Loading ...One of the most frequently asked questions from new pipe smokers is “What do I need other than a pipe and some tobacco?” Here are some ideas for you.
• Pipe cleaners- you should run a pipe cleaner through the pipe after every smoke, and if the tobacco you are smoking tends to smoke wet, you will probably need to use one while smoking. There are a number of different types- regular, which are thin; extra absorbent, which are thicker for larger-bore pipes or particular wet smoking pipes; bristled, which have nylon bristles to help scrub out an exceptionally dirty stem and/or shank; and, tapered, which are best for pipes that are hard to pass a cleaner through.
• Pipe nail/pipe tool- The purpose of a pipe tool is to tamp the burning tobacco and to clean out the chamber after smoking. The nail is the simplest, with a tamper at one end and a scraper at the other. A pipe tool or Czech tool has three parts- a tamper, a scraper or rounded-tipped knife blade for reaming and a pick for dislodging items from the shank or loosening damp tobacco from the heel.
• Pipe rack- The best way to store a pipe is vertically, and pipe racks generally do this. Some hold them horizontally, but this is more for display or longer-term storage.
• Lighter- A dedicated pipe lighter can make your life easier. Most are soft-flame butane, and the flame comes out the side to keep the flame from hitting your fingers while lighting. Many have tampers that come out of the bottom. Butane is tasteless, and the soft-flame shouldn’t scorch the pipe. There are two liquid fuel pipe lighters as well- Zippo makes one with a hole in the side of the chimney for placing over the top of the bowl, or the Sportsman, which looks like a large bolt and nut. These work well in windy conditions, but are less desirable to use, as the fuel has some taste that can be unpleasant.
• Pouches- There are a number of cases and pouches available that will allow you to transport your tobacco and or pipes. What you should use is dependent upon your circumstances.
• Cleaners and polishes- There are cleaners that are meant to freshen a pipe, usually by dipping a pipe cleaner in it and running through the pipe. Most pipe smokers don’t use these, but many swear by them. There are also polishes available for the wood, which are non-aromatic so they don’t have a noticeable smell while smoking the pipe, and there are mildly abrasive polishes for stems which help to clean, shine and remove oxidation from stems.
• Humidors- These are tightly-sealed jars which normally have a humidification device in them for keeping your tobacco at optimum moisture levels.
• Reamer- These tools are used to shave back the carbon build-up in the chamber when it builds up too much. They use a blade which takes a small amount of the cake off at a time while not damaging the pipe.
Resources
- New Pipes Pipes, pipes and more pipes. Here we have one of the premier selections of briar pipes in the world. From Peterson pipes to Savinelli pipes and everything in between, the briar pipes you want at prices you can afford!
- Estate/Used pipes Estate pipes or Used pipes have been offered by tobacconists for years. This is a great way to buy a high grade and or beef up a collection with out maximum outlay.
- Pipe Gift Sets Packs Need a gift for the pipe smoker in your life? This page will direct you to an assortmant of gift packs. Some featuring a pipe with tobaccos and some just featuring tobaccos. Either way there is something for every pipe smoker!
- Filters and Inserts Pipe filters have long been a standard for a drier smoke as well as having the benefit of removing some unwanted ingredients found in pipe tobacco. Nicotine and irritants are trapped in the absorbent filters.
- Pipe Tools This section is devoted to pipe hardware or pipe tools. Keeping your pipe clean is part of the ritual. These tools enhance your experience and allows you the honor of taking care of a prized possesion. You’ll see it all here from the very expensive to the really inexpensive.
- Tobacco & Pipe Pouches From the inexpensive to the outrageous (not really it just sounded good)! However, we have some terrific deals on pipe tobacco pouches. Whether for everyday or weekend use, you can find something for the pipesmoker you love! NEW LaRocca Nappa leather tobacco pouches just in!
- Pipe Cleaners Standard, bristled, churchwarden, fluffy and tapered pipe cleaners from – BJ Long’s, Comoy’s, Dill’s and Ream & Klean. A pipe cleaner for every need!
- Polishes & Wipes Sweetener, Buffing Cloths, Polishes and Wipes for both pipe and stem. All the goodies you need to keep your puffer looking good and in perfect working order.
- Pipe Lighters When it comes to putting the heat to the briar there is no substitution for a great pipe lighter. Convenient and always at the ready. We have tried to include lighters in all ranges for the brothers of the pipe.
- Stands & Racks Looking for a great way to display your pipes? Here you can select from an assortment of makes, styles, and colors that are sure to please the eye and grab attention to those you hold dear.
- Pipe Literature Love the hobby? Want to learn more? The best place to start is Pipes and Tobaccos Magazine. Richard Carleton Hacker has written several books on Scotch, Cigars and Pipes and his pipe books are required reading by any hobbyist.
