subject: In The Pipeline: How To Get The Most Out Of Any Tobacco Pipe [print this page] In The Pipeline: How To Get The Most Out Of Any Tobacco Pipe
Tobacco pipes are not used that much any more. Some people see them as old-fashioned or outdated, but pipe smokers know that there are good reasons to prefer pipes to cigarettes. The process of smoking a pipe is however far more involved than the simplicity of a cigarette, and getting the most from it involves learning something close to an art form. In this article, we will look at some of the things you should think about when preparing your pipe.
Selecting Tobacco
You can get a wide variety of different kinds of tobacco for use in a pipe. They differ in flavor and cut. In other words, different tobaccos will taste different that can even be blended in order to provide the mixture that best suits the preferences of the smoker. The cut and moisture of the tobacco can be chosen to provide the best experience also.
Cleaning the Pipe
It is important to start with a clean pipe. You can use a dedicated pipe cleaner to remove the unburnt tobacco and ash left over from the last smoke. It is important, however, not to clean tobacco pipes too thoroughly. Ash will build up inside the bowl over time, and this is seen as desirable due to its heat controlling properties. Make sure that it does not get too thick, however, because otherwise it may end up cracking the pipe through expansion when it is heated.
Packing the Tobacco
The tobacco must be packed into the pipe in such a way as to allow air to pass through as uniformly as possible. This aids in getting an even burn and the best flavor. One common method is to fill the pipe loosely and then pack the tobacco down to about a third of its size, repeat twice more to fill up all three thirds.
Lighting For the First Time
Most pipe smokers prefer to use matches to lighters due to the lower burning temperatures. You do not want to completely torch the good tobacco, remember. It is also important not to burn the edges of a good pipe. Let the match burn for a few seconds to make sure that none of the sulfur in the tip finds its way into the pipe. Puff gently to draw the flame onto the tobacco. Different packing densities will vary how easily it lights.
Conclusion
Tobacco pipes need some care to get the most out of them. Many pipe smokers value the experience of cleaning and packing them just as much as the smoking itself. It is the overall experience that is valued, and the satisfaction of having succeeded in performing a delicate procedure. Take the time to learn how to pack and light a pipe well and you will reap the rewards like so many excellent pipe smokers before you.
