How To Fold and Stuff Flakes: Don't Bother (Yet)

[Emperor Zurg]

I've recently discovered the wonders of folded and stuffed flakes thanks to @commonsenseman 's thread on the subject and @freestoke 's supplementary comments (basically light the hell out of it). Now I find I like some tobaccos folded and stuffed and others rubbed out. I.E. I like 1792 folded and stuffed but Old Dark Fired is much better fully rubbed out IMO. Don't much care for Erinmore either way. Didn't care much for Glengarry folded and stuffed because I couldn't get it to burn but cube cut, it was sublime. I'll be watching this thread for more educational tidbits I can add to my flake technique arsenal.

[Mister Moo]

I've recently discovered the wonders of folded and stuffed flakes thanks to @commonsenseman 's thread on the subject...

What I forget lately is the stuff of legend. Yes, excellent post. He is two years down the road whereupon skills change dramatically; here above is purely for the rookie.

[NeverBend]

@Mistermoo,

Dan, excellent post.

Your point about the expansion of the tobacco, while smoking, should be highlighted. Anticipated the draw beyond the pack. I do smoke moist so I err on the side of loose. Long ago I put a lot of thought into packing flakes but by now I tend to be automatic. I never dry or cut the flakes so I adjust based on the moisture, component leaf, manufacturer and how it's cut but Dan's comments made me pause to reflect on the particulars.

I use whole or partially broken flakes at the bottom of the bowl to prevent particles from entering the stem. Light pressure and a draw check that should be easy with only a minimal of resistance. I'll drip in all the small pieces and press them with a similarly light touch and draw and I finish with more complete flakes with more pressure and some resistance in the draw. I smoke a lot of Gawith Hoggarth flakes (duh) that are long so I feed and press them into place and break off the unused portion for the next smoke. I never pack a flake past the rim. Larger pieces at the top of the bowl reduce the flying embers (hate them) and slow the burn but it will take a little more diligence to light. I use stick (or paper) matches because I can control the light better and they burn cooler than butane (helpful with a stubborn flake).
I'd add Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake as a good beginner flake.

Didn't care much for Glengarry folded and stuffed because I couldn't get it to burn but cube cut, it was sublime. I'll be watching this thread for more educational tidbits I can add to my flake technique arsenal.

Nothing wrong with cubing the flake, especially a thick and coarse one like Glengarry. If it was sublime, you did something right.