An experienced pipe smoker wouldn't make assumptions about other smokers. Options are available as all smokes don't like the same things.
Bowl Coating?
- Thread starter PiperCalvinist
- Start date
SmokingPipes.com Updates
Watch for Updates Twice a Week
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
I take off most the bowl coating but I tend to leave it at the bottom. I figure that helps protect against lighter burns. It probably makes no difference but that is what I do. I prefer bare bowls myself.
Most bowl coatings are “neutral” and don’t impart any taste or smell.
But I’ve had one which tasted and smelt like it was made of rotting fish guts
Thankfully it was an easy fix with a piece of sandpaper
But I’ve had one which tasted and smelt like it was made of rotting fish guts
Thankfully it was an easy fix with a piece of sandpaper
If I smoke a vaper blend or something mild I can taste even the most neutral ones a tad. I tend to use a stronger blend for the initial smoke. Its a bummer when you are excited to have a new pipe and your first smoke tastes off.
Some ebay pipes did taste terrible and some even blistered where flame touched them a bit. I dont know what the mystery coating was but I took some sandpaper to it and all was well. Luckily they were not trying to hide problems.
Some ebay pipes did taste terrible and some even blistered where flame touched them a bit. I dont know what the mystery coating was but I took some sandpaper to it and all was well. Luckily they were not trying to hide problems.
I don’t have a non-coated pipe experience to compare it to, but I didn’t taste anything foul in my first bowl.
When I had a morta pipe by Mark Tinsky burn out on me on my very first smoke, he graciously offered to make me a new one. I asked him whether coating the bowl would prevent burnout. He said that the coatings would not prevent burnout, but was to merely mask the new wood flavors that so many people seem to have a problem with. But, he said that he would coat the replacement morta. The new morta burned out also in the first smoke, but don't tell him. I didn't want him to fret over it. Georged explained that the morta that US pipemakers were using was inferior, so I just left it at that.
But, for me, if bowl coatings are just to mask the aroma of burning wood in the first few smokes, I don't want it. They are almost all made with gum Arabic as the binder. So, a damp rag will get it out if you prefer. It won't hurt the pipe to smoke without it, but I prefer to taste the briar. I am a weirdo that loves the aroma of the first few smokes.
If you get a custom pipe made, they almost always ask if you want a coating.
But, for me, if bowl coatings are just to mask the aroma of burning wood in the first few smokes, I don't want it. They are almost all made with gum Arabic as the binder. So, a damp rag will get it out if you prefer. It won't hurt the pipe to smoke without it, but I prefer to taste the briar. I am a weirdo that loves the aroma of the first few smokes.
If you get a custom pipe made, they almost always ask if you want a coating.
Great write up thank you!As Chasing pointed out, coatings are about protection.
But, if you smoke carefully with a new pipe, there is no need for it.
Uncoated chambers also allow you to experience the natural flavors of briar, that typically get masked with a coating.
For an experienced pipe smoker, buying an expensive pipe, a coating makes zero sense. You buy that ultra high end expensive pipe to experience it, in it’s full glory, and with an uncoated chamber, it’s like you make it your own too, forming a carbon layer over time.
P.S. Yeah, those pricey Dunhills have coatings which is odd, and the Danish like coatings too… The Italians don’t like coatings, but you can occasionally see them. Viva La Italy!LOL
Oh my a Castello with a chamber coating, that would be horrific! LOL
I was just joking, I’ve seen a few Castello’s with coatings.
But it’s always been my understanding that coatings aren’t as common among the Italian carvers, like say the Danish.
You are absolutely right, I shouldn’t of said that, let people choose what they like.
Best just to explain the reasons/choices pros and cons, and let others make up their mind based on unbiased good information. I will certainly do this in the future.
Thanks
I think more people are doing it because it protects the pipe during break in. Not that they really need it but you don't know who will buy the pipe and if they're really a freight train pretending to be a person. The people who don't like it can just clean it themselves. So all in all makes sense to put something like that in the pipe. Remember you don't know if the pipe is the first one a smoker has ever owned.
I notice it more on darker pipes. I think its often done to cover bleed over from the stain. Some brands tend to only do it on their darker pipes. There is also likely some marketing decisions involved as well as coatings give a more finished look, especially to a darker pipe.
Its up to smoker and what they prefer. I myself am getting back into pipe smoking and most of my pipes were lightky smoked. During the cleaning process I reamed the old cake that was built over 15 year and was very dusty. I then washed the bowl wirh warm water and then sanded the bowl. If I want a coating I will use honey or be careful the first few bowls. My two cents. Enjoy your journal.
I hate em' all! Leave em bare! Dammit.
Yogurt, Bill Gates "Apeel", asbestos, glass fibers, recycled tampon materials, peanut butter, honey, cigar ash, JB Weld, Gorilla Glue, McDonalds secret sauce, etc....keep that garbage out of pipes! Oh! And I forgot to mention shellac and wood stain too!
Yogurt, Bill Gates "Apeel", asbestos, glass fibers, recycled tampon materials, peanut butter, honey, cigar ash, JB Weld, Gorilla Glue, McDonalds secret sauce, etc....keep that garbage out of pipes! Oh! And I forgot to mention shellac and wood stain too!