Loading ...New pipe break-in is one of those subjects that can cause a lot of arguments among smokers. My feeling is to use a common-sense approach to the matter.
The first issue is how to pack a pipe when it’s new. For years, many people have suggested starting at half a bowl and then gradually increasing over a dozen or so bowls until you are filling the pipe completely. The idea is that you will smoke all the way to the bottom, creating a protective cake throughout the entire chamber. In my opinion, there are two problems with this approach. Firstly, if carbon builds up all the way down, you will wind up having to run a drill bit through the shank to keep it clear of obstruction. Secondly, very few people smoke dry enough to keep a pipe lit until it’s completely empty. Therefore, since people rarely smoke that far down, there’s no need for any cake in the heel of the chamber. I recommend packing and smoking the pipe normally, while trying to smoke especially slowly during the first dozen of bowls.
The next issue is in treating the chamber with fluids like honey or saliva to accelerate the build up of cake. I strongly disagree with this approach. Using anything to expedite the development of a carbon layer generally leads to a soft crumbly cake. Then, when you ream the chamber, the carbon can come out in chunks, leaving thin or bare spots where the heat can attack the wood.
Please note that meerschaum pipes should definitely be smoked normally from the beginning, and that the chamber should be wiped out after each bowl, as a cake should not be allowed to accumulate in these pipes at all.
Also, plan on reaming your briars when they have a cake as thick as a nickel. Cut it back to the thickness of a dime. Allowing the cake to get too thick can cause the bowl to crack, as the cake will expand at a different rate than the wood.
Finally, if the pipe has a uncoated chamber that is stained (i.e.- Peterson pipes), I like to wipe out the pipe with a high-proof liquor four to five times before I ever smoke it. The stain can seal the wood, which makes it difficult for the carbon to stick. Since the stain used for pipes is usually alcohol-based, using liquor works very well to remove it, and it won’t leave a bad taste in the pipe, unlike rubbing or denatured alcohol.
Russ Ouellette, blender
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.
