[Arizona]

I used to do the 3-step method too. Have tried the Frank method also. But lately what's worked great for me for quite some time, gives a good smoke every time and is simpler is this...

I use a tobacco pouch to load my pipe. I dip the pipe into the pouch and set it down in the corner of the pouch. I shake the pouch softly and let the tobacco drop down into the bowl til it's brimming over by perhaps half an inch. Then I pull the pipe out and softly press the tobacco that's brimming over down into the bowl til it's level with the top. I light and puff it for maybe 30 seconds. Tamp and relight and you're done. I get a cool, smooth smoke from this method and it's simpler than the others.

Usually after the tamp/re-light I get about a 10 minute puffing session and it goes out. Thats about when I'm ready to set the pipe down for a rest anyways. A short time later when ready to puff again I tamp, shake out the ash and then re-light. The rest of the bowl usually goes smoothly. Sometimes a third light might be necessary depending on bowl size.

The nice thing about this method is that the draw is perfect every time. The biggest/most frequent mistake newbie's make is packing it too tightly. That gives a smoke that's hard to keep lit, is sometimes hot, etc.

Let me know if this works for anyone else...?