New Pipe, New Tobacco, New Questions

[DrStrangelove]

Alright I finally got myself a decent pipe (I like it). Its a Bjarne that I bought today, I also got a tin of 965 and I alread had a czech pipe tool.

The 965 was not nearly as full tasting as I imagined it would be from descriptions ive heard and its robust smell. Very tasty though.

I just have a few quick questions about smoking practice I thought I would direct to you guys.

1. When the tobacco is ready to be tamped do you scoop out the ash on top before tamping and relighting?

2. Do you smoke the tobacco down to the very end of the pipe or do you tap/scoop it out before it gets there?

3. What the hell is the story with those ashtrays with the big wooden ball in the middle?

4. Are there any provisions I should take smoking a new pipe? I've already smoked it once and I think its pre broken in (dark finish on the inside of the bowl) but I figured it was worth asking.

5. Screwing out and it the stem should I do it like a thread - lefty loosy righty tighty or should i go left or right both ways in and out?

6. Is there anything else in particular I should know?

Thanks all.

[madurofan]

Good Job Dr.

If you want to try a more full tasting tobacco in the same range as 965, I would say Nightcap. The following answers are my personal opinions:

1. I usually leave the ash in the pipe and tamp. (Not recommended when trying to smoke and drive )

2. I have burnt me tounge on hot embers. I usually stop smoking If the tobbaco gets wet or the taste becomes unpleasant. Feel free to smoke as much (or as little) of the bowl as you like.

3. The big cork ball is used as stop to knock the pipe against to clear the ashes and the dottle (unburned tobacco in the bottom of the pipe)

4. I usually smoke half bowls in a new pipe (even one that has a carbon coating) until there is a noticable cake (hard coating of ash) forming in the base of the bowl. After your done smoking, mix the ash and the dottle with your pipe tool (try not to scrape the bowl), place your thumb over the top of the bowl and shake. I have found that will speed up the formation of a good solid cake.

5. I will usually go clockwise in and out. A lot of meerschaum pipes have a treaded tenon that will unscrew counter clockwise. Makes it more idiot proof for me if I'm set in the right habits .

6. Check out nooners
pipe FAQ and the pipe websites thread .

Good Luck and Happy Smoking
Madurofan

[DrStrangelove]

thanks for the help.

I have one more weird question. Is it normal to have to tamp and relight your pipe almost immediately after lighting it the first time? I find that whenever I light a freash bowl the tobacco seems to unpack itself and not stay lit.

[okie2]

Originally Posted by DrStrangelove

thanks for the help.

I have one more weird question. Is it normal to have to tamp and relight your pipe almost immediately after lighting it the first time? I find that whenever I light a freash bowl the tobacco seems to unpack itself and not stay lit.

I have always used the first light to simply "toast" the tobacco. I then deliberately tamp to a firmness I want while putting out all the embers, ash and relight. Matching the repacking/firmness of the tobacco to my smoking style, (PPM) puffs per minute, makes for a cooler and more enjoyable smoke. If you are having to smoke quicker or slower than you like, then you need to adjust the pressure you use retamping the tobacco.

[DrStrangelove]

Thanks guys, I just went hog wild with the credit card on JR so maybe I'll post some reviews of the blends I ordered - Dunhill Nightcap, Dunhill Royal Yacht, Rattray Old Gowrie, and Samuel Gawith Best Brown Flake. WooHoo!

[DrStrangelove]

Woop Woop! I've got a whole lot of smoke to do!!!

I will post some reviews as soon as I try them all, hopefully this will help diversify my pallete a bit.

[floydp]

Very informative thread guys. One hell of a nice pipe you got there Dr. Looking forward to the reviews.

[madurofan]

Originally Posted by DrStrangelove

Woop Woop! I've got a whole lot of smoke to do!!!

I will post some reviews as soon as I try them all, hopefully this will help diversify my pallete a bit.

Go easy on the Yacht(Not on an empty stomach). I love the stuff but it's usually nap time after half a bowl .

[DrStrangelove]

Originally Posted by madurofan

Go easy on the Yacht(Not on an empty stomach). I love the stuff but it's usually nap time after half a bowl .

Go figure, thats the one I opened up first and am smoking right now! It's really good, has a unique sweet flavor. Unfortunately the baccy in the tin was a little wet and smoking a little harsh.

[madurofan]

Originally Posted by DrStrangelove

Go figure, thats the one I opened up first and am smoking right now! It's really good, has a unique sweet flavor. Unfortunately the baccy in the tin was a little wet and smoking a little harsh.

A lot of the tinned tobaccos are a little moist for my taste. I'll usually leave the top off for a day or so then transfer it to a Ball (mason) jar. You might try to slow down your puffing, that can cause a very wet smoke as well.