I've mentioned from time to time, about fifteen percent (out of thin air) Forums members do not develop cake in their pipes, but scoop out the ash and wipe out the bowl with a sturdy paper towel or napkin. This maintains the circumference of the chamber and eliminates the need for reaming. This is no disparagement of building cake, just a different way of going that makes some of us content. Just mention it from time to time for people starting out with pipe smoking. It is a reasonable option. My pipes that go back thirty and forty years still smoke great and seem to appreciate this approach.