Anyone Seen/Do This?

kendodan

Starting to Get Obsessed

Oct 22, 2013

168

0

• Nov 8, 2013

• #1

So I was at a bar I frequent here in Japan and pulled out my pipe and lit her up when much to my surprise the owner said he used to smoke a pipe years ago. I handed it to him so he could take a couple of puffs. He used a strange technique that I have not seen or heard of. He put his thumb over the bowl and would take a few puffs while raising his thumb just off the bowl. It's hard to explain and I am sorry if this doesn't make any sense. Does anyone know what he was doing and why?

 

cosmicfolklore

Lifer

Aug 9, 2013

33,965

75,614

Between the Heart of Alabama and Hot Springs NC

• Nov 8, 2013

• #2

It's a "carb" type technique. My uncle would do this. It alters and controls the air flow, but I don't think it really makes a difference. Or at least, I haven't been able to make it make a difference. It just looks like you have control. The cool kids do it, ha ha!!

 

W

wnghanglow

Part of the Furniture Now

Mar 25, 2012

695

0

• Nov 8, 2013

• #3

I grip with my thumb and ring finger, and tap the bowl top with the two fingers between. Never seen anyone else do this and not sure why I do, just another part of the smoke for me.

 

mlyvers

Can't Leave

Sep 23, 2012

487

0

• Nov 8, 2013

• #4

I have used this techque for many years. It helps if you only have a slight ember to work with when tapping is not needed. I use my fingers the forefinger and middle finger.
Mike.

 

rigmedic1

Lifer

May 29, 2011

3,896

75

• Nov 8, 2013

• #5

I use a similar technique after tamping, if the tobacco starts going out, to help "fire it up" instead of puffing like a freight train. May increase the Venturi effect.

 

smeigs

Lifer

Jun 26, 2012

1,049

7

• Nov 8, 2013

• #6

I do this as well when my pipe starts going out. It seems to rejuvenate the pipe a bit and get it going stronger.

 

W

wnghanglow

Part of the Furniture Now

Mar 25, 2012

695

0

• Nov 8, 2013

• #7

Turns out in not alone with this quirk, good to know

 

shawn622

Lifer

Jul 22, 2012

1,081

2

Mount Sterling, Ohio

• Nov 8, 2013

• #8

I use my index and middle finger to do the same thing.

 

petes03

Lifer

Jun 23, 2013

6,212

10,653

The Hills of Tennessee

• Nov 8, 2013

• #9

Same as others, I only do this to keep the ember alive. Index and middle finger for me.

 

anthonyrosenthal74

Lifer

Jan 8, 2013

7,493

733

• Nov 8, 2013

• #10

I do it. And it works. If I think my embers are going out I use either my thumb, my index finger, or index and middle finger, depending on how stubborn the embers are being.

 

fitzy

Lifer

Nov 13, 2012

2,937

27

NY

• Nov 8, 2013

• #11

index and middle finger for me and it works well.

 

pipesdownunder

Might Stick Around

Nov 3, 2013

66

0

• Nov 8, 2013

• #12

I do this. I find it gives a bit of a tighter draw which 'feels' good (on occasion) and helps a dwindling ember.

 

northernneil

Lifer

Jun 1, 2013

1,390

1

• Nov 8, 2013

• #13

Just like Samcoffeeman, I too learned this technique in my college days with other combustable materials. But I still use it today, and I find it works well.

 

cortezattic

Lifer

Nov 19, 2009

15,147

7,638

Chicago, IL

• Nov 8, 2013

• #14

rigmedic1 +1 -- the ember gets more oxygen because the technique increases the velocity of a given volume of air that you're pulling through the draft. What the heck! Don't you guys watch The Big Bang Theory?

 

P

peter70

Starting to Get Obsessed

May 24, 2013

175

1

• Nov 8, 2013

• #15

I am doing that sometimes, when I cannot light, e.g. while driving, but what I found even more interesting, was handing the pipe to a complete stranger and letting him have a few puffs. I would never do that, but is this common in other parts of the world?
Kind regards,

Peter

 

peckinpahhombre

Lifer

Dec 24, 2012

7,195

456

• Nov 8, 2013

• #16

other combustable materials

Click to expand...

I'm confused. What would you possible smoke other than tobacco? Lane aromatics perhaps?

 

kendodan

Starting to Get Obsessed

Oct 22, 2013

168

0

• Nov 9, 2013

• #17

Thanks for the great response guys! Now I have started doing it and just like everyone has said it keeps the ember alive. @peter70, I have known this man for 2 years. He owns quite a famous Japanese style bar in my town. Though, I have let strangers take a few puffs as well in hopes of recruiting them to the art. :D

 

timely

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 23, 2012

765

2

• Nov 9, 2013

• #18

I use the "carb" technique. I have been doing this for years and find it gives a good bump with the embers.

Better draw and saves on relights.

 

mrjerke

Lifer

Jun 10, 2013

1,323

29

Midwest

• Nov 9, 2013

• #19

Question- doesn't this "carb" technique unevenly overheat the tobacco? I've been of the impression it's better to allow the pipe to go out and do an even relight than try to resuscitate a dying bowl...

 

metalheadycigarguy

Lifer

Apr 26, 2012

3,369

5,444

Washington State

• Nov 10, 2013

• #20

I've done this since I began smoking a pipe; however, I use my index and middle fingers mostly. Sometimes I'll use my thumb depending on how I'm holding the pipe, but usually my fingers. Its an easy way to keep your embers going, or to revive the embers that are dying out.