?693-My-Sailor-s-Rope-Experiment), but it won't be ready for about 6 weeks

[Smoke rings]

Where do you guys buy "forever" stems for cobbs?
Thanks

[tmoran]

Where do you guys buy "forever" stems for cobbs?
Thanks

This one I can help with!

Walker Briar Works (http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/-forever-_stems.html)

[BryGuySC]

Where do you guys buy "forever" stems for cobbs?
Thanks

http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/-forever-_stems.html

[BryGuySC]

This one I can help with!

Walker Briar Works (http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/-forever-_stems.html)

Dang it, Tim! You beat me!

[Mister Moo]

If Russ Ouelette is the greastest pipe tobacco blender now alive then why does his Black Mountain/Balkan Sobranie challenge leave me unmoved?
Aside: Russ is a top drawer guy - nothing I could ever say to take away from his great work and supreme generosity.

If pipestud now has 1,000 reviews on tobaccoreviews.com, why do I not agree with 80% of his ratings?

When everyone thinks GL Pease's Union Square is the most wonderful VA tobacco ever put in a can, why does it leave me cold as winter in Saskatoon?

So, I am asking, please please please what isWRONG with me, anyhow?

[Branzig]

So, I am asking, please please please what isWRONG with me, anyhow?

Wooooow, what do you think we are here, made of time? I could take a week's vacation and still not have enough time to tell you everything that is wrong with you! :playful:

I would imagine you've had FVF, HOW, and OG....so that would explain why you , like I, are not so hot on the Union Square thing.

[Mister Moo]

I would imagine you've had FVF, HOW, and OG....so that would explain why you , like I, are not so hot on the Union Square thing.
So, I imagine it is dull and flavorless compared to, yes, you nailed it, some of my preferred VA tobaccos. OK, that answers 33% of what is wrong with me. Thank you.

[Tobias Lutz]

If Russ Ouelette is the greastest pipe tobacco blender now alive then why does his Black Mountain/Balkan Sobranie challenge leave me unmoved?
Aside: Russ is a top drawer guy - nothing I could ever say to take away from his great work and supreme generosity.

If pipestud now has 1,000 reviews on tobaccoreviews.com, why do I not agree with 80% of his ratings?

So, I am asking, please please please what isWRONG with me, anyhow?

I'll take on the other two...

I imagine Black Mountain/Balkan Sobranie doesn't do it for you for the same reason Joyce's Ulysses doesn't do it for me. It doesn't matter how good the blender(author) is, or how much people rave about something, there is a subversive side of my unconscious that refuses to go along with what all arrows point to as being a good thing.

As for the reviews...I will never trust anything that comes from someone who assigns themselves a moniker including the word "stud" :peach:

[Mister Moo]

I'll take on the other two...

I imagine Black Mountain/Balkan Sobranie doesn't do it for you for the same reason Joyce's Ulysses doesn't do it for me. It doesn't matter how good the blender(author) is, or how much people rave about something, there is a subversive side of my unconscious that refuses to go along with what all arrows point to as being a good thing.D'oh, I really like Russ and respect his efforts. The jury that judged Black Mountain gave it top marks. I still don't know what's wrog with me. Maybe I have too many dirty pipes.


As for the reviews...I will never trust anything that comes from someone who assigns themselves a moniker including the word "stud" :peach:I go with that. Thank you - I am down to 33% unexplained wrongness.

[Haebar]

Assuming you don't have pipe boxes for all of your pipes, what is the best way to store pipes? I have more pipes than I have places to display them and was wondering what would be a good system for storing them?

[Emperor Zurg]

Assuming you don't have pipe boxes for all of your pipes, what is the best way to store pipes? I have more pipes than I have places to display them and was wondering what would be a good system for storing them?

I just chuck them in empty cigar boxes. But then I'm not in love with any of them.

-EDIT-

AAAAaaaauuuggghhh!!! That post just made me the 'Fat Kid On The Seesaw' :(

[Branzig]

Assuming you don't have pipe boxes for all of your pipes, what is the best way to store pipes? I have more pipes than I have places to display them and was wondering what would be a good system for storing them?

Get a wall mounted pipe rack!

Also, my philosophy is if I don't smoke it, I'm selling it!

[Haebar]

Get a wall mounted pipe rack!

Also, my philosophy is if I don't smoke it, I'm selling it!

Where's a good place to get one? Maybe I'll make some.

That's a good philosophy to have.

[Branzig]

Where's a good place to get one? Maybe I'll make some.

I don't even own one. I want one pretty badly though.

Making one would be the easiest solution I think. All the ones I've seen online are quite spendy.

[Emperor Zurg]

What about a pegboard and a bunch of screwdriver racks.
I saw that either here or on a former Kaput O'media site recently.
Looked like a good ULB* solution.

*Ultra Low Budget

[Haebar]

What about a pegboard and a bunch of screwdriver racks.
I saw that either here or on a former Kaput O'media site recently.
Looked like a good ULB* solution.

*Ultra Low Budget

Thanks for reminding me of that; I remember seeing that on Puff.

[JustTroItIn]

What about a pegboard and a bunch of screwdriver racks.
I saw that either here or on a former Kaput O'media site recently.
Looked like a good ULB* solution.

*Ultra Low Budget

That was my thread. I will repost it as I still have the content.

...and done http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/showthread.php?896-Peg-Board-Pipe-Rack&p=9344#post9344

[Horseshoe]

Storage confusion. Correct me if I am wrong please.

Jars are good to go for long term storage
Tins are fine for short term storage if opened (couple/few weeks)
Un-Opened tins are fine for longer term storage but should be placed into jars if it starts to swell?
Cans of tobacco such as Christmas Cheer are fine long term un-opened? (Sealed with Un tampered foil and plastic lid)

[El Whedo]

Storage confusion. Correct me if I am wrong please.

Jars are good to go for long term storage
Tins are fine for short term storage if opened (couple/few weeks)
Un-Opened tins are fine for longer term storage but should be placed into jars if it starts to swell?
Cans of tobacco such as Christmas Cheer are fine long term un-opened? (Sealed with Un tampered foil and plastic lid)


Yep.

[Nature]

Stingers: What is the proper orientation? Does it matter? Hole up or down?
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/19/244c26b0bf893da1db30c1e5786e73d9.jpg

OR
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/19/397fbab98803339086682332552d3f2c.jpg

[mooster]

The proper orientation is out of the pipe. Stay tuned for a serious answer, though...

[Nature]

The proper orientation is out of the pipe. Stay tuned for a serious answer, though...

Haha! That's what I kind of thought, Just remove altogether.

[Nachman]

The top picture is correct.

[Tobias Lutz]

Stingers: What is the proper orientation? Does it matter? Hole up or down?
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/19/244c26b0bf893da1db30c1e5786e73d9.jpg

OR
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/19/397fbab98803339086682332552d3f2c.jpg

I agree with Mark in that I hack them off and throw them away, but... I would imagine down would allow the moisture to stay in the shank and heel of the bowl as opposed to being caught inside the stem and flowing like a glorious river of ughhh into your mouth. No real idea- just taking a stab at it. :)

[Horseshoe]

How often should you tamp?
How much rest should a pipe get before re-use? (Does the same go for partial bowls?)

[Cardinal]

Rope question(s): does anyone here smoke it? I've seen Tobias' DIY rope thread so I'm guessing so, but how popular is it compared to other forms and if you do (or don't) smoke it, why?

I think I've read that rope is usually stronger too. Is that true? And is it flavor, strength, or both?

Is rope more like smoking a cigar than say, flake or ribbon? Or is that just totally tobacco dependent?

[tmoran]

The only rope I have tried so far is G&H Sweet Rum Twist, and it's very good. I usually have to mix it with PA or something to cut down the strength, or smoke a really small bowl. Rope is extremely strong in both nicotine and flavor, beyond that of even the strongest cigars I have tried.

[Nachman]

Rope question(s): does anyone here smoke it? I've seen Tobias' DIY rope thread so I'm guessing so, but how popular is it compared to other forms and if you do (or don't) smoke it, why?

I think I've read that rope is usually stronger too. Is that true? And is it flavor, strength, or both?

Is rope more like smoking a cigar than say, flake or ribbon? Or is that just totally tobacco dependent?
I smoke some rope as do several on the forum. It is the strongest pipe tobacco, especially the brown ropes. When I say strong, I mean NICOTINE! I have smoked for more than fifty five years, but ropes can make me feel the nic hit. The flavour is full, but smooth. They are more popular in the UK than in the US, as most ropes are made in Cumbria Northern England these days. They were more popular and pervasive in days past. They were a good way to transport tobacco and keep it fresh on long trips (think sailing ships). Ropes were also popular among the miners of Northern England. They would chew a piece while they worked in the mine because you couldn't smoke in the mine for fear of coal gas explosions. Then they would dry out the chaw and smoke it later as it would have enough strength left for the pipe. It is still a pipe tobacco experience, not a cigar like experience, but a brown rope is stronger than the strongest ligero laced cigar. A good rope to try for a first time is GH Sweet Rum Twist. It is not quite as strong as the Brown Bogie or the Brown Irish Twist, and does not have the burnt tyre flavour of the black twists.

[Cardinal]

Thanks to both of you! I'll try to get some rope in my next tobacco order. Sounds like something to experience at least once anyway.

[JustTroItIn]

How often should you tamp?
How much rest should a pipe get before re-use? (Does the same go for partial bowls?)

I usually tamp either when I know for a fact I have a healthy stacking of loose ash or I detect the amber is starting to go out a bit. If it's starting to go out I puff while gently tamping. This usually brings it back to life.

As for resting, I think we pipers can stress a bit too much about it. My pipes usually get at the very least a few days rest just because I have quite a few, but I have smoked the same pipe though several bowls over a few days and didn't really notice any ill effects. Pipers back in the day often had one pipe they would smoke the crap out of and then just replace. I have seen pictures of estate pipes you would be lucky to be able to fit a pencil in. Luckily none I have purchased have been quite that bad.

[Branzig]

How often should you tamp?
How much rest should a pipe get before re-use? (Does the same go for partial bowls?)

Tamp as often as you need to too keep the pipe lit. When the draw starts to become lose, it is time for a tamp. When the smoke production starts to get thin and you feel like the pipe is going to go out, time for a tamp.

The "how much rest does my pipe need" question is on par with the "what humidity should I keep my cigars at" ...ask 20 people and you may just get 20 different answers. I like to rest my briar pipes at least 24 hours regardless of how much I smoked out of it. Not so much because I am worried about ruining the pipe, but more so that I have had some bad expierences with smoking a pipe too soon while it was still a little wet. And smoking a wet pipe is gross. Plus I feel like if you smoke a pipe multiple times within a 24 hour period that you have to deep clean them more often.

It isn't odd for me to rest my briar pipes for 3 days in between smokes. None of this includes Cobs by the way. I abuse cobs. :p


Thanks to both of you! I'll try to get some rope in my next tobacco order. Sounds like something to experience at least once anyway.

I highly suggest you get some rope! It is indeed something that I believe every pipe smoker must experience in their life time. I like to use cigar cutters and chop them up into tasty medallions. SG Black XX Twist is one of my faves....as is their Brown No. 4 twist. mmmmmm :D

[Tgs679]

What is the general consensus on long term storage in the laminated foil bags such as Esoterica blends come in?

[Tobias Lutz]

What is the general consensus on long term storage in the laminated foil bags such as Esoterica blends come in?

jar it.

[Nachman]

What is the general consensus on long term storage in the laminated foil bags such as Esoterica blends come in?

I have a 250 gm laminated foil bag of Skiff mixture that is over ten years old. One of these days I will open it and jar it. When I do, I will report on the results.

[Cardinal]

I highly suggest you get some rope! It is indeed something that I believe every pipe smoker must experience in their life time. I like to use cigar cutters and chop them up into tasty medallions. SG Black XX Twist is one of my faves....as is their Brown No. 4 twist. mmmmmm :D

One more question, sorry if this seems too obvious..but I guess you cut off medallions then rub them out like flake? I haven't smoked much flake either, so I'm not very familiar with that part of it.

[OnePyroTec]

rubbing out rope medallions is one way of smoking them. You can cube cut them, or stack them, fold & stuff. Most the time when I smoke rope tobacco, I'll rub out a thin medallion, stuff/stack a few, and rub out a little more for the top. Once in a while, I'll just take a bite and chew it :p

[Branzig]

One more question, sorry if this seems too obvious..but I guess you cut off medallions then rub them out like flake? I haven't smoked much flake either, so I'm not very familiar with that part of it.


rubbing out rope medallions is one way of smoking them. You can cube cut them, or stack them, fold & stuff. Most the time when I smoke rope tobacco, I'll rub out a thin medallion, stuff/stack a few, and rub out a little more for the top. Once in a while, I'll just take a bite and chew it :p

Pretty much exactly what Wayne said here. Well everything except for the whole chewing on it part :uncomfortableness:

With medallions, I like usually like to dry them out quite a bit, then fold and stuff them in a nice narrow bowled pipe. If they are a little more moist, I will just rub them out.

[OnePyroTec]

LMFAO I usually don't chew, but a couple of my ropes had smelled so damn good, I felt I owed it to them to take a sample. LMFAO

[Branzig]

LMFAO I usually don't chew, but a couple of my ropes had smelled so damn good, I felt I owed it to them to take a sample. LMFAO


Hahahah, well I have to ask the question now!

What'd it taste like?!

[OnePyroTec]

It tasted like a strong chewing tobacco with a hint of what ever fruity topping the rope had (I tried a few). I'd take redman over rope given the choice. I haven't chewed redman in at least 10 years.

[Branzig]

It tasted like a strong chewing tobacco with a hint of what ever fruity topping the rope had (I tried a few). I'd take redman over rope given the choice. I haven't chewed redman in at least 10 years.

I chewed Redman once. Yeah. I threw up. :fatigue:

I'll leave the rope chewing to the real men. :D

[Cardinal]

Here's another question I've always thought was too dumb to ask. On the cigar side most people take pictures of their cigars for the "What are you smoking" thread. Why don't we do as many pics on the pipe side?

[Horseshoe]

I left my pipe in my truck over the night. It was below freezing. I am assuming the pipe is fine, but I should let the pipe rest a while before using it. Is this correct?

My Sav has a balsa filter. I don't mind the filter as it doesn't seem to impede anything. How often should the filter get replaced? What is the difference between Balsa and paper filters? What is the main purpose for the Balsa filter?

[JustTroItIn]

I left my pipe in my truck over the night. It was below freezing. I am assuming the pipe is fine, but I should let the pipe rest a while before using it. Is this correct?

My Sav has a balsa filter. I don't mind the filter as it doesn't seem to impede anything. How often should the filter get replaced? What is the difference between Balsa and paper filters? What is the main purpose for the Balsa filter?

I would at the very least let it return to room temperature. I can't answer your question on the filters as I don't use them.

[Nachman]

I left my pipe in my truck over the night. It was below freezing. I am assuming the pipe is fine, but I should let the pipe rest a while before using it. Is this correct?

My Sav has a balsa filter. I don't mind the filter as it doesn't seem to impede anything. How often should the filter get replaced? What is the difference between Balsa and paper filters? What is the main purpose for the Balsa filter?

The Balsa filters absorb moisture rather than filter. The paper filters trap tar. A good substitute for a paper filter which will restrict the smoke less and affect the flavour less is to take a pipe cleaner and cut it in half, then fold the half pipe cleaner in half. Insert your pipe cleaner filter into the filter chamber with the point toward the bowl. This is cheaper and in my opinion much better than a store bought filter. It traps quite a bit of tar and does not affect the flavour. I personally smoke without a filter and just use more pipe cleaners to clean the filter chamber.

[Nachman]

One more question, sorry if this seems too obvious..but I guess you cut off medallions then rub them out like flake? I haven't smoked much flake either, so I'm not very familiar with that part of it.

If you want to avoid the trouble of prepping the tobacco, buy sliced brown twist. The only drawback is that it is cut from one of the strongest ropes.

[Branzig]

Here's another question I've always thought was too dumb to ask. On the cigar side most people take pictures of their cigars for the "What are you smoking" thread. Why don't we do as many pics on the pipe side?
Us pipers are so busy fiddling with our lit pipes, we don't gotz no time to take a picture too! [emoji14]

But honestly I don't know why. I'm usually just too lazy I guess haha.

[JustTroItIn]

Here's another question I've always thought was too dumb to ask. On the cigar side most people take pictures of their cigars for the "What are you smoking" thread. Why don't we do as many pics on the pipe side?

I actually take quite a few pictures....but I haven't been posting them here. Back in Sept when Puff had its second (for me) extended outage, I joined another forum and I'm still quite active there. I post in their thread and sometimes people can get crotchety about cross posting (this comes from my experience with many different hobby forums, I have never been chastised for it here). I still do it if I think the content is worth it (for instance my Peg Board thread), but haven't been for things like what are you smoking.

That being said, it only takes a few seconds to post it again if peeps want to know what I'm smoking and the cross post isn't offensive.

[Cardinal]

I actually take quite a few pictures....but I haven't been posting them here. Back in Sept when Puff had its second (for me) extended outage, I joined another forum and I'm still quite active there. I post in their thread and sometimes people can get crotchety about cross posting (this comes from my experience with many different hobby forums, I have never been chastised for it here). I still do it if I think the content is worth it (for instance my Peg Board thread), but haven't been for things like what are you smoking.

That being said, it only takes a few seconds to post it again if peeps want to know what I'm smoking and the cross post isn't offensive.

I know I'd enjoy seeing the pipes, but I don't smoke and peruse the thread often enough that I'd want to ask anyone to change anything for me.

I was wondering if it was just one of those "this is just kinda how we've always done it" things, or if pipe pics were verboten or something.

[JustTroItIn]

Just for you. ;)

http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/showthread.php?29-What-Did-You-Smoke-Today/page39

[GWBowman]

Usually pipe tobacco gets put in a jar, or maybe a ziploc in a tupperware if you got it from someone else. Doesn't seem to have the same allure as a cigar with a nice band. Some people have beautiful pipes and they are nice to see. My stems have not had the outside cleaned and polished in...forever. Sometimes it's neat to get a glimpse around/behind the pipe of some people's cellar or smoking area. I like when people take a pic of the pipe and hold it up to reveal a pretty view from their porch or something along that line.

[Horseshoe]

What do you all do with empty pipe tins? Just toss them?

[Tobias Lutz]

What do you all do with empty pipe tins? Just toss them?

Every once in a while I get one with a painted lid, like they ALL used to be. I keep those, but toss anything with a sticker on it.

[Tony78]

What do you all do with empty pipe tins? Just toss them?

Same as Tobias I keep the rare painted ones. The others I fill with duct seal compound (like a dense clay) and use as pellet gun targets for my indoor range.

[Nachman]

What do you all do with empty pipe tins? Just toss them?

I save them in a pile until my wife makes me throw them all out.

[cbr310]

I cant remember the shop in pa, think they sell christmas cookie? thinking of thrying some of there blends but cant remember site.

[Tobias Lutz]

I cant remember the shop in pa, think they sell christmas cookie? thinking of thrying some of there blends but cant remember site.

Boswells

[cbr310]

Thanks Tobias

[JustTroItIn]

What do you all do with empty pipe tins? Just toss them?

I don't have many yet but have been using some to store samples that have been sent to me.

[Pugsley]

Over the years I've collected quite a number of pipes, some that rarely or never get smoked. Now, for the first time, I'm giving some thought to selling some. Two of them are unsmoked, limited editions, one is a very lightly used Dunhill in what seems to be an unpopular size and shape. My questions are how do you set prices if you can't find similar examples for sale, and how do you sell them? Ebay? List them on forums? Sell to friends? I have a couple friends that smoke pipes but they are both of the "If you aren't going to smoke it you should just give it to me" variety.

[Branzig]

Over the years I've collected quite a number of pipes, some that rarely or never get smoked. Now, for the first time, I'm giving some thought to selling some. Two of them are unsmoked, limited editions, one is a very lightly used Dunhill in what seems to be an unpopular size and shape. My questions are how do you set prices if you can't find similar examples for sale, and how do you sell them? Ebay? List them on forums? Sell to friends? I have a couple friends that smoke pipes but they are both of the "If you aren't going to smoke it you should just give it to me" variety.

I have a pretty strict, "If I don't smoke it, it's got to go" mentality. With that being said, if I like a pipe, I will give it a year or so to get into my rotation. If after a year I still find it more often than not just sitting there, it is gone-zo.

I have a local shop that I deal with from time to time, he is a good guy and buys a lot of my estates and trades with me. Forums are a great place to sell pipes to fellow brothers, if it is a pipe that you like but just didn't smoke, you at least know it is going to a fellow piper who will enjoy it and take care of it. Rarer pipes that you aren't sure of the value of, Ebay is a good bet. Put it up and see what it fetches....seller fees can be steep though.

As far as pricing goes...I guess the more you sell, the more you realize what things are worth. Condition and demand play a huge role. You can use Ebay as kind of a reference guide, but be forewarned that some of those "Buy It Now" prices are just not realistic whatsoever. Smokingpipes also sells estates and you can kind of gauge the market by what they are asking for their pipes....but that is only if your pipe is in great, restored condition. Smokingpipes estates are just top notch and they command top dollar for their work.

[Griz]

What do you all do with empty pipe tins? Just toss them?

doesn't have to be Altoids

http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/how-to-build-your-own-altoids-tin-survival-kit-1609107708

[Cardinal]

I'm trying replace all the lost wealth of Pxxx here, and I have another question. I just tried to smoke some SG Best Brown Flake yesterday, and I think that was the 2nd or 3rd time trying, but as finely as I rubbed it out it still seemed moist and wouldn't burn at all.

Is it totally dependent, or should I be leaving flake out overnight to dry?

My problem is I typically smoke a pipe in the morning and don't have a lot of time to let things air out unless I set it out the night before.

[tmoran]

SG Flakes tend to have more moisture than pretty much anything besides goopers. If I don't dry it out, I cannot get it to burn properly. If you don't have time immediately beforehand to dry it out, you can take say a week's worth, dry it all out to your preferred moisture level, and then seal it back in a jar.

[Branzig]

I'm trying replace all the lost wealth of Pxxx here, and I have another question. I just tried to smoke some SG Best Brown Flake yesterday, and I think that was the 2nd or 3rd time trying, but as finely as I rubbed it out it still seemed moist and wouldn't burn at all.

Is it totally dependent, or should I be leaving flake out overnight to dry?

My problem is I typically smoke a pipe in the morning and don't have a lot of time to let things air out unless I set it out the night before.

Leave it out over night.

I leave fresh SG flakes out for 24 hours sometimes before smoking them. If you rub the flake out completely, it will dry quicker, but I prefer to let them dry as flakes then rub them out.

[El Whedo]

What do you all do with empty pipe tins? Just toss them?

I use 'em for target practice with my .50 cal Hawkins black powder rifle. If I can hit a pipe tobacco tin at 75 or 80 metres with a ball and patch, then the local deer and elk are in trouble.

[Pugsley]

I just placed another tobacco order this morning. After doing so, thought I'd do an inventory of the unopened tins I have. I just finished and I have 93 tins, not counting the 2+ lbs. of bulk tobacco and tubs of Carter Hall. I also have another 9 tins and one tub open. That's a lot of tobacco. But, what I discovered while doing this, is that I already had all the tobaccos I just ordered, with multiple tins of some. Obviously, I have no system for keeping track of what I have. How do you keep track of a mess like this? I've heard of online cellars but never used one. Are they helpful? Can they be used easily by a computer illiterate like myself? Is there a better method or system?

[Branzig]

I just placed another tobacco order this morning. After doing so, thought I'd do an inventory of the unopened tins I have. I just finished and I have 93 tins, not counting the 2+ lbs. of bulk tobacco and tubs of Carter Hall. I also have another 9 tins and one tub open. That's a lot of tobacco. But, what I discovered while doing this, is that I already had all the tobaccos I just ordered, with multiple tins of some. Obviously, I have no system for keeping track of what I have. How do you keep track of a mess like this? I've heard of online cellars but never used one. Are they helpful? Can they be used easily by a computer illiterate like myself? Is there a better method or system?

I don't have an online cellar, but I kind of think I should. I bet it would help me and it sure sounds like it would definitely help you out! I can't imagine it is all that hard to set up, if you have ever filled out a spread sheet, I am sure it is very similar to that.

It is something I may have to look into shortly as well.

[AlanS]

On occasion I slip a small Boveda in jars of tobacco. Probably not necessary most of the time,but they feel like a little insurance.Any thoughts on this? Thanks

[Branzig]

On occasion I slip a small Boveda in jars of tobacco. Probably not necessary most of the time,but they feel like a little insurance.Any thoughts on this? Thanks

What RH are you using?

Pipe tobacco isn't like cigars, they don't like that 60 and above RH at all. They need a drier environment to thrive and age. Making them overly moist just risks mold and loss of flavor. IMO I would never put any kind of humidifying device or agent in any of my pipe tobaccos. If I need to rehydrate some tobacco that I foolishly neglected, then I use the large tupperware and wet paper towel method...

I have had jars with no humidifying agent in them sealed for 7+ years, and when I pop the lid off them everything is 100% happy and perfect. Pretty much found them in the same state that I jarred them away in.

[tmoran]

I agree that no additional humidification is needed, but I think the notion that pipe tobacco should be stored at lower humidity than cigar tobacco is incorrect. I'm not trying to pick on Brandon here, but I see this posted a lot. I think the reason people believe this is likely because a lot of time when people talk about pipe tobacco storage, they are talking about the moisture content of the tobacco, and when people talk about cigar storage, they are referring to the relative humidity of the air around the tobacco. I think that if we took the moisture content of a cigar and the moisture content of pipe tobacco, they would be within a couple percentage points of each other, and the pipe tobacco would probably be the slightly higher of the two. Greg Pease says 13 - 18% moisture content is ideal, depending on the blend. I think I remember Steve Saka saying with cigars, you are shooting for something like 12-14%. The Greg Pease statement I am sure of, I can't remember exactly what numbers Steve used, but it was somewhere in that ballpark.

[rx2man]

I am in AZ and the whole humidification thing is a PIA. I had a pound or so of the Indonesian Tambolaka get all moldy on me and I cant remember if I had a humi pack in the large cigar jar. The rest of my opened tins and bags are in a large cooler with a humi jar in it. So far I have not had anything else get moldy in 3 yrs. If I was not in the SW I probably would not worry about keeping the humidity up. But AZ can dry stuff out fast.......thoughts??

[Nachman]

I am in AZ and the whole humidification thing is a PIA. I had a pound or so of the Indonesian Tambolaka get all moldy on me and I cant remember if I had a humi pack in the large cigar jar. The rest of my opened tins and bags are in a large cooler with a humi jar in it. So far I have not had anything else get moldy in 3 yrs. If I was not in the SW I probably would not worry about keeping the humidity up. But AZ can dry stuff out fast.......thoughts??
Rather than trying to maintain humidity by adjusting the ambient relative humidity as you do with cigars, with pipe tobacco the preferred solution is to put the tobacco in canning jars, such as mason or ball or Kerr jars. The tobacco will loose very little humidity and form it's own seal as the aerobic bacteria consumes the oxygen in the jar. This allows anaerobic bacteria to continue the aging process amd keeps the tobacco fresh and smokable.
edit: An 8 oz canning jar is suitable for two to three ounces of tobacco, depending on the cut.

[bluenoser]

How do you sanitize/clean a used pipe before using?

[LandonColby]

How do you sanitize/clean a used pipe before using?

Usually salt/alcohol treatment to sanitize and draw out any old ghosts. And use an alcohol soaked bristle pipe cleaner in the shank and stem. Other than that I don't do anything else to the "inside" of the pipe. It's all buffing and cleaning the outside to make it pretty from there on out.

P.S.
ream out any EXCESSIVE cake IF necessary...a little is okay. At least to my standards.

[Branzig]

How do you sanitize/clean a used pipe before using?


Usually salt/alcohol treatment to sanitize and draw out any old ghosts. And use an alcohol soaked bristle pipe cleaner in the shank and stem. Other than that I don't do anything else to the "inside" of the pipe. It's all buffing and cleaning the outside to make it pretty from there on out.

P.S.
ream out any EXCESSIVE cake IF necessary...a little is okay. At least to my standards.

I only use the SA treatment on exceptionally ghosted and nasty estate pipes. Sanitizing the bowl isn't really important at all, drawing out the ghosts is what you are after there.

If there are no ghosts I would skip the salt and alcohol treatment and go straight into using bristle pipe cleaners/shank brushes full of 91 Iso alcohol to clean the stem as LandonColby suggested. Then run regular pipe cleaners through the stem until they come out clear and white. I also let the stem sit for about 2-4 hours after that to dry all the alcohol out.

If there are a lot of ghosts, don't skimp on cleaning out the mortise and shank well. Extremely well. In my experience, I have discovered that most of those nasty tastes actually live in the mortise and shank, not the bowl.

[cpmcdill]

I am in AZ and the whole humidification thing is a PIA. I had a pound or so of the Indonesian Tambolaka get all moldy on me and I cant remember if I had a humi pack in the large cigar jar. The rest of my opened tins and bags are in a large cooler with a humi jar in it. So far I have not had anything else get moldy in 3 yrs. If I was not in the SW I probably would not worry about keeping the humidity up. But AZ can dry stuff out fast.......thoughts??

Tambolaka is an uncased tobacco that should be kept relatively dry. It has no preservatives added and if kept humid like a cigar will generally spoil. Like Nachman said, just keep it in a tight jar. That way it will maintain the tobacco at the humidity it arrived at, which is most suitable. Tambo can even be allowed to dry out more, and need only be softened up when you intend to smoke it. The way Tambolaka is cured is to be pressed into sticks and bound in rope, then left in the rafters of a grass hut on an island in Indonesia for 5 years. Besides the naturally occurring enzymes in the tobacco, some yeasts probably play a role in creating the unique flavor of the tobacco. But where there's yeast, there's bound to be mold spores too, so any unbalance in the delicate curing process can lead to an outbreak of the fuzzy stuff. Another reason to store Tambolaka in a jar is to isolate it, as the mold/yeast might potentially spread to your other tobaccos.

[rx2man]

Tambolaka is an uncased tobacco that should be kept relatively dry. It has no preservatives added and if kept humid like a cigar will generally spoil. Like Nachman said, just keep it in a tight jar. That way it will maintain the tobacco at the humidity it arrived at, which is most suitable. Tambo can even be allowed to dry out more, and need only be softened up when you intend to smoke it. The way Tambolaka is cured is to be pressed into sticks and bound in rope, then left in the rafters of a grass hut on an island in Indonesia for 5 years. Besides the naturally occurring enzymes in the tobacco, some yeasts probably play a role in creating the unique flavor of the tobacco. But where there's yeast, there's bound to be mold spores too, so any unbalance in the delicate curing process can lead to an outbreak of the fuzzy stuff. Another reason to store Tambolaka in a jar is to isolate it, as the mold/yeast might potentially spread to your other tobaccos.

I had appx a pound of the stuff and was not happy to see the white fuzzy stuff everywhere. The whole thing went into the trash it was too far gone when I noticed it. It was probably too moist when I got it and went downhill from there. From the smell I probably would not have liked it but I still wan not happy to toss it. I am thinking I need to get some more jars. When I get large amount of bulk tobacco I jar it. Its the little 2 oz bags that I have in a cooler along with opened tins. I did notice all the "opened" tins have now sealed shut and I could not just twist them open. Also no mold problems with anything else just the Indonesian stuff.

[cpmcdill]

Even 1 or 2oz quantities should be jarred. I recommend 1/2 pint wide-mouth jars for those. Anything not in a sealed tin ought to go in jars unless you intend to smoke it within the month. Plastic bags are not airtight. Over time they will breathe out moisture, and the plastic itself may affect the flavor.

[rx2man]

Even 1 or 2oz quantities should be jarred. I recommend 1/2 pint wide-mouth jars for those. Anything not in a sealed tin ought to go in jars unless you intend to smoke it within the month. Plastic bags are not airtight. Over time they will breathe out moisture, and the plastic itself may affect the flavor.

That is why the bagged stuff is in a cooler with a humi jar in there. That being said there are not that many of them in bags so looks like I need to get myself over to walmart and get some jars.

[Branzig]

Even 1 or 2oz quantities should be jarred. I recommend 1/2 pint wide-mouth jars for those. Anything not in a sealed tin ought to go in jars unless you intend to smoke it within the month. Plastic bags are not airtight. Over time they will breathe out moisture, and the plastic itself may affect the flavor.

Big time agree with this!

I make sure everything, even little samples that I have, is jarred up or in some kind of air tight container. Too much air is pipe tobacco's enemy!

[cbr310]

i have about 4-5 samples in ziplocks. Can I just toss them (ziplock included) into 1 big jar? currently working my way through them.

[cpmcdill]

i have about 4-5 samples in ziplocks. Can I just toss them (ziplock included) into 1 big jar? currently working my way through them.

Sure, I don't see why not. I keep multiple pouch tobaccos in jars together. As long as you intend to use them fairly soon, and they are in the same general family of pipe blends (ie. English/Balkan, Lakeland, VA/VaPer, Aromatic are examples of families), they probably will not mingle too much.

[Branzig]

i have about 4-5 samples in ziplocks. Can I just toss them (ziplock included) into 1 big jar? currently working my way through them.

One of my "catch-all" jars. As cpmcdill stated, as long as you keep them separated by blend family, no problem at all.

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/20140210_193934_zpsfgnbwiey.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/20140210_193934_zpsfgnbwiey.jpg.html)

[gigmaster]

The difference? Prestige
Does it smoke better? No. Nothing smokes better than a $10.00 Missouri Meerschaum.
Should you buy it anyway? Absolutely.....


OK I'll go. Seriously, what's the difference between a $25 Grabow or Brog and a $100 savinelli? I'm referring to smokemanship not so much craftsmanship (although at some point those two must cross paths). I have 4 inexpensive pipes (2 baskets, a MM, & a Mr Brog) and every time I think of getting something in the 100+ range I get scared and back out. Is it really worth it?

[gigmaster]

I could get by fine with just one Missouri Meerschaum cob.

Do I want to? Of course not.


I see alot of people on here have a large amount of pipes, I'm sure alot of it is collection but is there a need for multiple pipes or could a guy get away with just 1?

[NWSmoke]

The difference? Prestige
Does it smoke better? No. Nothing smokes better than a $10.00 Missouri Meerschaum.
Should you buy it anyway? Absolutely.....

I appreciate your candor lol. FWIW, I just received delivery of a new MM and Mr Brog. Taking Brog for a test ran now and so far so good.

[LivingDeadGuy]

How do you slow down? Im a turbo smoker and I smoke mainly with tall and stubby pokers, I like my toungue and want to keep it. So what do you do to slow down?

[cpmcdill]

How do you slow down? Im a turbo smoker and I smoke mainly with tall and stubby pokers, I like my toungue and want to keep it. So what do you do to slow down?

Sometimes it's a challenge, especially for ex-cigarette smokers and cigar smokers accustomed to a firm draw. Outside of developing a very mindful and conscientious discipline of paying attention to your puffing tempo, another way to reduce the suction and cool the smoke is to keep your mouth slightly open when drawing on the pipe. Then some of the suction power is given to pulling cooler air through your lips and reducing the hot blast from the pipe stem.

[Branzig]

How do you slow down? Im a turbo smoker and I smoke mainly with tall and stubby pokers, I like my toungue and want to keep it. So what do you do to slow down?
Generally I slow down by adding more time between puffs.... [emoji14]

[OnePyroTec]

Generally I slow down by adding more time between puffs.... [emoji14]


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcYppAs6ZdI

[OnePyroTec]

Seriously, to slow down your puffing rate will take practice. If you feel your bowl getting a bit too warm, you know to slow down. If it gets HOT, put it down and let it go out. Once cooled, re-lite. If you get it HOT again, put it down again. It is not a race to see who can finish first.

[Nachman]

How do you slow down? Im a turbo smoker and I smoke mainly with tall and stubby pokers, I like my toungue and want to keep it. So what do you do to slow down?

I find the easiest and most satisfying way to slow down is to smoke stronger tobacco. If I smoke a low nicotine smoke, I puff like a freight train trying to get more from the smoke. That is why I smoke mostly Royal Yacht and fill in with other high octane tobaccos like Irish Flake, sliced Brown Twist and University Flake.

[Tobias Lutz]

It is not a race to see who can finish first.

If I had a nickle for every time I heard that ;)

I do agree that slowing down take practice, and patience. Burning your tongue up is the best motivation, IMO

[gigmaster]

Never smoked a Brog, but I have been thinking about it. How are they?


I appreciate your candor lol. FWIW, I just received delivery of a new MM and Mr Brog. Taking Brog for a test ran now and so far so good.

[gigmaster]

This first thing is to quit looking at the clock. Forget about time. True pipe smoking is leaving the material world for a bit, to unplug and reset. The world was here for a long time before you arrived, and it will be here a long time after we leave it. Enjoy your smoke. The world will be there when you get back. Businesses, governments, and other institutions functioned fine before you got involved. I assure you, they will not collapse during the 30 mins to 1 hour you spend enjoying a pipe.

Next, quit thinking about how you are smoking your pipe. Instead, ponder the Human Condition, solve the worlds problems, explore the limits of your mind, and expand them. Read, play chess, or best of all, engage in deep conversation with another pipe smoker. This is what pipe smoking is all about.

Do that, and you find yourself smoking slower automatically, and you will also be more relaxed, and your IQ, may not increase, but you will learn to use what you have much better.


How do you slow down? Im a turbo smoker and I smoke mainly with tall and stubby pokers, I like my toungue and want to keep it. So what do you do to slow down?

[rx2man]

The difference? Prestige
Does it smoke better? No. Nothing smokes better than a $10.00 Missouri Meerschaum.
Should you buy it anyway? Absolutely.....

Its funny, as a new piper I started off with a MM and it provided a very good smoke with little effort on my end. Once my interest in pipes was piqued I started looking at briars and thats where all my problems started. A MM is cheap and does the job well. Not much to look at but great smokers. I think I need to light one up today.

[rx2man]

Seriously, to slow down your puffing rate will take practice. If you feel your bowl getting a bit too warm, you know to slow down. If it gets HOT, put it down and let it go out. Once cooled, re-lite. If you get it HOT again, put it down again. It is not a race to see who can finish first.

Having started with cigars the hardest thing to is slow down. I have cigars figured out but I continually get tongue bite. Working on slowing down but takes practice.

[izkeh]

Never smoked a Brog, but I have been thinking about it. How are they?

I realize you weren't specifically asking me but I can tell you I have a #67 briar and it smokes wonderfully. The bowl is a little thin but it handles all my English blends (that's the only ting I smoke in it) like a champ. It doesn't gurgle. The stem is a little plasticky feeling but it's solid enough that I don't feel like it'll shatter if I drop it or something.

I dropped a whopping $25 on it and it's probably one of my better smokers. I'd grab one.

I also have the churchwarden #14. It's pearwood and it's kind of cheap feeling. Smallish bowl with a really plasticky feeling stem. I hardly smoke the churchwarden. It cost about the same ~$25.

[LivingDeadGuy]

I find the easiest and most satisfying way to slow down is to smoke stronger tobacco. If I smoke a low nicotine smoke, I puff like a freight train trying to get more from the smoke. That is why I smoke mostly Royal Yacht and fill in with other high octane tobaccos like Irish Flake, sliced Brown Twist and University Flake.



Ive noticed that too, i got some flake and just got some black cherry twist, you smoke that stuff too fast you risk blowing chunks lol

[LivingDeadGuy]

This first thing is to quit looking at the clock. Forget about time. True pipe smoking is leaving the material world for a bit, to unplug and reset. The world was here for a long time before you arrived, and it will be here a long time after we leave it. Enjoy your smoke. The world will be there when you get back. Businesses, governments, and other institutions functioned fine before you got involved. I assure you, they will not collapse during the 30 mins to 1 hour you spend enjoying a pipe.

Next, quit thinking about how you are smoking your pipe. Instead, ponder the Human Condition, solve the worlds problems, explore the limits of your mind, and expand them. Read, play chess, or best of all, engage in deep conversation with another pipe smoker. This is what pipe smoking is all about.

Do that, and you find yourself smoking slower automatically, and you will also be more relaxed, and your IQ, may not increase, but you will learn to use what you have much better.

Wish I could just slow down, but I only smoke while busy, woking on a car, plowing snow, mowing the lawn ect, but ill give that "thinking" stuff a try, though it sound like it might hurt haha

[commonsenseman]

Wish I could just slow down, but I only smoke while busy, woking on a car, plowing snow, mowing the lawn ect, but ill give that "thinking" stuff a try, though it sound like it might hurt haha

I actually find I smoke more slowly when I'm doing NOTHING else, just concentrating on the pipe. YMMV

A good exercise to try every now and then: starting out with properly dry tobacco, try just barely keeping the pipe going. Don't puff hard, just take very gentle "sips". Almost always, tobacco tastes much better when it's burning cool & slow. Make sure you're not filling the pipe too tightly, this will make you puff harder to keep it going.

[tmoran]

I actually find I smoke more slowly when I'm doing NOTHING else, just concentrating on the pipe. YMMV

A good exercise to try every now and then: starting out with properly dry tobacco, try just barely keeping the pipe going. Don't puff hard, just take very gentle "sips". Almost always, tobacco tastes much better when it's burning cool & slow. Make sure you're not filling the pipe too tightly, this will make you puff harder to keep it going.

I think it was mooster who once posted on the old site a good exercise. Get your tobacco properly dried, packed and lit, and instead of puffing, just breathe through your nose with the pipe clenched in your mouth. You will be surprised how well a pipe stays lit with just a slow, steady flow of air. You don't necessarily have to smoke this way all the time, but it at least gives you a good idea how little you need to puff to keep it lit.

[gigmaster]

OK, I was inaccurate when I said I never smoked a Brog. I was going through my pipes, and my one and only Churchwarden is a Brog. I got it at some little local tobacco store that sold inexpensive pipes that I thought were Chinese-made. I guess I'll have to remember where it was, and go check out their stock again. I think I paid $11.00 or so for it. Like you said, it has a smallish bowl, but I think all Churchwardens have smaller bowls, maybe because of the length of the stem (balance?). It's actually a good smoker, but I have to be careful turning my head. I have banged it into the wall several times, the dogs, one of the cats, and my wife. It's sort of like the old Benson and Hedges Cigarette commercials (remember when they could advertise on TV?). Oops, I guess I let my age show. Oh well.


I realize you weren't specifically asking me but I can tell you I have a #67 briar and it smokes wonderfully. The bowl is a little thin but it handles all my English blends (that's the only ting I smoke in it) like a champ. It doesn't gurgle. The stem is a little plasticky feeling but it's solid enough that I don't feel like it'll shatter if I drop it or something.

I dropped a whopping $25 on it and it's probably one of my better smokers. I'd grab one.

I also have the churchwarden #14. It's pearwood and it's kind of cheap feeling. Smallish bowl with a really plasticky feeling stem. I hardly smoke the churchwarden. It cost about the same ~$25.

[mooster]

I think it was mooster who once posted on the old site a good exercise. Get your tobacco properly dried, packed and lit, and instead of puffing, just breathe through your nose with the pipe clenched in your mouth. You will be surprised how well a pipe stays lit with just a slow, steady flow of air. You don't necessarily have to smoke this way all the time, but it at least gives you a good idea how little you need to puff to keep it lit.

I don't think it was me, but I wholeheartedly endorse this. It's an eye-opening exercise.

[Haebar]

A good exercise is to mimic the pipe smoking contests where you try to keep your pipe going as long as you can. You only puff enough to keep it going.

[Bruck]

Behold:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxPgdpIupz8

I'm not sure if this is a speed-smoking contest or a large ears competition :)

[LivingDeadGuy]

Behold:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxPgdpIupz8

I'm not sure if this is a speed-smoking contest or a large ears competition :)


I would be so good at that! Not the big ears part though

[JollyRogers]

Is there any prep I need to do on a new corn cob? I noticed it's got a bit of a chemically smell too it brand new, should I just smoke anyway or clean it somehow?

[tmoran]

Is there any prep I need to do on a new corn cob? I noticed it's got a bit of a chemically smell too it brand new, should I just smoke anyway or clean it somehow?

If it's an MM, I just smoke them. First bowl or two might taste a little like corn, and you might get a hint of charred pine at the very bottom. If you get the charred pine flavor, don't keep smoking it or try to relight. Once the wood gets a good char on it, that flavor will go away.

[Haebar]

Nope, just fire away. If it has a filter, you may want to remove it.

[Haebar]

Anybody use that Obsidian stem oil? Does it help prevent oxidation of vulcanite stems?

[Branzig]

Anybody use that Obsidian stem oil? Does it help prevent oxidation of vulcanite stems?

Yep, it works very well in preventing oxidation.

Before I started waxing my stems, I used Obsidian oil and it worked very very well.

[mooster]

Just go for it. That smell will go away pretty quickly.

Oops...there was another page; never mind!

[bluenoser]

Why is it preferred to break in a pipe with something like Carter Hall or Prince Albert? Or is that just for us noobs?

[commonsenseman]

Why is it preferred to break in a pipe with something like Carter Hall or Prince Albert? Or is that just for us noobs?
I believe the main reasons are that they are very easy to smoke, they smoke fairly dry & they are mild enough that they don't ghost the pipe at all.

[Branzig]

Why is it preferred to break in a pipe with something like Carter Hall or Prince Albert? Or is that just for us noobs?


I believe the main reasons are that they are very easy to smoke, they smoke fairly dry & they are mild enough that they don't ghost the pipe at all.

Everything that Jeff said PLUS Carter Hall and Prince Albert have this strange ability to smoke down to a fine and dry ash all the way to the very bottom of the bowl. Nothing builds a more consistent and firm cake all the way down in my opinion than PA or CH.

[Horsefeathers]

Here's a slew of dumb questions for everyone.

1.) How long does a "typical" bowl last? I realize this is going to depend on the size of the pipe and how fast you smoke. I know when I sit down for a Robusto it can take me anywhere from 50-80 minutes to get through it. If I don't have at lest 80 mins free I won't light it up.

2.) How do you know you're at the bottom of the bowl? I relight ash last night about 3 times before I gave up, only to dump out the ash and realize the tobacco had been smoked and I was done.

3.) How long can I keep tobacco in an opened tin?

4.) Can there be there too much (or too little) air in a jar of aging tobacco? I was looking at these jars http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20227984/ and they are 17oz. Say I buy a tin or two and throw it in the Jar. Is that too much space / air contacting the tobacco?

5.) It seems that there are far more pipers that smoke indoors than cigar smokers. Is pipe smoke less invasive than cigar smoke?

6.) Rootbeer was recommended as a beverage that pairs well with cigars. Any go to beverage that pairs well with pipe tobacco (of any kind)

7.) Are the pipe cleaners sold for pipe cleaning the same as pipe cleaners sold for crafting?

[tmoran]

Here's a slew of dumb questions for everyone.

1.) How long does a "typical" bowl last? I realize this is going to depend on the size of the pipe and how fast you smoke. I know when I sit down for a Robusto it can take me anywhere from 50-80 minutes to get through it. If I don't have at lest 80 mins free I won't light it up. - A MM Legend usually lasts me about 30 mins, maybe up to 45, depending on the tobacco.

2.) How do you know you're at the bottom of the bowl? I relight ash last night about 3 times before I gave up, only to dump out the ash and realize the tobacco had been smoked and I was done. - Look in the bowl? :) I guess you can use your tamper to dig around a bit to see if any baccy is left. If it takes you 3 successive lights to try to get it going, chances are if there is anything in there, it's not worth smoking anyway.

3.) How long can I keep tobacco in an opened tin? - Depends on the ambient humidity and the type of tin. If it is dry, probably a week or less no matter what type of tin it is. If it is relatively humid, several weeks to a month, if it's a good tin. Here is how I rate the tins at holding humidity after opened, from best to worst. 1. round twist on tins (Dan Tobacco comes to mind) 2. round paint cans (Reiner) 3. Round cardboard tins with plastic lid (C&D) 4. round pop-off metal tins (Dunhill) 5. square tins

4.) Can there be there too much (or too little) air in a jar of aging tobacco? I was looking at these jars http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20227984/ and they are 17oz. Say I buy a tin or two and throw it in the Jar. Is that too much space / air contacting the tobacco? - 17 oz is a liquid measure and tobacco is by weight. A 17oz jar should hold about 4-5 oz of ribbon cut tobacco, and more of flake or cake. I'm not sure if air space will do any harm or not. I don't like air space because in my mind that's wasted space. Once you start stacking the mason jars deep, you regret all that wasted air space. I buy my tobacco based on how it fits in mason jars i.e. I now always buy 3 250g boxes of FVF at a time, because 3 boxes will fit in 2 32 oz mason jars. If I only buy 2 boxes, I still have to use 2 32 oz mason jars.

5.) It seems that there are far more pipers that smoke indoors than cigar smokers. Is pipe smoke less invasive than cigar smoke? - IMO, yes. The aroma is more pleasant and doesn't cling to stuff as long.

6.) Rootbeer was recommended as a beverage that pairs well with cigars. Any go to beverage that pairs well with pipe tobacco (of any kind) - I like coffee with burley, green or herbal tea with VA, and Chai with Latakia or Kentucky, but I am boring. I don't drink soda or alcohol, so my choices are quite limited

7.) Are the pipe cleaners sold for pipe cleaning the same as pipe cleaners sold for crafting? - They are different. The actual pipe cleaners seem stiffer and don't fall apart as easily.

Mine in bold. Very good questions, by the way.

[Branzig]

1.) How long does a "typical" bowl last? I realize this is going to depend on the size of the pipe and how fast you smoke. I know when I sit down for a Robusto it can take me anywhere from 50-80 minutes to get through it. If I don't have at lest 80 mins free I won't light it up.

Kind of hard to answer without knowing what pipes you are smoking...I have pipes that last 15 minutes and pipes that will go for 90+ mins. You need to factor in tobacco cut as well. A MM legend full of Carter Hall will probably last me around 20 minutes where as a folded flake of FVF in the same pipe will go 45 mins. A lot of factors.


2.) How do you know you're at the bottom of the bowl? I relight ash last night about 3 times before I gave up, only to dump out the ash and realize the tobacco had been smoked and I was done.

Smoke density is a good factor. If it goes out pretty much instantly after lighting it, then you are probably to the dottle. Also taste plays a big part of it. If it taste terrible and like ash, you are done. It is a lot like the nub of a cigar...when it becomes harsh and bitter, time to call it quits.


3.) How long can I keep tobacco in an opened tin?

Another "depends" answer. Samuel Gawith flakes can go about 2 months in a tin and be fine. A fine Burley can dry out on you in as little as 3 weeks. A goopy aro will last eternity (but will lose flavor). My general rule of thumb is get it into a jar within a month.


4.) Can there be there too much (or too little) air in a jar of aging tobacco? I was looking at these jars http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20227984/ and they are 17oz. Say I buy a tin or two and throw it in the Jar. Is that too much space / air contacting the tobacco?

I don't worry about this stuff. I buy jar. I put tobacco in jar. Me smoke tobacco. :p

I would rather have a lot of 8oz canning jars full than bigger ones half full though myself.


5.) It seems that there are far more pipers that smoke indoors than cigar smokers. Is pipe smoke less invasive than cigar smoke?

I don't smoke indoors, unless you count the shop and garage indoors. I think pipe smoke sticks around and stinks up stuff just as much as cigar smoke does. The main difference is there is a lot less smoke produced I would say when you puff a pipe, and in general, pipe tobacco isn't as pungent as cigar smoke is. Unless you're smoking latakia. That stuff will stink up a room.


6.) Rootbeer was recommended as a beverage that pairs well with cigars. Any go to beverage that pairs well with pipe tobacco (of any kind)

I love coffee with Burley and Va. Black/green tea goes well with all pipe tobacco in my opinion. I like peppermint tea with latakia, that is fun to me. Water is always good with pipe tobacco. I drink a lot of beer with my pipes too...but I have been told my pairings are awful so I won't share them...I like bold flavors and people complain that their taste buds aren't manly enough to handle all the flavor awesomeness that mine can. :p


7.) Are the pipe cleaners sold for pipe cleaning the same as pipe cleaners sold for crafting?

Don't use craft cleaners for your pipe. They are for crafts and not absorbent like "true" pipe cleaners are.

Nice Questions!

[Haebar]

Here's a slew of dumb questions for everyone.

1.) How long does a "typical" bowl last? I realize this is going to depend on the size of the pipe and how fast you smoke. I know when I sit down for a Robusto it can take me anywhere from 50-80 minutes to get through it. If I don't have at lest 80 mins free I won't light it up.

As Branzig mentioned, many variables here. A bowl of Half & Half in a medium sized billiard lasts me about 30-35 minutes. A bowl of crumpled flake in the same pipe could last 45-50 minutes. Also how much you puff makes a big difference. My brother always finishes his cigar first, even when we are having the same cigars because he smokes faster. It's significant; he usually finishes a good 5-10 minutes before me.

[Haebar]

Here's a slew of dumb questions for everyone.


2.) How do you know you're at the bottom of the bowl? I relight ash last night about 3 times before I gave up, only to dump out the ash and realize the tobacco had been smoked and I was done.

Feel it out with your pipe tool; if there is some in there, you will feel it. The best bet is to smoke it until it starts getting hot and/or bitter, then put it down. Don't try to scrimp on tobacco at the expense of your tongue.

[JustTroItIn]

5.) It seems that there are far more pipers that smoke indoors than cigar smokers. Is pipe smoke less invasive than cigar smoke?



Your other questions seem pretty well covered but this one reminded me of a story.

My wife and I are both smokers and smoke in our basement. When I started getting serious about cigars a little over a year ago the wife told me to go ahead and give it a try in the basement. When the day came that I decided I was going to have a stick, I didn't tell anyone in the house I just lit one up. I hadn't been smoking that cigar for five minutes before the wife came downstairs to find out what the hell that nasty stink is.

The pipe on the other hand has never had a complaint other than when I was smoking Irish Flake and she was sitting about 5 feet from me. Even then, I still finished the bowl.

[Brent Strande]

With pipes and relights how much time can pass between? With cigars it seems to be not much at all, but people mention drawing out pipes all the time.
20 minutes?
An hour?
A day?
Say I light a bowl and something comes up, can I finish it in the morning?

Also, when jarring samples (say, from a bomb) should the baccy go in while still in the bag or dump it into said jar?

[mooster]

Here's a slew of dumb questions for everyone.

1.) How long does a "typical" bowl last? I realize this is going to depend on the size of the pipe and how fast you smoke. I know when I sit down for a Robusto it can take me anywhere from 50-80 minutes to get through it. If I don't have at lest 80 mins free I won't light it up. Mine are usually about an hour and a half to two hours, but I like larger pipes than some. That's actual smoking time; the time on the clock shows that the answer to your question is "it doesn't matter". If I get distracted, or have to abandon the pipe for a bit, it's perfectly fine after relight, which for me is a major advantage for me because squirrel!


2.) How do you know you're at the bottom of the bowl? I relight ash last night about 3 times before I gave up, only to dump out the ash and realize the tobacco had been smoked and I was done. I'm embarrassed to say that I'll be watching for the answers you get...


3.) How long can I keep tobacco in an opened tin? Going past ten days makes me nervous. But they're usually empty by then for me.


4.) Can there be there too much (or too little) air in a jar of aging tobacco? I was looking at these jars http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20227984/ and they are 17oz. Say I buy a tin or two and throw it in the Jar. Is that too much space / air contacting the tobacco? See my answer to number two...


5.) It seems that there are far more pipers that smoke indoors than cigar smokers. Is pipe smoke less invasive than cigar smoke? In my opinion (which is the only one that matters; the cats poop in a box-what can they say?) yes. I'd forgotten how much the difference was when I ordered a handful of singles this month. Fortunately, it's a warm week and I can air the place out, and save the rest for summer.


6.) Rootbeer was recommended as a beverage that pairs well with cigars. Any go to beverage that pairs well with pipe tobacco (of any kind) For me, coffee or tea is required.


7.) Are the pipe cleaners sold for pipe cleaning the same as pipe cleaners sold for crafting? I don't think so; the ones I've seen are pretty fuzzy.

[mooster]

With pipes and relights how much time can pass between? With cigars it seems to be not much at all, but people mention drawing out pipes all the time.
20 minutes?
An hour?
A day?
Say I light a bowl and something comes up, can I finish it in the morning? I try not to wait a month, but it has happened. Seems like once it's loaded in the bowl, it can get as dry as it wants, or maybe our humidity is just right around here.


Also, when jarring samples (say, from a bomb) should the baccy go in while still in the bag or dump it into said jar? Dump it in the jar.

[BryGuySC]

With pipes and relights how much time can pass between? With cigars it seems to be not much at all, but people mention drawing out pipes all the time.
20 minutes?
An hour?
A day?
Say I light a bowl and something comes up, can I finish it in the morning?

I've let mine go a week or so. If I know I won't be able to get to it that day, I'll stick the pipe in a ziplock bag, once it cools.


Also, when jarring samples (say, from a bomb) should the baccy go in while still in the bag or dump it into said jar?

If it will fit, I just shove the bag and all into a jar. It sometimes makes loading the pipe easier with a small sample.

[bluenoser]

How many bowls should it take to break in a new pipe?

[Nature]

How many bowls should it take to break in a new pipe?


http://youtu.be/17CKHuYx51U?t=15s

[mooster]

How many bowls should it take to break in a new pipe?

Whew, that's a good one. My answer would be "as many as it takes". I've got a pipe that really stunk at first and didn't seem to smoke right until (I'm guessing) at least fifty bowls, but that was a standout exception. For me, pipes seem to smoke better and better right up until the time when I realize I waited too long for a deep clean. Most of them seem pretty well broken in after twenty or so bowls, and 'close enough' after ten or so. Don't ask about the ones that are dip stained; I don't want to talk about it. I'm looking forward to seeing other opinions on this one!

[bluenoser]

So I should probably do several more bowls with the carter hall before trying out a few of my others to make sure its broke in

[mooster]

Well, any tobacco will help with the break in, so that's your choice.

[Nachman]

Mooster is right, it depends on the pipe. A good pipe will break in with one 50g tin. I have had some cheaper ones take a month of solid smoking, or more to break in. A Kaywoodie white briar once took quite a long time, but eventually became a good smoker. The same is true of a Roma that had stain in the bowl. I thought that nasty flavour would never go away, but it did, and now it smokes just fine.

[Horsefeathers]

Can someone define "broken in"? What is the difference between a pipe that's broken in and one that is not?

[Branzig]

Can someone define "broken in"? What is the difference between a pipe that's broken in and one that is not?

One that has cake and one that does not.

[Horsefeathers]

One that has cake and one that does not.

Does that alter the quality of the smoke in any way or is it just to protect the pipe?

[mooster]

Most definitely affects the flavor of the smoke.

[Horsefeathers]

Most definitely affects the flavor of the smoke.

I see. Thanks for the info.

[Bruck]

The cake helps absorb the moisture given off by the burning tobacco, then helps dissipate it. There's probably more to it, unaware of which I'm unaware of.

[Cool Breeze]

I have a question that seems very elementary.

When smoking a large bowled pipe, do you dump some of the ash when you get down into the bowl say, halfway or so?
I've noticed that if you're smoking a tobacco that is on the moist side and you have trouble with having to re-light too often, that getting rid of some of the ash tends to help. Am I committing some kind of pipe crime by doing this or is it common?

Thanks.

[Branzig]

I have a question that seems very elementary.

When smoking a large bowled pipe, do you dump some of the ash when you get down into the bowl say, halfway or so?
I've noticed that if you're smoking a tobacco that is on the moist side and you have trouble with having to re-light too often, that getting rid of some of the ash tends to help. Am I committing some kind of pipe crime by doing this or is it common?

Thanks.
Not at all. If you need to take a dump, then you take a dump [emoji14]

If the tobacco is too wet I find this happens. Also if I was sloppy with my pipe packing I find that I sometimes have to dump the ash, stir the tobacco up a bit, and then relight it and start from there.

[Nachman]

I find G&H flakes seem to smother themselves about half way through if you don't dump the top layer of ash. Occasionally I have to dump ash on other tobaccos, but not often.

[Bruck]

I'm an ash dumper.

I find that with flakes, which is most of what I consume, the smoke starts getting a little thin about halfway thru a bowl. At this point, I lightly tamp and reshape the pile, then dump out the ashes and relight. Good to go after that!

[Cool Breeze]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have also noticed that I need to do it more with flakes.

[bluenoser]

if you have a tobacco that seems to be a bit damp should you open the jar and let it dry a bit or load a bowl and let it sit a while before smoking?

[Pugsley]

Just take out the amount you intend to smoke and allow it to dry for a while before you fill your pipe. If you fill it with tobacco that's too damp to light it's going to take forever for it to dry in your pipe. I have a screw off lid from a tobacco tin that I use to spread the tobacco in while it drys.

[Bruck]

If your tobacco is too wet, it wouldn't hurt to let it dry out a bit. YMMV, but I prefer my tobacco just a little moister than death valley.

[Pugsley]

A bent vulcanite stem can be heated and straightened out for redrilling, but if I have a acrylic stem with a tight spot in the bend is there anything I can do, short of having a new stem made?

[Nachman]

Acrylic stems can be re-bent, but they are touchy. The airway could collapse and if the temperature is not just right they can be deformed. I would have a pro redo it and if that won't correct it, he can put a new stem on it while he has it or take other corrective action.

[Pugsley]

Acrylic stems can be re-bent, but they are touchy. The airway could collapse and if the temperature is not just right they can be deformed. I would have a pro redo it and if that won't correct it, he can put a new stem on it while he has it or take other corrective action.

Thanks, I won't try to do it myself. It's a Savinelli Tundra 315 EX prince with a 1/8th bend that was evidently done carelessly. The airway partially collapsed at the point of the bend, making the draw restrictive and it's a very tight fit for a pipe cleaner. I like the pipe, and it's definitely worth the price of a new stem, so it's off to a repair shop with it.

[bluenoser]

Are aros to pipe guys the same as infused to cigar guys or wine coolers to wine guys?

[El Whedo]

Are aros to pipe guys the same as infused to cigar guys or wine coolers to wine guys?

Yes, but not really to the same degree. (Lots of pipe smokers smoke Aero's, not I though {Unless ya wanna call Royal Yacht an Aero.})

[JustTroItIn]

Are aros to pipe guys the same as infused to cigar guys or wine coolers to wine guys?

Yes and no. There are some good aro's out there that use high quality base tobaccos. There are also the "Smoker Joes Budget Cherry Gooper" varieties that I'm sure many would never disgrace their pipe.

[Branzig]

Guess it all depends on what you consider to be an aromatic...

I, and many other fine pipers, really enjoy the lakeland snot variety of tobaccos. I don't think anyone would consider Ennerdale or Grousemoor to be on par with a grape swisher or acid stick.

[GWBowman]

I was going to say no but...I enjoyed an Acid Blondie and want to try some more Acid sometime, but don't care for Grape White Owls, Strawberry or Watermelon Swishers. I haven't had a wine cooler in years, but if offered a cold one on a hot day, sure. I like some aromatics when the mood hits. I will also agree there seem to be more low quality aros and a bad aro is real bad. Seems there's more to go wrong with an aro, but there are some good ones also. Some people just don't like aros just like a few don't want any Latakia.

"Smoke what you like, like what you smoke"

[Bruck]

Are aros to pipe guys the same as infused to cigar guys or wine coolers to wine guys?

Here among the aficionados, yes to a degree, but everyday sort of pipe smokers buy the garden variety aros by the bucket.

[bluenoser]

Cool, I've had a couple of the aero's I ordered with my first order and the bowl I've had of each I've really enjoyed. Haven't had any goopers. Good to know I don't have to hide them when I take pictures of my stash lol.

[Branzig]

Cool, I've had a couple of the aero's I ordered with my first order and the bowl I've had of each I've really enjoyed. Haven't had any goopers. Good to know I don't have to hide them when I take pictures of my stash lol.

Never hide anything. A lot of us smoke 5 buck Carter Hall and Prince Albert here for pipe'in sake :p

Smoke what ya like and like what ya smoke brother! :pipe:

[quo155]

Never hide anything. A lot of us smoke 5 buck Carter Hall and Prince Albert here for pipe'in sake :p

Smoke what ya like and like what ya smoke brother! :pipe:

I 2nd! :pipe:

I really think too many people over-think (not to say either of you above did) what they should...or should not smoke. When at the end of the day, all that matters is that you enjoyed what you smoked. Even if its gooey baccy!

[Nature]

So, as you jar your bulk tobacco and the jar is partially empty, you obtain some more to replace. Do you:



Just add the new stuff to the old stuff, mixing it together?
Start a new jar, having multiple jars of the same tobacco with different acquisition dates?


Is there a preferred way?
I imagine it somewhat depends upon how fast you go through a particular blend. ?

[quo155]

Tying into Mark's question above:

I've seen several posts about "mixed" tobacco. What is this, exactly? Do many of you just take tobaccos that you don't care for, left overs from almost empty tins, scraps from here and there, etc. and place in a jar?

Also, tips, pros, cons, do's & dont's?

[tmoran]

So, as you jar your bulk tobacco and the jar is partially empty, you obtain some more to replace. Do you:



Just add the new stuff to the old stuff, mixing it together?
Start a new jar, having multiple jars of the same tobacco with different acquisition dates?


Is there a preferred way?
I imagine it somewhat depends upon how fast you go through a particular blend. ?

I start a new jar for a couple of reasons. First, I am really interested in seeing how tobacco can change with age. Once you pop a seal, you are restarting the aging process. Second, which is related to the first, I date all the tobacco that goes into my cellar so I can rotate through the stock. Third, once I pop a mason jar seal, I don't trust it for long term storage anymore, so I would have to replace the lid anyway.

If I had something I smoked all the time and didn't really care about aging it, it would make sense to just add it to the jar I am smoking out of. I don't have any blends that I have opened at all times, more like a rotating smoking inventory.

That's just my process. It really comes down to personal habits and preference.

[tmoran]

Tying onto Mark's question above:

I've seen several posts about "mixed" tobacco. What is this, exactly? Do many of you just take tobaccos that you don't care for, left overs from almost empty tins, scraps from here and there, etc. and place in a jar?

Also, tips, pros, cons, do's & dont's?

I am certainly no master blender, but sometimes it can be fun to mix things up a bit (pun intended :eagerness:).

Sometimes I do it because I like a blend, but I am in the mood for something a little stronger or weaker. One good example is G&H Sweet Rum Twist. It's very good, but I rarely bother trying to tackle it straight. Throw a bit of SRT with some PA and life is good.

Sometimes I do it because I think I can make a blend more closely match my tastes. For instance, I like the bold full body of Dunhill Nightcap, but it has too much Latakia for my tastes. I'll mix it with some Walnut and be a happy camper.

Sometimes I will use an easy burning shag or dry tobacco to help something moist burn. Generally I'll layer the kindling on top of the tobacco to get the party started, but you can also mix it in. For this I'll use whatever scraps I left out on my plate too long, or just some 5 Brothers.

Rarely will I try to improve a tobacco I just flat out don't like. No sense wasting something I do like and doubling the volume of tobacco I don't like.

Pro tip - If it feels good, do it.

[quo155]

I am certainly no master blender, but sometimes it can be fun to mix things up a bit (pun intended :eagerness:).

Sometimes I do it because I like a blend, but I am in the mood for something a little stronger or weaker. One good example is G&H Sweet Rum Twist. It's very good, but I rarely bother trying to tackle it straight. Throw a bit of SRT with some PA and life is good.

Sometimes I do it because I think I can make a blend more closely match my tastes. For instance, I like the bold full body of Dunhill Nightcap, but it has too much Latakia for my tastes. I'll mix it with some Walnut and be a happy camper.

Sometimes I will use an easy burning shag or dry tobacco to help something moist burn. Generally I'll layer the kindling on top of the tobacco to get the party started, but you can also mix it in. For this I'll use whatever scraps I left out on my plate too long, or just some 5 Brothers.

Rarely will I try to improve a tobacco I just flat out don't like. No sense wasting something I do like and doubling the volume of tobacco I don't like.

Pro tip - If it feels good, do it.

Thank you Tim...easy to follow and much appreciated!

[Rocket Scientologist]

With pipes and relights how much time can pass between? With cigars it seems to be not much at all, but people mention drawing out pipes all the time.
20 minutes?
An hour?
A day?
Say I light a bowl and something comes up, can I finish it in the morning?


I've let mine go a week or so. If I know I won't be able to get to it that day, I'll stick the pipe in a ziplock bag, once it cools.

Is the tobacco worth doing that? Why not just dump it out and start over when you can?

Of course, this is coming from a noob's perspective. All I have is 2 MMs and some Prince Albert type tobacco.

[BryGuySC]

Is the tobacco worth doing that? Why not just dump it out and start over when you can?

Of course, this is coming from a noob's perspective. All I have is 2 MMs and some Prince Albert type tobacco.

It depends on what tobacco it is. For cheap tobacco, yeah, just dump it. Some tobaccos (think heavy, moist flakes) it could actually improve your smoke.

I love your screen name, by the way.

[mooster]

Is the tobacco worth doing that? Why not just dump it out and start over when you can?

Of course, this is coming from a noob's perspective. All I have is 2 MMs and some Prince Albert type tobacco.

Well, often times (at least with virginia blends!) the tobacco is better after it's sat there in the pipe a while anyway. At least for me.

[Pugsley]

I have a couple pipes that were made for 9mm filters and would like to get adapters for them, but the only one I can find reduces it down to 3mm which is smaller than I'd like. Does anyone know what the best material would be to make one from? Wood is out because I'm afraid it may swell if it gets damp and damage the shank. What about lucite or vulcanite? Any suggestions?

[Emperor Zurg]

I have a couple pipes that were made for 9mm filters and would like to get adapters for them, but the only one I can find reduces it down to 3mm which is smaller than I'd like. Does anyone know what the best material would be to make one from? Wood is out because I'm afraid it may swell if it gets damp and damage the shank. What about lucite or vulcanite? Any suggestions?

I've used alumina ceramic. Fireproof, non porous and pretty tough. You have to cut it with diamond tools though.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#ceramic-tubing/=wnyvvb

[Pugsley]

I've used alumina ceramic. Fireproof, non porous and pretty tough. You have to cut it with diamond tools though.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#ceramic-tubing/=wnyvvb

Diamond cutting tools? A bit beyond my capabilities. Anything I can cut with a serrated steak knife? Seriously though, since I returned from a camping trip a few years ago to find the side door to my garage kicked in and all my tools gone, I've been limited to what I can do with basic hand tools. About the only thing they didn't steal was a bench mounted vise.

[Emperor Zurg]

Nice.

You'd at least need a Dremel tool. There are plenty of inexpensive diamond bits on the 'bay that will work just fine in a Dremel.
You could score the tube with the corner of a diamond file and then snap it to length but you'd still need the Dremel to smooth out the break I'd think.
I've never tried to whittle thru it by hand. It's pretty hard stuff.

[BryGuySC]

I have a couple pipes that were made for 9mm filters and would like to get adapters for them, but the only one I can find reduces it down to 3mm which is smaller than I'd like. Does anyone know what the best material would be to make one from? Wood is out because I'm afraid it may swell if it gets damp and damage the shank. What about lucite or vulcanite? Any suggestions?

I've seen them for the 9mm Savinelli pipes.

Here is one I found with Google that looks like it has a pretty good pass through size.
http://www.tobaccopipes.com/savinelli-9mm-pipe-adapters/

[Pugsley]

I've seen them for the 9mm Savinelli pipes.

Here is one I found with Google that looks like it has a pretty good pass through size.
http://www.tobaccopipes.com/savinelli-9mm-pipe-adapters/

Thanks, I'll have to give those a try. The only one I could find had a 3mm i.d. and a removable stinger. I was looking for at least 4mm. That looks like it might be just what I need.

[Nachman]

Thanks, I'll have to give those a try. The only one I could find had a 3mm i.d. and a removable stinger. I was looking for at least 4mm. That looks like it might be just what I need.

if it turns out to be too small an ID you can always put it in your vise and run a drill bit through it to open it up.

[bluenoser]

Curious as to how many of you smoke a pipe while driving. I've had cigars and cigarettes while driving but curious as to how difficult it is to smoke a bowl while driving down the highway.

[LandonColby]

Curious as to how many of you smoke a pipe while driving. I've had cigars and cigarettes while driving but curious as to how difficult it is to smoke a bowl while driving down the highway.

I smoke while driving quite often. I light my pipe while stopped or before I leave but tamping is easy enough while on the road... and I drive a stick most of the time.

[mooster]

Curious as to how many of you smoke a pipe while driving. I've had cigars and cigarettes while driving but curious as to how difficult it is to smoke a bowl while driving down the highway.

I found it to be too difficult. So I gave up driving.

[tmoran]

Curious as to how many of you smoke a pipe while driving. I've had cigars and cigarettes while driving but curious as to how difficult it is to smoke a bowl while driving down the highway.

The majority of my bowls are smoked while driving. I normally light before heading out, but relights can be a bit tricky, especially while navigating the Capital Beltway :p. It can do a number on the rim of your pipe if you're not careful. For this reason, I recommend a cob. They are also very easy clenchers, which is of utmost importance to me while driving.

[talltree2011]

How often should I be cleaning my pipes? I have read after every 5-6 bowls, is that accurate? Any tips I should know?

[quo155]

Curious as to how many of you smoke a pipe while driving. I've had cigars and cigarettes while driving but curious as to how difficult it is to smoke a bowl while driving down the highway.

This is how I smoke a pipe more often than not. I find my 30 min drive home from work each day to be the best time (for me) to smoke my pipe. I use a dedicated cob for the truck and smoke whatever I happen to have in there. I'll pack it before driving off and get it lit as I leave, taking time to re-light or tamper as I hit red lights, etc. Then, after about the first 1/3 of my trip, the other 2/3 is highway/country, and my pipe will generally be set to go without needing any attention.

[LandonColby]

How often should I be cleaning my pipes? I have read after every 5-6 bowls, is that accurate? Any tips I should know?

Personal preference I guess. I use a pipe cleaner after every smoke and wipe the bowl out with said pipe cleaner. Clean them out well after every smoke with a pipe cleaner and they will last virtually forever and not need "deep" cleaning. Obviously clean them out if you are noticing a bad/sour taste, but if they continue to smoke well, don't mess with them.

[NWSmoke]

OK, I got another one. Tongue bite; I don't get it. The first pipe I ever smoked I was left with unbelievable discomfort the next day. Fortunately biotene (sp?) eased the pain and used it before and after every pipe out of habit to avoid the issue. Well now I just don't even bother; outside of the first couple pipes I haven't really experienced it. The closest I get to tongue bite is a carbonated beverage (read beer) during smoking will be extra intense. But other than that no real discomfort and nothing afterwards. I smoke 4-5 bowls a week and favor virginias and aromatics. So what's the deal? While I know I will never be accused of having a silver tongue, do I somehow have an iron tongue? Or am I just such a natural, my own awesomeness at pipe smoking keeps me from getting it? I'd also offer that I've vastly changed my diet from when I first started smoking and as I understand, chemistry plays a factor. Please note, I'm not complaining lol.

[LandonColby]

OK, I got another one. Tongue bite; I don't get it. The first pipe I ever smoked I was left with unbelievable discomfort the next day. Fortunately biotene (sp?) eased the pain and used it before and after every pipe out of habit to avoid the issue. Well now I just don't even bother; outside of the first couple pipes I haven't really experienced it. The closest I get to tongue bite is a carbonated beverage (read beer) during smoking will be extra intense. But other than that no real discomfort and nothing afterwards. I smoke 4-5 bowls a week and favor virginias and aromatics. So what's the deal? While I know I will never be accused of having a silver tongue, do I somehow have an iron tongue? Or am I just such a natural, my own awesomeness at pipe smoking keeps me from getting it? I'd also offer that I've vastly changed my diet from when I first started smoking and as I understand, chemistry plays a factor. Please note, I'm not complaining lol.

Wait...I guess I'm not completely following. Are you asking why you're NOT getting tongue bite? In which case if you are, there's a fairly simple answer. You're smoking your pipe right.

[NWSmoke]

Wait...I guess I'm not completely following. Are you asking why you're NOT getting tongue bite? In which case if you are, there's a fairly simple answer. You're smoking your pipe right.

well..... yeah kinda lol. I guess I was just surprised that I never get it now; I did at the beginning, but not now. I actually smoke a far faster cadence than I did at the beginning, even if the pipe gets hot, no matter the tobacco, I just don't get tongue bite. Honestly a curiosity question more than anything. Did I get used to it? Was it the diet change? Or like you said am I just than in tuned I can smoke properly to avoid it.

[Branzig]

well..... yeah kinda lol. I guess I was just surprised that I never get it now; I did at the beginning, but not now. I actually smoke a far faster cadence than I did at the beginning, even if the pipe gets hot, no matter the tobacco, I just don't get tongue bite. Honestly a curiosity question more than anything. Did I get used to it? Was it the diet change? Or like you said am I just than in tuned I can smoke properly to avoid it.

It's a mixture of everything you've said I would think.

Your mouth does just get used to tobacco smoke after a while. Chemistry does play a big part of it as well.

I am from the camp of iron tongues. I rarely if ever get tongue bite, and if I do it is because I either smoked like 100 bowls in one day or because I decided to freight train a Va. Even then it isn't really a bite, so much as a raw mouth from over doing it.

Just be happy about it brother. You're one of the chosen few. :pipe:

[NWSmoke]

It's a mixture of everything you've said I would think.

Your mouth does just get used to tobacco smoke after a while. Chemistry does play a big part of it as well.

I am from the camp of iron tongues. I rarely if ever get tongue bite, and if I do it is because I either smoked like 100 bowls in one day or because I decided to freight train a Va. Even then it isn't really a bite, so much as a raw mouth from over doing it.

Just be happy about it brother. You're one of the chosen few. :pipe:

Thanks for the response! Happy about it indeed. Pipe smoking has recently started click for me and am enjoying more and more.

[Lostmason]

I have a "Short Snorter" that I've been trying for a month to get unplugged.I can't get a pipe cleaner to pass thru, and the dang thing wont pull apart.The stem will spin but just wont pull.Any ideas,,,please, I really like this one ,it carries so well in a pocket.

[BryGuySC]

I have a "Short Snorter" that I've been trying for a month to get unplugged.I can't get a pipe cleaner to pass thru, and the dang thing wont pull apart.The stem will spin but just wont pull.Any ideas,,,please, I really like this one ,it carries so well in a pocket.

I'm not sure what pipe you are referencing, so I googled it. Apparently, google thinks it is a rolled up dollar bill!

[Lostmason]

I'm not sure what pipe you are referencing, so I googled it. Apparently, google thinks it is a rolled up dollar bill!

Here is a pic
18661867

[Pugsley]

I'm just taking a guess here but it may be a threaded fitting with a stinger and instead of unscrewing the stem is just spinning on the threaded attachment. As to how you would fix that, I don't have a clue.

[Lostmason]

I'm just taking a guess here but it may be a threaded fitting with a stinger and instead of unscrewing the stem is just spinning on the threaded attachment. As to how you would fix that, I don't have a clue.

I would assertain that you are correct, and since I got PO'd and broke the shank off the bowl I don't think it matters now.Oh well, I'll go on the sites and find me another good pocket pipe, and cry in my sleep over that one.

[AlanS]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w366/awssr58/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/20150414_144940_zps07qjwcbt.jpg (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/awssr58/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/20150414_144940_zps07qjwcbt.jpg.html)
Lostmason mine is a Big Ben Ranger it travels pretty well!

[Lostmason]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w366/awssr58/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/20150414_144940_zps07qjwcbt.jpg (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/awssr58/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/20150414_144940_zps07qjwcbt.jpg.html)
Lostmason mine is a Big Ben Ranger it travels pretty well!

Looks pretty nice,,I'll bid my time and find one , but not in any big hurry.I still have my savoy that rides well, just get poked when I sit down with it in my pocket.Might break down and get one of those little "vest" pipes.

[Branzig]

Might break down and get one of those little "vest" pipes.

There is a member on this forum selling a nice one at a decent price.

http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/showthread.php?1933-Roley-Vest-Pocket-Pipe-FS

[Lostmason]

There is a member on this forum selling a nice one at a decent price.

http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/showthread.php?1933-Roley-Vest-Pocket-Pipe-FS

I've seen that and watching it,just needing my tobacco allowance to come in.

[Alligator Gar]

Two questions.

#1 I opened my tin of Blakeney's Best Bayou Slice, a Virginia/Perique blend that I really enjoy. I smelled ketchup/catsup and wondered what's up? Does Virginia always smell like this, and if so, why?

#2 What's the story on reaming pipes? How often should the cake be cut, so to speak? Is that what the spoon on the Czech tool is for? How much force should I use?

Thank you for your kind attention.

[Branzig]

#1 I opened my tin of Blakeney's Best Bayou Slice, a Virginia/Perique blend that I really enjoy. I smelled ketchup/catsup and wondered what's up? Does Virginia always smell like this, and if so, why?

Some Va smell like ketchup when freshly popped. McClelland's blends are famous for this. From what I understand, it is a mixture of the Virginia leaf fermenting and the vinegar used in processing. The good news is that it is completely harmless and doesn't taste like that once under combustion :pipe:


#2 What's the story on reaming pipes? How often should the cake be cut, so to speak? Is that what the spoon on the Czech tool is for? How much force should I use?

I ream my pipes when the cake becomes thicker than say about the width of a dime. I also dry ream my pipes after each bowl, so my cake builds very slowly. Dry reaming is when you take a paper towel or double over a pipe cleaner, and wipe down the bowl after the smoke.

The spoon a pipe tool has is for removing dottle, don't use it to ream! I use moderate pressure. Not enough to carve the wood but sufficient to remove carbon build up. I use pipe knives, or old Swiss Army knives. You don't want a sharp point or else it can damage the bottom of the bowl if you aren't careful.

[c.ortiz108]

I have one really dumb question, and one that's a bit more legit:

1. (the really dumb one) Pipe tobacco doesn't have to "rest" before smoking like cigars, right, and is good to go ROTT? :confused:

2. I keep reading to "slow down". But when I slow down my pipe goes out. Admittedly I'm smoking a very damp Firedance Flake (courtesy of Tobias Lutz, and the first aro I've actually really liked!). I rubbed it out instead of trying to smoke it "whole". Unless I pretty much continually lightly puff on it, I basically need to re-light for every puff. I've gone through almost a whole little box of matches!

[Nachman]

I have one really dumb question, and one that's a bit more legit:

1. (the really dumb one) Pipe tobacco doesn't have to "rest" before smoking like cigars, right, and is good to go ROTT? :confused:

2. I keep reading to "slow down". But when I slow down my pipe goes out. Admittedly I'm smoking a very damp Firedance Flake (courtesy of Tobias Lutz, and the first aro I've actually really liked!). I rubbed it out instead of trying to smoke it "whole". Unless I pretty much continually lightly puff on it, I basically need to re-light for every puff. I've gone through almost a whole little box of matches!

Question 1: is not a dumb question at all. Many tobaccos improve with a little rest. Just put it in a canning jar and let it rest for a few days and it often improves the taste.
Question 2: Is there a question in there? With practice your technique and packing will improve and the pipe will go out less. Smoking slow improves flavour and prevents tongue bite, but I am a fine one to talk. I smoke like a freight train. I just tend to smoke tobacco that can stand hard puffing. Aeros and Virginias are prone to tongue bite and lighter tobaccos more than the stout, heavy ones. Most of what I smoke fall definitely into the heavy category so I don't get bit often.