The Pipe Cleaner Test

What is the pipe cleaner test and how important is it?

The so-called "pipe cleaner test" is a simple way to check the alignment and drilling precision of the draft hole on a pipe. The test is performed by attempting to insert a standard pipe cleaner from the bit end of the stem all the way through the shank and into the tobacco chamber. On a well-drilled pipe, the pipe cleaner should pass easily with minimal resistance.

The idea behind the test is simple: since the free movement of air (and smoke) through the draft hole is a key factor in how well a pipe smokes, if the pipe cleaner passes smoothly through the stem, shank, and into the bowl, it can be a good indication that the particular pipe will smoke well. For this reason, many folks swear by this test as a way to evaluate new pipes or a starter pipe they are considering for purchase.

Although a well-drilled draft hole is certainly important, it is not the only factor that affects the smoking qualities of a pipe. Therefore, even though the pipe cleaner test is helpful, it does not always provide an accurate assessment of how well a pipe may smoke.

Sometimes the design of a pipe may make it difficult to pass a pipe cleaner from bit to bowl, even if the draft hole is drilled accurately. This is especially true with uniquely shaped pipes or those that have a high degree of bend in the shank and stem, such as Oom Paul shaped pipes.

On the other hand, some pipes that do pass the pipe cleaner test may present other problems during a smoke that are not related to the draft hole. For example, a pipe with excessively thin walls on the bowl may cause the pipe to burn too hot during the smoke.

Other factors, such as whether or not the pipe has a special enlarged chamber for accepting filters, can also influence the usefulness of the pipe cleaner test.

I have numerous pipes in my own collection that cannot pass the pipe cleaner test, yet they smoke amazingly well. By the same token, I have several that can pass the test and do not smoke as well as others can.

As with many things, a little common sense will go a long way here. The pipe cleaner test can be a useful way of evaluating the craftsmanship of a pipe, but it should not be "ultimate authority" in your choice of pipes.

First Pipe: Starter Pipes Recommendations

Do you have any recommendations for a good quality, but inexpensive, "starter pipe"?

 

The idea of a "starter pipe" can be a little bit misleading. Most folks try to buy the cheapest pipe they can find when they get started. I completely appreciate the desire to avoid spending tons of money on an expensive pipe until you're sure you like the hobby. Since a great many new pipe smokers quit the hobby during the first few months because they find it difficult and unrewarding, it makes good sense to proceed with caution when buying your first pipe.

        Photo Source: antiquestreasuresandtreats.com

However, a major reason for many of the early frustrations folk experience has to do with the cheap, drug store variety pipes that people often start with. Although there are exceptions, inexpensive and low quality pipes simply do not smoke as well as the higher quality pipes available from specialty shops.

But don't get me wrong. I'm not a "pipe snob" and I'm definitely not advocating that you purchase an expensive pipe to get started. Nor am I trying to push you towards a higher cost pipe. I simply wanted to point out that you shouldn't try to buy the cheapest pipe out there, because it will likely lead to a frustrating experience. Instead, I would recommend spending a reasonable amount on a less expensive--but good quality--smoking pipe. Of course, you need to stay within your budget, but don't hesitate to spend a little extra on a decent pipe. You'll be rewarded now and in the future, since most pipes last for many, many years with proper care.

All that being said, just about any pipe available in a specialty shop would make a fine "starter pipe". There are many pipes priced very comfortably around the $40.00 to $60.00 mark. There are pipes from world famous companies like Savinelli, Butz-Choquin, La Rocca, Paronelli, Big Ben, and others. Each of these companies offer outstanding quality pipes and should provide a fantastic smoking experience.

Of course, estate pipes (when available) also offer good value and have the advantage of being "pre-seasoned" by virtue of having been previously smoked, although they are completely cleaned and sanitized. If you look through current offerings on pipe merchant sites and don't see something you like, just keep checking, since they frequently update their stock.

If you simply cannot afford a decent briar pipe at the moment, I would recommend against buying "bargain basket" briar pipe. They are prone to issues resulting from poor craftsmanship and low-quality briar. Instead, pick up an inexpensive corn cob pipe from your local drug store or grocery store. These pipes typically smoke very well and will give a good idea of what to expect from the pipe smoking hobby. They don't last as long as briar, and they do not have the same smoking characteristics, but they do provide a decent smoking experience when the budget is extremely tight.

It would be my pleasure to help you with your decision to purchase. Whether you choose a pipe from a specialty shop, or simply pick up a corn cob pipe, I wish you well in your new hobby. I hope you come to enjoy the rich tradition and relaxing pleasure of a good pipe!

Pipe Smoking: Hobby, Habit or Addiction?

How do I know if my pipe smoking has become a habit?

That's a great question, and it demonstrates that you're thinking carefully about your hobby and not rushing headlong into it. After all, there are potential health risks associated with tobacco use, and I believe it is wise to consider such things.

             Image Source: brothersofbriar.com

I also need to state up front that I am not an expert on health issues or smoking related diseases or cancer prevention. As to what constitutes "high" risk versus "low" risk, "addiction," and so on, I am simply not qualified to say. If you have particular health concerns about smoking, I recommend speaking to your doctor. But I will offer a few thoughts about this question.

Compared to cigarette smoking, for example, many pipe smokers are quick to distinguish their practice as a "hobby" and not a "habit." However, any use of tobacco products can potentially lead to addiction due to the nicotine content. There are several factors that affect this, such as the particular tobaccos being smoked, the frequency of smoking, and certain intangible personal factors.

All that being said, there is some debate about what actually constitutes "addiction" or "habit" when it comes to pipe smoking. But on a practical basis, the determination it is often tied to the number of bowls smoked or the frequency that a person smokes. The following seem to be commonly accepted as reasonable guidelines:

• 1-2 bowls per day = light smoker
• 3-4 bowls per day = moderate smoker
• 5 or more bowls per day = heavy smoker

Again, the above is not an official standard; it is simply a general guideline that reflects a consensus I've found in my own reading and research.

In addition to that simple numeric/frequency guideline, there is a bit of conventional wisdom that I can share. In my own life, I find value in the ancient saying that goes like this:

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything."

In other words, while smoking may not be wrong, it is not something that should have power or control over me. So if I find myself desperately "craving" a pipe, or if I was unable to go several days without a pipe, it may be an indication that my pipe smoking had gotten out of control or even a possible sign of nicotine addiction. In such cases, my "hobby" may, indeed, have become a "habit".

Clean Oxidation from Pipe Stem

What is the best way to clean oxidation from a pipe stem

Every pipe owner knows about the nasty discoloration that occurs to ebonite (a.k.a. vulcanite) pipe stems when they oxidize.

Since "necessity is the mother of all invention", there is no doubt that pipe smokers who enjoy maintaining their own collections have discovered numerous methods that get the job done, and many swear by the different products they use.

I’ve heard of folks using Bar Keeper's Friend, Brasso metal polish, Soft Scrub kitchen cleaner with bleach, and even Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. Others report good results using the edge of an X-acto hobby knife to carefully scrape a layer of material from the stem, thus removing the oxidation. Individual mileage may vary, but often the most common tools can produce quite satisfying results. The best bet is to do some trial and error testing on an old, unneeded stem before potentially destroying a valued pipe.

For professional-level pipe refurbishing, I prefer to use a buffing machine and various buffing compounds to clean oxidation from stems and to polish them to a high gloss. I realize that such an option is not possible for everyone, but there is simply nothing better in my experience. Before I was able to make the jump to such a setup, I cleaned oxidation from stems by hand using the bleach soak method and then polished the stems with various grit sandpapers and micro-mesh polishing pads. It was incredibly laborious work, but produced results that were quite excellent.

I've listed below several products specifically designed for use with pipes and pipe stems. A couple are for regular maintenance and preventing oxidation, but a couple claim to assist in actually removing oxidation once it has occurred.

• Arango Briar Pipe Wipe Polish
• Arango Pipe Cleaning Spray
• Stanwell Pipe Polishing Cloth
• Brebbia Stem Polish

My Favorite Tobaccos to Smoke a Pipe

Some of My Own Favorite Tobaccos

Like many, my own preferences in pipe tobacco change every now and then, but I do have several that I seem to enjoy consistently. I also like trying new tobaccos whenever I'm able to do so. Unfortunately, restrictive state laws and severely limited local supply make trying new blends a somewhat rare occasion for me.

Of course, everyone's tastes and preferences are unique, so the blends I like certainly will not appeal to everyone else. But since I was asked, here is a list of the tobaccos in my current "regular rotation." And please don't complain that there are too many Boswell blends in the list. These are MY favorites, remember? :-)

Aromatic Blends

Berry Cobbler (Boswell) - This fantastic blend has become one of my favorite "go-to" tobaccos. As the name implies, this blend is a delicious combination of various tobaccos along with wonderful casings (flavorings) that contains hints of spice that reminds me of a delicious home-baked cobbler just out of the oven. While the "berry" is sometimes difficult to identify, the fruity aspect of this blend is undeniable. The tobacco burns perfectly to a fine gray ash, and the smoke is rich, thick, and creamy. The tobacco is mild in strength (in terms of nicotine) and the room note (aroma) is fantastic and definitely a crowd pleaser.

Paradise (Boswell) - A very mild, sweet, vanilla-cased, black Cavendish tobacco with an astonishingly good room note. The room note from this blend is so good that no other tobacco I've ever smoked even comes close to receiving the accolades this one has received from friends and family. They all agree that it smells better than anything else. I've even had anti-smoking advocates specifically ask if they can sit next to me while I smoke this because it smells so incredible! Admittedly, the flavor isn't as spectacular as the aroma (but it's certainly good), and the tobacco can become a bit one dimensional if smoked too often. But it is still one of my top five aromatics.

Raspberry Cream (Boswell) - Second only to Paradise (above) in terms of room note, this is an outstanding aromatic. The flavor on this tobacco is nothing short of spectacular. There is a subtle but very discernible flavor of raspberry that permeates every puff. The smoke is thick and has a wonderful creaminess to it. The flavors are truly delightful and remain consistent throughout the bowl. Some friends who are long time English blend smokers tried a bowl of this, and they were stunned. They simply cannot believe that so much flavor and sweetness can be packed into an aromatic.

Sweet Tea (Boswell) - As the name implies, this tobacco has a distinct flavor and aroma that is reminiscent of the southern-style sweet tea. Excellent room note, delicious sweet flavor with a hint of citrus, and a great aftertaste are hallmarks of this tobacco. Goes particularly well with a glass of real sweet tea.

ENGLISH AND ORIENTAL BLENDS

Frog Morton and Frog Morton on the Town (McClelland) - these are true English and Oriental blends, but don't be afraid to try them. They are absolutely fantastic and neither of them is overpowering or too strong. The regular Frog Morton is slightly more stout the Frog Morton on the Town, which is mellowed by the presence of Basma, but both of them are excellent.

Magnum Blend (Boswell) - Wonderful blend featuring light amounts of Latakia and a subtle hint of sweetness make this a very nice tobacco.

Country Side (Boswell) - Country Side has a rich smokey, slightly spicey taste that I particulary enjoy during the fall season.

VIRGINIA BLENDS

Golden Sliced (Orlik) - This Navy Cut flake tobacco is fairly new to my "favorites" list, but I suspect it will stay there for quite some time. It is a delicious blend of "golden and full body Virginias, along with a touch of Burley" (from the tin). To my palate, it alternates between a gentle spicyness and a smooth, natural sweetness that I find very appealing. Not the greatest room note, but a very nice flavor, nonetheless.

As I mentioned above, my tobacco rotation changes every now and then, so this list may need to be updated from time to time. In fact, I've got two new tins of Peterson tobaccos that I'm dying to try. Who knows? Maybe one or both will find their way into my favorites list! But for now, these are the blends that I'm enjoying when I smoke my pipes.

Paradise Pipe

Hello fellow pipe smokers!

If you smoke a pipe, this is your paradise. Well,at least a place where to get facts on tobacco pipe smoking, but also on nice cigars. However, cigarettes are left out of the picture. This is a blog to promote reflection and calm. Cigarettes are way to neurotic.

I have collected a series of tips in emails that through the years I have dispensed to friends who smoked a pipe or wanted to start smoking a pipe after hanging out with me. They said the calm and liturgy involved with smoking a pipe inspired them to abandon cigarette smoking in favor of a pipe.

And I am certainly glad about that. Pipe smoking is not a healthy hobby, but it certainly involves much less harm than smoking anything else, especially cigarettes. Moreover, it promotes thoughtfulness and calm. It is also often considered a pleasant habit even by those not smoking at all, sine pipe tobaccos are very flavorful and aromatic. As my wife likes to point out, subtle tobacco smoke reminds her an overcooked pie in the oven, while cigarettes give her the impression that someone is burning rubber tires in the backyard!

Now I want to publish those emails and even increase the number of tips to more and more people. I like it, it makes me feel good! And you can rest assured I will do it while happily smoking my pipe!

I'm glad you stopped by, and I hope you enjoy your visit.