Enlarge Pipe Airway and Improve Performance

Is it possible to enlarge the airway of a pipe to improve its smoking performance?

Many pipe makers and craftsmen choose to use very small-sized airways to prevent their pipes from smoking too hot. They also use small draft holes to decrease the likelihood of bite damage to the stems. Since standard-sized stems with larger air holes have commensurately thinner bits, they tend to be more susceptible to bite-throughs and breakage in the mouths of those who "chomp" their pipes more tightly (like I do). Pipe makers don't want to get hundreds of returns from customers who mistakenly think the pipes are "cheap" and "break too easily." So they choose to use small, and sometimes very small, draft or air holes. Of course, in some cases, it's simply a matter of poor craftsmanship.

                   Image Source: instructables.com

But an airway that is too small or restricted results in a poor smoking pipe. A restricted draw--one that you have to consciously work at--makes it difficult to keep a pipe lit and nearly impossible to burn to the bottom of the bowl. It can also cause you to puff more vigorously, which leads to excessive heat and tongue bite. And if the airway is too small, the pipe will gurgle far more easily than it should. This is because the condensation builds up more quickly and fills the available space in the shank or stem, causing the unpleasant gurgling.

There are several suggestions I can offer:

• Enlarge the draft hole in the shank up to a maximum 5/32 of an inch (about 4mm). In some cases, this alone will help improve the draw dramatically and help the pipe to burn more effectively and quietly without gurgling. I recommend you enlarge the draft hole in small increments and test it before going all the way to 5/32.

               Image Source: t2.gstatic.com

• If the above suggestion alone doesn't help, you can also enlarge the airway in the stem up to 5/32, assuming the stem is large enough to support this size. Always be conservative when enlarging the airway of a shank or stem. Go in small increments and test each size before going larger. On a straight stem, you can drill from tenon all the way through the bit, if there is enough stem material to support a larger airway. On a bent stem, it is a bit more difficult, but here are a couple options: (a) drill only from the tenon end up to the bend of the stem. Great care is necessary to avoid drilling too far and ruining stem. But if done properly, this can really make a difference. (b) If the bit opening is too tiny but cannot be drilled, you can use an Exacto knife or Dremel tool to carefully enlarge it. Again, be careful not to damage the stem.

                         Image Source: nmscarcheologylab.files.wordpress.com

• Use round, abrasive cord (of appropriate thickness, of course) to slowly enlarge the diameter of the airway. Abrasive cord is coated with aluminum oxide and allows smoothing and sanding in hard-to-reach places. You simply run the cord through the stem like a pipe cleaner and sand away the stem material, thus enlarging the opening.

• Straighten the stem (by a careful heating process), then drill it out from tenon to bit (again, assuming there is enough stem material to support a larger size airway). Once drilled, the stem is then rebent. Obviously, this is a risky process and can easily damage or destroy the stem. I have done this successfully, but I only choose it as a last resort.

                   Image Source: instructables.com

• Have the stem replaced and ask the repairman to bore out the airway to the desired diameter. If you're concerned about losing the original indicia and markings, some repairmen are able to replicate/duplicate the logo markings, so it's worth asking.

Pipe Etiquette: Smoking without Offending Others

Is there anything I can do to make pipe smoking less offensive to my wife and others around me?

It's important to be sensitive to those around us, so I commend you on the efforts to make your hobby more bearable to others. I happen to be very fortunate in that my wife doesn't mind my pipes at all. She even enjoys some of the aromas produced by the tobaccos and asks me to smoke certain blends from time to time.

         Image source: en.cafa.com.cn

This leads to my first suggestion: When around others, try to smoke aromatic tobaccos that have sweet, pleasant smells associated with them. In my own personal experience, the best premium-quality aromatic blends are available from Boswell Pipes and Tobaccos (http://www.boswellpipes.com). Their custom blended aromatics are consistently delicious and sweet-smelling and some of the best I've ever smoked. In fact, I've actually had anti-smoking advocates comment that some of these blends are so nice smelling that even they don't mind being around it! Of course, other companies also blend excellent aromatics, but here are a few of my favorites from Boswell:

• Paradise - 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. Admittedly, the flavor isn't as spectacular as the aroma (but it is very good), and the tobacco can become a bit one dimensional from time to time. But it is still one of my top "social" aromatics.
• Raspberry Cream - second only to Paradise in terms of room note. 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. I've had some friends who are long time English blend smokers try a bowl of this and they are stunned. They simply cannot believe that so much flavor and sweetness can be packed into an aromatic.
• Sweet Tea - another outstanding blend. As the name implies, this tobacco has a distinct citrus flavor and aroma that is reminiscent of the southern-style sweet tea. Excellent room note, delicious flavor, and a great aftertaste are hallmarks of this tobacco. Goes particularly well with a glass of real sweet tea.

Another suggestion, especially if smoking indoors, would be to purchase some "Smoker's Candles" and/or aerosol sprays designed for removing smoke odor. These products are available in a variety of wonderful scents and are reasonably priced. In my experience, the most effective and best smelling ones are called "Smoke Odor Exterminator Candles" (http://www.smokercandles.com). The sprays by the same company are also outstanding and are great for a quick cover up of smoking odor. (You may be able to find better pricing on them elsewhere, but the site above offers a wide variety of scents.)

One additional product that I've recently learned about has been getting rave reviews from smokers and non-smokers alike. It's called a "lampe berger," and it supposedly works miracles for both active and lingering smoke odors. They're not the cheapest option out there, but based on the reviews, they may be the best.

I hope this information is helpful to you and prevents you from having to hide from your wife!

A Briar's Life

Does briar have a limited life?

Technically speaking, everything in this world seems to have a "breaking point" where it reaches the end of its useful life. The same is true for briar pipes. But as with many things, it is difficult to determine precisely when this "end of life" will occur for briar pipes.

                   Image Source: pulversbriar.com

On the one hand, there is no doubt whatsoever that the smoking qualities of briar pipes improve with age. That's one reason briar is such a unique wood; it has qualities and characteristics simply not found in other wood that make it incredibly well-suited to pipe-making.

But on the other hand, the wood can only absorb so much. Its fibers can only contract and expand so much. Eventually, they will become "clogged" and the pipe may not breathe and recover as easily after each smoke.

                   Image Source: brothersofbriar.com

So when does this occur? How long will it take? How long will an average pipe last? That is the great unknown. Of course, it depends largely on the quality of the briar from which the pipe was made and how well the pipe is cleaned and maintained. As you may know, some pipes burn out in relatively short periods of time due to flaws or improper smoking technique.

The wonder of this topic is that most decent pipes made from quality briar will last a lifetime if cared for properly. There are countless smokers who could tell stories of their favorite pipes, which they've been smoking for thirty, forty, or fifty years (or even longer)!

So like all things, briar has a limit. But thankfully, in most situations, that limit far exceeds any real practical concern. So smoke your pipes, care for them, and enjoy them for as long as possible. Who knows, our pipes may even outlast us!

Tobacco to Break In a Pipe

Is there a specific tobacco I should use to break in my pipes?

Actually, as with everything in the pipe smoking hobby, there are no hard and fast rules about what tobacco to use when breaking in a pipe. You will encounter folks with different preferences who may have multitudes of reasons for why you should use this or that tobacco. Feel free to take their advice, but ultimately it comes down to your own preferences.

                    Image source: mccranies.com


There is one general idea, however, that most pipe smokers seem to agree on regarding breaking in a pipe: don't use a strong English or Latakia blend if you plan to use the pipe for aromatic tobaccos.

The reason for this is very simple: the stronger tobaccos will leave a "ghost" flavor in your pipe and may adversely affect your ability to enjoy other types of tobacco in the same pipe. For this reason, many smokers prefer to have at least two pipes, one for aromatics and one for English/Oriental blends. Of course, if you plan to smoke stronger blends in the pipe, there is no reason not to break it in with those types of blends.

In the final analysis, you should not be overly concerned about the details. Smoke whatever tobaccos you enjoy. Smoke slowly, and evenly paced. Over time, the pipe will break in and become "seasoned," and you will be rewarded for your patience.

A New Stem for My Corncob Pipe!

How I hand carved a tiny olive tree stem for my corncob pipe!

Some time ago I was looking for a cheap pocket-size pipe and I ended up buying an almost basket-pipe. In the pipe shop I also noticed a lovely tiny mini corncob pipe made by Meerschaum of Missouri. I bought it believing it would last a couple of smokes and just for the fun.

It actually surprised me! I can pack a tiny amount of tobacco in it and smoke it for 25 minutes fine! The only defect was that the hole sat too high, so I had to add a bit of pipe cement (firewood ashes and some saliva) to level it up. This will also prevent the bottom of the pipe to burn away.

I have to admit I have a real bad habit. I like to bite hard on pipe stems. It helps me think. My vulcanite stems can stand a hard bite, but the little cheap plastic stem of my corn cob gave in after a few weeks and a deep indentation. It shattered between my lips into sharp pieces and almost wounded me. It serves me right!
So i glued it together to have an example to follow and went out searching for some aged olive wood. I just found a half dead olive tree, so I grabbed a piece of a branch and came home.

I worked with iron files (a large and a small one), small grit sanding paper, a kitchen knife, and a small drill bit. After shaping the pipe stem roughly I drilled the hole using my free hand, and twirled between my thumb and index finger so much that going through an inch and a half of olive wood gave me a nice blister.
I then refined it with the files and the sanding paper, and I am quite proud of the outcome.

The shape is slightly different, but the comfort in my mouth is far greater. The wood feels softer on my teeth and tongue, plus it helps absorb the humidity of the tobacco, giving me a much drier smoke. I found out that this also helps a lot with tongue bite, something such a small pipe inevitably gave me.

I found out that my olive wood pipe and stem (considerably larger and longer) also smokes more comfortable on my tongue, so definitely advise on wood stems. Perhaps they work similarly to the Savinelli Balsa System. They are much more expensive, but provide a much greater smoking pleasure.

Is Pipe Smoking Addictive?

Does pipe tobacco contain nicotine, and can I become addicted to it?

First, I need to point out that I am not qualified to make authoritative statements about the medical, chemical, or psychological details pertaining to smoking. However, I can mention several facts that are common knowledge about nicotine absorption and addiction relating to this question.

For one thing it is not as addictive as cigarettes!

           Image source: parismatch.com

• Nicotine is present in pipe tobacco in varying degrees, depending on the particular blend.
• Nicotine can be absorbed directly through the oral and mucosal tissues.
• The amount of nicotine that can be absorbed depends on the potency or strength of the tobacco, its alkalinity level (since this affects nicotine absorption in the body), and whether or not one inhales.
  

In general, nicotine addiction among pipe smokers tends to be less common than with other forms of tobacco use. But since nicotine is present in pipe tobacco, and since it can be absorbed from smoking a pipe, it is certainly possible to become addicted to nicotine. Again, whether or not addiction occurs depends on numerous factors that cannot be estimated. But ask a doctor if you are really concerned about this!

Basket Pipes

What are "basket" pipes and are they any good?

Many pipe shops offer entry-level pipes for those who are new to the hobby or who simply want an inexpensive option. These low-cost pipes are typically displayed in a bin or basket through which the customer must rummage. Hence the name, "basket" pipes.

         Image source: smokershaven.com

Typically, basket pipes are lower quality pipes made from inferior briar or which have minor flaws in craftsmanship. These pipes are often "seconds," which are pipes made by well-known companies but which didn't qualify to bear the company name or logo (that's why many basket pipes are unidentified by any markings).

In the eyes of many smokers, these pipes should be avoided like the plague. But as with many things, a more balanced assessment may be helpful. If you need a pipe for utilitarian purposes, they can provide a cost effective alternative to more expensive pipes. While things like drilling precision and design aesthetics may be lacking, basket pipes usually function acceptably well if you're just looking for a pipe that you don't have to worry about if it gets damaged or lost.

                       Old fashioned fun with a picture taken from hubrisiscool.wordpress.com

Pipe Smoking and Bad Mouth Taste

After smoking, I have a terrible aftertaste in my mouth. Is this normal?

The aftertaste you're experiencing could be caused by several things, such as a sour pipe, the tobacco, or personal factors unique to you. Many smokers appreciate the lingering flavor or a subtle aftertaste from their tobacco. But as with many things when you're new to them, pipe smoking takes a little getting used to.

         Image source: jacobgrier.com

However, the experience should not be unpleasant. So if you're not enjoying it, I would recommend trying a different tobacco, since this is by far the most common cause of an unpleasant aftertaste. Some tobaccos produce exceptionally strong and long-lasting aftertastes. Others are more mild and produce only a very mellow aftertaste, if any.

If you're still not enjoying it after trying several tobaccos (and making sure your pipe is clean and fresh), it may simply be that pipe smoking is not for you.

I Am Not Enjoying My Pipe!

I'm not really enjoying my pipe. Do you have any advice?

I'm sorry to hear you're not getting much enjoyment from smoking a pipe. I'll be the first to say that pipe smoking isn't for everyone. But if you're truly interested in the hobby, stick with it a little bit longer. As with other things in life, smoking a pipe is somewhat of an acquired taste and there are certain skills that only come with time and experience.

         Image source: wunderbuzz.co.uk

On the surface, it may seem foolish to "force" ourselves to continue with something we don't like at first. But many things in life take some "getting used to," and there's no shame in that. Then after periods of putting up with it, we suddenly realize we now like it and have "acquired the taste".

I confess that my own beginnings at pipe smoking weren't filled with much enjoyment. I had no one to teach me, and I was greatly frustrated by things like how to properly fill the bowl and keep my pipe lit. In addition, the tobacco flavor was terrible, and my tongue burned like a son of a gun. At one point, I was ready to throw in the towel. But I pressed on, and now fully enjoy my pipes.

Unfortunately, a large number of beginning pipe smokers quit within the first several months, long before they can actually learn to enjoy the hobby. There are numerous reasons for why folks give up the pipe, but a little perseverance to get through the initial learning curve, along with some friendly guidance, can really make a difference. So here are a few general suggestions and thoughts that may help you.

First, make sure you have a decent pipe. You don't need to spend a fortune, but you should have a quality pipe that smokes well enough to allow you to concentrate on enjoying the experience instead of struggle with the pipe. There are many excellent pipes out there, but for a beginner, I would suggest an inexpensive Savinelli, Big Ben, Paronelli, or Stanwell pipe. All of these companies make outstanding quality pipes in a range of styles and prices. They are excellent smoking pipes and some are available with filters, which is also great for beginners. (Filters trap moisture, which makes the pipe smoke drier and cooler and helps prevent tongue-bite. Filters also help remove tar and other impurities, which reduces some of the health risks associated with smoking.)

Second, make sure you have selected a decent tobacco to smoke. This may sound obvious, but many beginners (including me when I first started) start out by smoking "drug store" tobaccos. While some of these aren't too bad, they tend to be inferior in quality, resulting in a bland or downright nasty smoking experience. Spending a little extra on premium tobacco or professionally blended tobaccos can make a huge difference. Most beginners--and many old pros--prefer aromatic tobaccos. In general, aromatics are tobaccos that have a flavoring sauce, called a "casing," added to the tobacco. Some common flavorings are vanilla, cherry, caramel, rum, etc. These tobaccos often also have "top dressings" which make the aroma of the burning tobacco more pleasant. Even though these additives improve the smell and enhance the taste of the tobacco, they are not intended to eliminate the natural flavors of the tobacco itself.

For this reason, most aromatic tobaccos do not taste as good as they smell, at least not initially. This is something that often frustrates new smokers. The tobacco may smell delicious in the pouch and then when it is smoked, it can be very disappointing. Part of this can be attributed to the pipe, the smoking technique, and so on. But even aromatic tobaccos involve subtleties and take some getting used to. After all, we're smoking tobacco, not cherries or vanilla! Although some would mock the idea of learning to taste the subtleties in tobacco, I believe it is a valid concept. It's the same with food or wine, for example. There are differences that an inexperienced palate may not be able to discern or appreciate. But patience and diligence will yield worthwhile results.

As you press forward, it may also help to remember that pipe smoking is so much more than merely tasting the flavors and smelling the aromas. It's about history, friendship, and the art and craft of filling, lighting, tamping, and even collecting pipes. Pipe smoking should never be about "enduring" anything. If after trying, you simply cannot enjoy it, then stop. Pipe smoking is a gentle pleasure to be savored, not a burdensome task to be completed.

Pipe smoking is often called the "art of patience." While it's not rocket science, it does take a while to develop the basic skills and ability to appreciate the various aspects of the hobby. It may take some time and practice, but if you stick with it, you will learn to enjoy and even cherish this rich, peaceful art.

Pipe Shapes and Styles: Looks or Quality?

Do the different pipe shapes/styles affect the smoking quality or are they purely aesthetic?

The different pipe shapes can have either an aesthetic or functional purpose (or both). Part of the fun of collecting pipes is to have a variety of different shapes, sizes, and finishes. But each pipe does have unique smoking qualities. Some shapes are more comfortable to hold in the hand or mouth. Others can hold larger or smaller amounts of tobacco. Depending on the craftsmanship, different shapes can also have an impact on the airflow and other combustion related issues.

Image source: s113077598.onlinehome.us

Generally speaking, the smoking quality of a given pipe has less to do with the shape and more to do with the overall quality of craftsmanship or our own habits and tendencies while smoking different pipes. I believe any differences in smoking quality is only indirectly related to the geometric shape of the pipe or bowl itself. This is because the performance of a pipe is actually tied to a combination of factors.

For example, briar quality and preparation--long before it is made into a particular pipe shape by the craftsman--can dramatically affect the smokability of a pipe. Other factors, such as the type of tobacco, how the pipe is filled, pace and method of smoking, and even weather conditions can affect how well a pipe performs.

However, when it comes to pipe shapes directly affecting smokability, the following observations could be noted. Keep in mind these are very general comments and are not necessarily true in every case.

Image source: serjacopo.com

• Pipe shapes with thick-walled bowls tend to smoke cooler because the briar is able to absorb more moisture and heat.
• Pipe shapes that employ long shanks or long stems tend to provide cooler, drier, more comfortable smokes since the smoke has more time to cool before it reaches the mouth and tongue.
• Pipes with rusticated or sandblasted finished often feel cooler to the hand during a smoke because of the way these uneven finishes dissipate heat.
• Straight pipes tend to have an easier draw due to the fact that the airway is undiverted and more direct from stem, through shank, to bowl. The easier draw can allow a more gentle, smooth smoke.
• Full or 3/4 bent pipes are more comfortable when hanging from the jaw than straight or lesser bent pipes because of the way weight is distributed.
• Pipes with tall or large diameter bowls provide much longer smokes due to the simple fact that the tobacco chamber can hold more tobacco.
• Conical bowl shapes can sometimes be more easily "clogged" by bits of tobacco, thus causing difficulties with draw and air flow.

Motorcycle and Aviator pipe: Wind Resistant!

Image source: monstermarketplace.com

There are additional generalizations like these that could be made. But based upon my own experience and research, I do not believe there are any substantial differences in smokability that are caused by the shape of the pipe or bowl. Nearly any pipe of any shape, if it is well-made and smoked properly, should yield an enjoyable smoking experience.

And that is one of the great beauties of pipe smoking. There really is no such thing as a "right" or "wrong" shape or a "better" or "worse" shape. It only matters that you personally like the shape and enjoy smoking it.

Pipe Rim Cleaning

How should I clean the rim of my pipe?

Whenever possible (with your own pipes, for example), I recommend preventative maintenance as the best course of action. After each smoke, wet your thumb with saliva and rub it around the rim of your pipe until it is clean of any residue or darkening that occurred during the smoke.

But if things got away from you, or you're working with estate pipes, there are several common products that work quite effectively at cleaning up a dirty rim.

For carbon build-up and mild charring, try using a microfiber cloth and saliva. I know, it sounds gross, but spittle works very well at breaking down the carbon.

I've also had good success using the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser cleaning pads, or some similar product. Gently scrubbing the outer bowl and rim gives it a decent cleaning in most cases, but you must not scrub too vigorously or you will remove stain.

For thick build-up on the rim of your bowl, you can also use a sharp Xacto hobby knife to carefully scrape the rim and remove minor burns or carbon build-up.

Keep in mind, with all these methods, it is still possible to remove stain and discolor the wood, so be patient, work slowly, and be careful.

For more serious charring or burn marks, the only way is to sand the wood and refinish the bowl. Refinishing a pipe isn't necessarily difficult, but it can be very time consuming, and you must have the right type of stain. (Never finish a pipe with varnish or lacquer; it prevents the wood from properly "breathing." Instead, use an alcohol soluble stain, then polish and coat with carnauba wax.) Also, unless you are very experienced with such things, it can be difficult to match the original stain color, which may devalue the pipe, according to many collectors.

Tongue Bite: Prevent Tongue Burning when Smoking a Pipe

What is tongue bite? What causes tongue bite? What can be done to prevent or relieve tongue bite?

Tongue bite is a condition caused by pipe smoking that results in a sore, tender, irritated tongue. The effects of tongue bite range from a minor irritation to a major discomfort. Sometimes the symptoms last just a few hours; other times they can last for days.

Tongue bite generally results from either a chemical burn or heat scald (or both). The vast majority of tongue bite is a chemical burn produced by caustic elements in the smoke. In other words, pipe smoke that contains higher levels of alkalinity will produce painful irritations of the tongue and oral membranes. In general, Burley, Maryland, and other air-cured tobaccos tend to produce a more alkaline smoke, which can lead to chemical bite. Virginias, Perique, and fire-cured tobaccos provide a more acidic smoke, which is milder on the tongue.

Beyond the natural pH qualities of the leaf itself, sugar content and smoking technique are major factors in tongue bite. For example, when tobacco burns in your pipe, the higher the combustion temperature, the more alkaline the smoke will be. Also, sugar in tobacco produces acidity and a milder smoke.

The irony, of course, is that tobaccos rich in sugar tend to burn easily, fast, and hot, while those low in sugar tend to burn slower and cooler. If you smoke a sugar-rich Virginia hot, instead of pleasant acidic smoke, you will experience caustic alkaline smoke that bites with a vengeance. And if you smoke Burley, which is naturally higher alkaline, in a gentle, cool manner, you will be rewarded with an acidic smoke that will comfort your tongue.

In additional to chemical burns, heat can also be irritating to sensitive oral membranes. If the temperatures of combustion while smoking a pipe get too high, it is feasible that discomfort or pain could result. This is probably most common during the lighting or relighting and/or trying to burn the tobacco all the way to the very bottom of the bowl. In these instances, the smoker may be more prone to draw forcefully on the pipe, which results in the heat from the match or lighter being pulled directly into the mouth. This could result in a heat scald that would definitely "bite" the tongue.

Regardless of the various causes, tongue bite is painful, and all pipe smokers want to avoid it. Here are some practical suggestions to help prevent and treat tongue bite:

• Acquire proper smoking technique. Learn to take slow, gentle sips instead of long, heavy draws. Don't puff too rapidly, which increases combustion temperature leading to chemical burn.
• Avoid tobaccos with high alkalinity. Smoke tobaccos rich in sugar. Also, if a particular tobacco irritates your tongue more than others, don't smoke it! With the rich variety of tobaccos available, there's no reason to smoke something that doesn't sit well with you.
• Pay attention to the moisture content of your tobacco. If too dry, it is very easy to drive the combustion temperature too high. If the tobacco is too moist, you will automatically compensate for the difficulty in making moist tobacco burn by puffing more strongly, and this too can easily drive the temperature of combustion too high, and result in very alkaline smoke.
• Don't worry about your pipe going out. If your pipe starts to go out, let it go, and relight.
• Don't insist on smoking your pipe all the way to the bottom of the bowl. Relighting at the bottom can cause a scald by drawing the heat from the flame directly into the mouth.
• Enjoy a cool or room temperature beverage with your pipe.
• Avoid eating or drinking items that tend to exacerbate tongue bite. Things such as salty foods and carbonated beverages seem to be a problem for many.
• After smoking, drink a glass of milk. Some suggest this helps to soothe an irritated tongue.
• Use a product such as Biotene mouthwash or Aloe Vera juice to regularly rinse your mouth. Many report that these products are highly effective in preventing and treating tongue bite.

Pipe Breaking in and Resting

What is the purpose of "breaking in" and/or "resting" a pipe?

First let me say there are many different opinions among pipe smokers about these practices. It's not something I'm rigid about, and everyone should adopt a practice that works for their own enjoyment of the pipe hobby. But I think there is practical wisdom in both practices. Here are some thoughts on the matter.

The process of breaking in a pipe is really no different than smoking the pipe normally. The idea is simply that every pipe, since it is made of a natural material with varying qualities, will take a while to acquire the characteristics that pipe smokers generally find desirable. A major part of the break-in process is to "season" the wood. This involves two primary aspects: (1) smoking out any saps or resins that may remain in the wood, which can foul the taste; and (2) smoking into the wood the various oils and flavorings from the tobacco, which can enhance the taste. Both of these things occur automatically, and there is nothing special one needs to do. But it takes time, and most pipes will not reach their full potential until after this seasoning process occurs.
During this seasoning process, the carbon cake on the inside of the tobacco chamber also begins to naturally develop from the residue and ash of the tobacco burned in the pipe. This carbon layer forms a thin barrier that protects the wood and also enhances the flavor of a smoke, especially if the same tobacco is used exclusively in a given pipe. (This is a practice known as "dedicating" a pipe. It's definitely not essential, but many find it to be a rewarding practice.)

Every time a pipe is smoked, it is subjected to heat and moisture. Some form of thermal cycling occurs as the wood expands and contracts, and the fibers of the wood absorb moisture, oils, and other by-products of the combustion process. This is normal and unavoidable, but it causes stress to the wood and affects it at a microscopic level. Briar is a particularly hard wood that grows under adverse conditions. This makes it very durable and particularly well-suited to pipe-making. But even briar will eventually succumb to excessive stress if it is not treated properly. When a pipe is smoked over and over again, without being able to "rest" or dry, the wood fibers can become saturated with moisture. This causes them to expand excessively and can lead to cracks in the pipe. Even if one is fortunate enough to avoid damaging a pipe, nearly ever pipe smoker can attest to the foul taste and odor produced by a "wet" pipe. When the wood is saturated from overuse, it can no longer absorb moisture during a smoke. This not only affects the taste, but can cause the pipe to gurgle and will quickly "gunk up" the bowl, shank, and stem. The result is a sour smelling and nasty tasting pipe. For these reasons, it is common practice among discerning pipe smokers to "rest" their pipes in between smokes.

The ideal length of time for the resting period depends on several factors that cannot be estimated (quality of the wood, nature of the tobacco, weather conditions, personal smoking habits, etc.). But the general idea is to let the wood dry out enough to avoid the issues noted above. Again there are varying opinions, but it seems common to allow the pipe to rest for at least 24 hours before using it again. This is one reason that many pipe smokers keep at least several pipes in their "rotation." That way, by the time they get back to a particular pipe, it has had several days to rest since the last smoke.

Even though I advocate allowing a pipe to rest, I realize there are many times when this is not practical or even necessary. In fact, just recently, I smoked three partial bowls back-to-back in one of my pipes (I very rarely smoke this much, but it was a unique occasion). But in that case, the pipe was still performing well and did not become over-heated or over-saturated. Also when I was finished, I cleaned the pipe thoroughly and put it on the rack to rest. I will not return to that pipe for at least several days. The point is, even with the recommended practices, some common sense goes a long way toward keeping your pipe performing well and tasting great.

Lastly, I'll mention that some smokers reject the idea of resting their pipes. They often cite examples of the old-timers who used to own a single pipe and smoked it relentlessly for hours and hours, day after day. That is definitely true. I know some today who still prefer to do things that way. Obviously, if one can only afford a single pipe and "needs" to smoke several bowls a day, then there are limited options. However, I can say with certainty that if we were to examine the pipes of those who smoke in this manner, they would be foul beyond belief. I've cleaned and refurbished hundreds and hundreds of pipes from folks who smoke their pipes nearly to death. I have seen first-hand the results and can tell you that I would never put one of those nasty things in my mouth!

New Smoker Pipe Tobaccos

As a new smoker, what kind of tobacco should I try? Aromatics? English Blends?

One reason I love the pipe is that the experience is unlike any other form of smoking. It is all about the amazing smells and tastes. Of course, everyone's tastes are unique, and it can take time to develop a "skilled palate" that is capable of discerning the subtleties of the different tobaccos. But most pipe tobaccos are wonderfully delightful in their aromas and flavors.

Many new smokers prefer to start with aromatics because of the sweet flavors and the very pleasing smells often associated with aromatic tobaccos. Tobaccos are called "aromatic" because of the flavorings and syrups (called "casings" and "top dressings") that are used to give these tobaccos their wonderful flavors and room notes (a "room note" is the odor everyone smells when the pipe is burning).

            Image Source: briarandbean.com

I started with aromatics myself and still love them. But I want to mention that many of the difficulties that new smokers encounter are directly related to issues associated with aromatics. Things like excessive tongue bite, difficulty keeping the pipe lit, pipe "gurgle" and problems with "goop" in the pipe, etc. are very common with aromatics precisely because of the casings and top dressings that are used to give aromatic tobaccos their distinctive tastes and smells. Not all aromatics are created equal, and some do not suffer from these issues, but as a general rule they can be more difficult to smoke than English blends, Oriental blends, and all-natural tobaccos. In other words, there is certainly nothing "forbidden" about jumping directly to English/Oriental/Natural blends if one is inclined to do so. Feel free to experiment with the different tobaccos. You may be pleasantly surprised by varieties you never would have expected to enjoy.

Non-aromatic or so-called natural blends (English, Orientals, Virginias, Burleys, etc.) can also be mild, but the tobacco flavors are much more pronounced and are not disguised by any added flavorings. These tobaccos tend to have tastes that many describe as woody, leathery, spicy, or peppery, although they surely are not limited to these flavor profiles. Even though conventional wisdom may tell you to start with an aromatic, if a more natural tobacco flavor appeals to you, by all means try an English blend to see how it suits you.

Even though starting with a non-aromatic tobacco is completely acceptable, I do recommend trying a mild English before jumping into to something with heavy amounts of Latakia or Perique. Both Latakia and Perique are strong tobaccos with distinct tastes/aromas that are popular among many long-time smokers, but they can often overwhelm the new smoker. (Latakia has a very potent flavor that reminds me of pine needles or a camp fire.)

Keep in mind that my comments here are merely suggestions. And don't be intimidated, so to speak, by some of the "tobacco snobs" out there. There is no rule about who may or may not try different tobaccos. Some beginners jump in to English blends and love it. Some life-long smokers still prefer heavily-cased aromatics. Of course, there is no "right" or "wrong" decision here; it's all a matter of preference. But in my experience, those that move too quickly to the stronger tobaccos tend to get discouraged and quit smoking altogether. While that may please the anti-smoking "terrorists," it's not what I would recommend.

Smoking Pipe to The Bottom

I'm having trouble burning the tobacco all the way to the bottom of the bowl. Is this necessary? Do you have any tips for doing it?

It is generally considered a good and desirable thing to smoke your tobacco down to the bottom of the bowl. Doing this during the break-in process helps to properly develop a carbon cake, which will make your pipe smoke cooler and drier. The cake on the inside of the bowl insulates the briar from the heat of combustion. The carbon itself absorbs or deflects much of the heat and protects your pipe in the process. This also has a positive effect on helping to keep your pipe lit. Since the heat will stay in the chamber, rather than dissipating through the wood, it is easier to keep the tobacco ember burning. One additional benefit of a good carbon cake lining your bowl is that it can help intensify the flavors of your tobacco. This is especially true if you smoke only one type of tobacco in the pipe. This is called "dedicating" a pipe and is not necessary, but I thought I would at least mention it.

          Image source: http://forum.pipes.org

But as you're discovering, it can be very difficult smoking all the way to the bottom of the bowl, especially on new or refurbished pipes. One of the chief reasons for this difficulty is the moisture that collects in the bottom of the bowl. This moisture is a result of combustion and is unavoidable. However, excessively moist tobacco or heavily cased (i.e., flavored) aromatic tobaccos can be especially problematic. (This doesn't mean you should avoid aromatics--I've broken in many pipes using nothing but aromatics.) As you smoke through the bowl, the tobacco at the bottom soaks up the moisture that collects there. This makes it very difficult to keep your pipe burning and requires frequent relights. Unfortunately, frequent relighting at the bottom of the bowl often causes the smoker to draw the heat from the flame directly into the mouth, which can lead to serious tongue bite.

So, how do you burn it to the bottom? Well, I'm afraid there is no "secret technique." I've broken in dozens of pipes and no two have been the same. Some broke in very quickly and easily. Others required far more smokes than I would have imagined before a good cake began to form. Below are few general suggestions that may help.

1. Try smoking only small, partial bowls in your pipe. This will help prevent excessive moisture building up in the heel throughout the smoke. Since you're only filling the very bottom (say 1/4 or 1/3 of the way full), there should be less buildup of moisture. This means the tobacco will stay drier and should make it easier to burn down to ash. You still have to exercise care not to draw too heavily or you run the risk of scorching your tongue. Once you notice the cake starting to form at the bottom of the bowl, you can begin filling the chamber more fully. Keep in mind, as I noted above, the cake itself will ultimately help to keep your pipe lit and aid in burning the entire bowl of tobacco.

2. Make sure you're smoking slowly and steadily. Puffing too rapidly or sporadically can cause uneven burning and makes it difficult to reduce the tobacco to ash.
Tamp regularly to make sure the tobacco ember stays in contact with the unburned tobacco. Tamping also maintains the ash "crust" on top of the tobacco which aids in burning.

3. If you notice a large amount of moisture in the bottom of the bowl, it may simply not be possible to burn all the tobacco down to gray or white ash. In those cases, don't worry about it. In my opinion, it's much better to tap out the dottle (unburned tobacco) than to fry your tongue by puffing too hard or drawing the hot flame through that moist tobacco.

4. Lastly, keep in mind that there is absolutely nothing wrong with relighting your pipe--even many times. Even the most experienced smokers often relight their pipes frequently depending on a number of conditions. In fact, some actually prefer to allow their pipes to go out on purpose, let the pipe rest a few minutes, and then relight it again. But the point is, there is no shame in having to relight.

In the final analysis, I encourage you not to be overly concerned about burning the entire bowl of tobacco. Even though burning the tobacco all the way to the bottom of the bowl is a worthy goal, it is not something that should become the focus or emphasis of your pipe smoking. Sit back, relax, and puff away. I have often told my son, who is a novice pipe smoker that smokes very infrequently, that "pleasure comes before precision." That's simply my way of saying that pipe smoking is more about your enjoyment of the hobby than it is about perfecting your techniques. Good technique comes with time. It takes patience, practice, and perseverance. But if you don't enjoy it, you'll never spend the time necessary to develop good technique.

Corn Cob as Alternative to Briar Pipes

Are corn cob pipes good briar alternatives?

Corn cob pipes are quite a bit different than briar pipes, but they certainly can be good alternatives, especially if you're looking for an inexpensive "throw away" pipe. Each pipe smoker will have his own preferences and views on which pipes are "superior" or "better," but there are several points that could be made when comparing briar pipes to corn cob pipes. Here are a few general comparisons:

Benefits of Briar Pipes

• Durable and long-lasting
• Beautiful (grain, finish options, etc.)
• Wood becomes "seasoned" by the tobacco and smokes increasingly better over time

Benefits of Corn Cob Pipes

• Inexpensive
• Little to no impact on the flavor of tobacco

In most cases, cobs do not tend to build cake like briar. But when they do last long enough to build up cake, the same basic procedures can be used to maintain them. If the cake gets too thick, it will interfere with the tobacco chamber and could cause the pipe to crack or split. But again, with cobs costing only a few dollars each, many who smoke them simply get a new one when they get to that point.

Image source: generaldiscontent.blogspot.com

Image source: fakenhamlife.wordpress.com

Although I don't smoke them as frequently as my briars, I like to have several cobs on hand. I use them for trying new tobaccos or for times when I may be concerned about damaging or losing a valued briar pipe (such as when I'm working outdoors). I have absolutely no problem with corn cob pipes and find them to be a great option for enjoying the hobby. But I still prefer the beauty, variety, and craftsmanship found in briar pipes.