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

[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.