Pipe tips for Cigar People, what we've learned...

Amos Umwhat

Rain

Ugh...not the arms room =/

webmost

xmacro

Latakia, Lakeland, and Perique will ghost any bowl - including meercschaum if you smoke enough. Best to set a few corn cobs aside for any blend heavy on these 3

Amos Umwhat

I have several pipes, I usually smoke the same tobacco out of each one. One is for the Latakia/Perique, a couple for the Capt. Black Royal, one for trying new stuff in.

slamb@cigar.com

A few things that I have picked up and learned of the years. When cleaning your pipe, do not take it apart until it has sufficiently cooled down...it seems like a no brainer, but some individuals will take apart the pipe when it is still hot and end up ruining the stem and or shank. A helpful little tip for you all out there that collect and or restore estate pipes. If you notice oil / resin build up on the stem mouth piece, take some regular tooth paste and a cloth, rub it in real good, and then buff it out--it works like a charm to get rid of those un-wanted bite marks that fill with tobacco oil and will work to bring your stem back to its former shine. Do not over ream your pipes! Reaming should only be used when the cake of your pipe is to the point that it is actually affecting the way your pipe smokes.

Amos Umwhat

Amos Umwhat

slamb@cigar.com:

A few things that I have picked up and learned of the years. When cleaning your pipe, do not take it apart until it has sufficiently cooled down...it seems like a no brainer, but some individuals will take apart the pipe when it is still hot and end up ruining the stem and or shank. A helpful little tip for you all out there that collect and or restore estate pipes. If you notice oil / resin build up on the stem mouth piece, take some regular tooth paste and a cloth, rub it in real good, and then buff it out--it works like a charm to get rid of those un-wanted bite marks that fill with tobacco oil and will work to bring your stem back to its former shine. Do not over ream your pipes! Reaming should only be used when the cake of your pipe is to the point that it is actually affecting the way your pipe smokes.

Toothpaste! Why didn't I think of that. I needed that information about 4 hours before the post.

Amos Umwhat

As with cigars, patience will be rewarded.

slamb@cigar.com

Here is another one for you all. If you have a stubborn estate pipe, or even a newer pipe that is heavily resonated with in the stem and shank, you can put Vodka on a pipe cleaner and swab it out with that. The alcohol will break up any leftover oils and break down the unwanted cake build up that is outside of the actual chamber. JUST MAKE SURE, DO NOT GET THE VODKA ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE STEM OR ON THE FINISH OF THE BRIAR! If you end up doing that it can eat away at the finish. As long as you’re careful, this trick works great and will not leave behind any acrid flavors like rubbing alcohol or any other chemical can...plus you can drink your cleaning solution so what’s more fun than that! Na Zdorovie!

Amos Umwhat

Noticed this had expired. I was thinking of Pilgrimtex, as an experienced pipe smoker, and wondering if he had anything to add to what we've already said here.

pilgrimtex

Gray4lines

Amos Umwhat

pilgrimtex

pilgrimtex

Amos Umwhat

I used to be able to buy Lane 1-Q by the pound locally, cost roughly $20 and was my favorite staple. Unfortunately, that option is gone now, and the "blends" they've replaced them with are questionable to me. I see that CCOM carries this in bulk, but 5 lb. is a lot of tobacco! One thing about the 1-Q, anytime you light it up the person you're with will suddenly experience an intense longing for chocolate, so be prepared!

pilgrimtex

pilgrimtex

pilgrimtex

Amos Umwhat

For years I tried to like a blend called Flying Dutchman. There were things about it I liked, but the "bite" was just too sharp. I've seen a lot of folks say "no torch" but I have great success with the single flame, caution IS necessary, though. Question: if you've found yourself not smoking all the way down, do you pack a short bowl, and thus heat the bottom? That's what I do, and it seems to work at keeping the bitterness down.

pilgrimtex

Amos Umwhat

J.S.

Amos Umwhat

catfishbluezz

Here is what I learned... Screw the pack. Shove that Baccy in with your thumb. Slam it down twice. Light, tamp, light, tamp, light, tamp....smooth burn all the way down. My tobacconist finally just told me, man I just shove that *** in there bro, and he's owned a shop since 68. Ever since then, smooth burn, smooth draw, no gurgle, and I'm really starting to enjoy it.

pilgrimtex

Amos Umwhat

Bump, for Ehehat.

Amos Umwhat

Got to thinking about it, and taking a cue from some of what Catfishbluezz has had to say, I think that if you're getting into pipes, start with a corn cob pipe. A fairly good one. There's plenty of time to buy a nice briar later, or even at the same time, but a corncob smokes right as soon as you start. Briars take breaking in, sometimes a LOT of breaking in. I think that for the new piper, a corncob will let you concentrate on what tobaccos you like, you can break in a nice briar later.

ehehat

Thanks for this Amos. I'll have to shop around. I find the cob look really isnt for me but if it's better to start, I'm all about function over form.

J.S.

Yes, that is true it does take time to break in a good briar. On the other hand a pre-carboned bowl allows you to smoke properly right away. Cobs are good and they have there place. A lot of people use them to start and some use them when they need to rest a briar too.