Going to try pipe smoking...but need help

[nsiops]

Me and a friend of mine are going to try and get into pipe smoking. We decided to go out and Dr.Grabow pipes, and some tobacco, a Czech tool, and some wooden matches. However we still have some questions.

1. What is a good, yet affordable lighter (preferrably $10-15) We heard that IMCO makes a good lighter or so but we arent sure. We dont want to get stuck in another lighter rut like we have dealt with when smoking cigars.

2. We have heard alot of stuff about moisture build up? Whats this about? Can someone explain in depth.

Those are our first questions, we might have more as we delve into this whole hobby a bit deeper.

Thanks

[Davetopay]

I'd avoid a lighter at this time. A match flame is easier to control and will result in less chance of scorching the rim of your bowl.

Moisture is a byproduct of burning tobacco. It will build up in the bottom of the bowl, and also the stem of the pipe as you smoke. In a briar pipe, this is why you need to let it rest for a day or so after smoking. Otherwise it can get funky and sour. A good defense against this is to swab out the shank after every bowlful with a 100 % cotton pipe cleaner. Aromatic baccy tends to get a bit sloppier and wetter than most of the "English" blends as it will have flavorings and humectants added to it help help it smell all pretty and possibly be tasty.....all depends upon the baccy you buy.

If you are gonna be smoking a good ol' Grabow, I might suggest you start with Prince Albert, or Carter Hall. If you want a little more zing in the aroma, check out some Lane 1Q. I am certain it is sold as some sort of bulk blend at your local shop. They might just not want to tell that their "Ultimate Custom Royal Special House Blend" can be had anywhere. LOL

Enjoy!

[DSturg369]

I use a cheapy Bic lighter, works great. Do NOT use any type or torch lighter, ever, ever. Matches as a good bet as well.

As for the moisture issue, all tobaccos leave some moisture. As the tobacco burns, the moisture therein will sink down into the heal of the pipe..... It's inevitable. The more moist the tobacco being smoked, the more moisture it will leave behind. If possible with your pipes, run a pipe cleaner down through the stem, into the heal if you get the dreaded "gurgling". If the stem is too tight and it can safely be done without damaging anything, remove the stem and then use the cleaner, then replace the stem and continue smoking as normal, as the moisture will most likely be in the heal, directly below the bowl. A tapered cleaner works great for tight stems.

A quick word about removing the stem while the pipe is hot/warm.... I would not do this on a more expensive briar as it could damage the pipe but a Dr. Grabow should be able to handle it without any ill effects.

[nsiops]

For a Dr. Grabow Pipe what is a good size? We are used to smoking robusto cigars-toro cigars....and we like to smoke slow 1hr at least but nothing above 2hrs really. Does anyone know the sizes of Dr.Grabow pipes.

Im guessing the "Omega" is super huge, so would we be okay with a "Full"? What about the Savoy and Duke models? are they different sizes as well? What would be good for a 1.5 hour smoke?

[cp478]

In Dr. grabows the longer smoking ones would be the freehand or the big pipe.
If you are smoking properly on the omega or duke or any of the others they should last the better part of an hour.

I have one of the freehand dr. grabows and they have a larger bowl. they can definately go an hour plus easy.
I believe the "big pipe" from grabow is quite a bit larger.

[MasonM]

I own a couple of Dr. Grabows, a Freehand, and a Riviera. The Freehand has a nice big bowl.

As to moisture, I believe that has been answered quite well. I can offer one tip for gurgling. It can be avoided entirely by smoking slowly, taking small "sips" instead of long draws. But, if it does start to gurgle a little, gently blowing through the stem will usually cause the moisture to move up into the burning tobacco and thus burn it off. YMMV.

Oh, and welcome to the wonderful world of pipe smoking, PAD, and TAD

[nsiops]

For these Dr. Grabow pipes, when should we change out the filters that are in them?

[Jaxon67]

Originally Posted by nsiops

For these Dr. Grabow pipes, when should we change out the filters that are in them?

After using many filters, I have concluded that they are a pain in the butt. I clean my stem very well after every smoke, and I believe I get a better untainted flavor. Otherwise, I would change them out after one smoke.
Truth be told, the right answer is........whatever you decide.

Welcome brother.

[bigkev77]

For the lighter I use a $1 Bic and from time to time a Zippo.

Moisture, dry your tobacco more. Let it get just a bit crispy at first. As you get better at smoking the pipe you can start trying different moisture levels untill you find what suits you. Like has been said SLOW DOWN. Smoke slower that you think you need to. Relights are just part of learning to smoke a pipe. Stick with it you will get it.

I would suggest getting an english blend since you are a cigar smoker. The aeromatic tobaccos will not taste like much. One of the tobaccos that really turned me on as a beginner was Squadron Leader by Samuel Gawith. It is a great tobacco for new pipe smokers IMO.

The Dr Grabow filters. You can get about three smokes out of a filter if you let it dry for 24 hrs before smoking. I just smoke without them in my Grabow, like was said before.

It is great to have some new pipe smokers!! Glad to have you on board.

[nsiops]

Okay so, we put in our orders. I ended up going ahead and investing in a Peterson briar pipe (I just fell in love with it ), my colleagues ended up purchasing a Dr. Grabow and cheap corn cob. So this brings up some new questions.

1. Ive read somehwere that you can damage your pipe by overheating it. Ive also read that this can happen while smoking outside due to wind? Is this true are pipes that sensitive?

2. Im going to need to break my pipe in? Do I need to rub water in it (Ive read that somewhere) also Ive read that I need to fill it 2/3, 1/2, 1/3, even 1/4 full of tobacco to break it in? Which amount is it?

[Requiem]

Yes, smoking on the wind can damage a pipe, especially one that hasn´t been broken in, because the wind will increase combustion, thus increasing the temperature of burning tobacco.

Don´t rub your pipe with water or any other liquid... that's a big no-no.

Most believe that the best method to break in a new pipe is to smoke it progressively filling the bowl, I mean, have 4 or 5 bowls fill up to 1/3, then 4 or 5 more at 1/2. The objective is to build a cake, which will help the pipe smoke cooler and drier. It's hard to form a cake on the bottom of the bowl, so several "small" bowls can help with that.
Corn cobs don´t need to be broken, in fact you should prevent cake formation in them.


Here, spend sometime educating yourself ---» Pipe FAQ/101/Getting Started

Happy puffing!

[Mitch]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Yes, smoking on the wind can damage a pipe, especially one that hasn´t been broken in, because the wind will increase combustion, thus increasing the temperature of burning tobacco.

Don´t rub your pipe with water or any other liquid... that's a big no-no.

Most believe that the best method to break in a new pipe is to smoke it progressively filling the bowl, I mean, have 4 or 5 bowls fill up to 1/3, then 4 or 5 more at 1/2. The objective is to build a cake, which will help the pipe smoke cooler and drier. It's hard to form a cake on the bottom of the bowl, so several "small" bowls can help with that.
Corn cobs don´t need to be broken, in fact you should prevent cake formation in them.


Here, spend sometime educating yourself ---» Pipe FAQ/101/Getting Startedd

Happy puffing!

YouTube - dubinthedam's Channel
Go there and you have around 40 hours of great videos to teach you anything you want to know. Then ask questions. Smoking a pipe is an art. Lots of fun to learn though.

[bigkev77]

Wind is bad. Water is bad.

You will be better off with several bowles each at 1/4 , 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 fill to break in your pipe. A more experienced smoker can just fill it to the top and smoke away from the start because they know how to control the moisture and heat to the bottom of the bowl. I have been smoking pipes for two years and I still use the 1/4, 1/2 and so on.

Congrats on buying a Pete. They are great pipes. I would like the other members to correct me if I am wrong but I think Peterson pipes are dipped in stain, so the inside of the bowl will be stained as well. Your first several bowls could have an offputting flavor from the stain burning off. Some even sand the inside of the bowl to remove the stain before smoking.

I wish you well in your new found hobby and I am sure everyone will be glad to answer any further questions you may have, just ask away.

[nsiops]

Thanks alot, I think I have a good break in strategy. As for breaking it in, is a 24hr gap between smokes sufficient. I will prolly be smoking it this friday and saturday if I have my way.

[Mitch]

Originally Posted by nsiops

Thanks alot, I think I have a good break in strategy. As for breaking it in, is a 24hr gap between smokes sufficient. I will prolly be smoking it this friday and saturday if I have my way.

This is such a debated subject. Some always let the pipe sit for 24 hours plus. And then so many old timers smoked the same pipe all day every day. I personally let them rest for 24 hrs. This is why some suggest buying some cobs. If I smoke my english blend one day, I may smoke perique the next. This way i am not messing up my pipes. You should really check out those youtube videos, there is more info on there then you will know what to do with