Smoking a Pipe

A new pipe should always be broken in. This involves only half filling the bowl and drawing gently to allow the charring process to happen gradually; it will also allow the pipe to harden. To enjoy a satisfying smoke a pipe must be filled correctly.

Filling the Pipe

Hold the pipe upright and trickle in tobacco until the pipe is full. Tamp it down gently then repeat two or three times until the bowl is full. Draw on the pipe prior to lighting to ensure there are no blockages. Failure to fill the pipe properly may cause the pipe to burn hot and bitter, leading to "tongue bite" a stinging on the top of the tongue.

Lighting the Pipe

Light the pipe using a pipe lighter or wooden match, petrol lighters can cause unpleasant odours and tastes. At first try to char the top of the tobacco, to allow the flame to catch. The "charring light" as it is called should aim to ignite the tobacco, without scorching the bowl. Tamp the charred tobacco down and then apply the second flame, puffing gently as you light the tobacco.

Re-lighting and Moisture

Tobacco does naturally go out if left. If this occurs just re-light the pipe. Occasionally you may hear or taste moisture in the pipe, if this occurs run a pipe cleaner down the flue, tamp and relight the tobacco if necessary.

Cleaning and Maintenance

A well cared for pipe can last for years, improving with age. To make sure this happens you need to undertake basic maintenance. Never refill a warm pipe, wait until it has cooled. Many smokers prefer two pipes to allow ample cooling time. When cleaning the pipe, hold it by the bowl, the simply tip the ash from the bowl, before running a pipe cleaner through the stem to remove moisture. Do not bang the pipe against a wall or shoe, as this will damage the bowl.

A small layer of carbon will slowly start to accumulate from the first smoking, never allow this layer to get more than 1:16 of an inch (1.5mm) thick or risk the bowl cracking. To maintain this layer use a pipe reamer or smokers knife, (NOT a penknife or pointed object.)

Insert the reamer then slowly rotate to strip way excess carbon.

About The Author: Tobacconist Purdy & Tully specialise in the sale of Smoking Pipes, Cigarette Lighters, Cigars, Hand rolling and Pipe Tobacco. Always happy to share their extensive product knowledge, they can be reached at their website: http://www.purdyandtully.co.uk or by email: info@purdyandtully.co.uk