Need some help with my flake

[IrishCamel81]

I recently ordered some bulk tobacco that came in flake form. But I am having a terrible time trying to get a good smoke using the prescribed methods. I got SG BBF, Penzance and SG St James Flake, none of which I have been able to fill correctly into my pipe. Are there any methods or tips you think might be helpful? Sometimes I think the tobacco is too low in the bowl, sometimes I think it's filled too tight... it's like a really sick version of Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears!

[RJpuffs]

Sammy G. flakes are usually too soggy outta the tin/bag. A half hour or more of airing out will do wonders. All flakes can be either "rubbed out" i.e. shredded/mashed/separated and fill the usual way. Or, fold'n'stuff the entire flake. When folding n' stuffing, be sure the burn goes VERTICAL, i.e. along the length of the flake. Therefore, fold in half or quarter or thirds to make it fit within the bowl. Depending on the diameter of the bowl, you may need more than one flake (or less). When stuffed, the "plug" should just go into the bowl with minimal pressure - and shouldn't fall out when the pipe is inverted. Just push in with your finger, don't tamp or it will get too tight at the bottom. Keep in mind that all flakes will expand when lit, too tight means a plugged bowl and a waste of time and baccy. Too loose means the flake elements will not touch each other ergo won't light up evenly (or stay lit).

Sprinkle some loose baccy on top for a good char. You want some air space at the bottom, so don't tamp with a vengance. Tamp AROUND to collapse the ash evenly during the smoke. A well filled flake will burn much slower, cooler and longer - and evenly through the entire bowl. And it is pretty damn windproof, which is why sailors probably liked the "Navy" blends.

[Mister Moo]

Penzance is less flake than (crumble) cake. Just like carrot cake or German choclate cake, if it's too moist it'll load up in the lower half of the pipe and not want to burn. If you tamp it (or fill it) with too much enthusiasm it will punish you about 5 minutes later as it heats up and swells up, creating the kind of blockage you might experience if you are a wastewater professional or have eaten too much cheese.

Let a flake or two dry until it "FEELS" dry. Crumble without compressing and fill, starting with half bowls, 'til you get the hang of it. Make sure the pre-light draw is barely restricted; as you smoke, tamp ever so gently to even things out or to keep the fire burning but not to compress (or overly compress) the fill. Pez from the tin tends to be damper and stickier than Pez from the bulk package.

It is wonderful stuff when you get the hang of it. I started out smoking the stuff in a tall skinny chimney-type pipe and managed to botch about 20 bowlsful before frustration gave way to meditative thought and, hence, technique modifcation. The Zen of Pez.