Hi Hunterwold1, and welcome to the forums. :clap:
Somewhere, shrouded in the mists of time, a wives' tale gained widespread acceptance that one should start with a pinch
of tobacco per smoke, and ever so gradually increase that amount over a long period of time until you're finally smoking
completely full bowls.
This probably had some merit back when pipe production was at its apex, and pipes were being cranked-out by the millions.
The idea was that pipes were being produced so fast, the briar they hurried to market did not have sufficient time to cure,
and was loaded with moisture and natural resins. Such pipes were believed to be at risk of cracking or splitting unless
they were smoked slowly and brought "into season" gradually. Somewhere along the line this notion became conflated with
the actual need to build up a carbon lining that would protect the wood from charring.
Pipe smoking is much less popular today than in previous generations, and existing briar stock is usually very well cured
by the time it's fashioned into a pipe. Further, many modern pipe makers routinely provide a protective carbon coating on
their bowls -- although pipes may remain uncoated to either show off particularly attractive grain, or to cater to the whims
of purists who want to build up the carbon coating themselves.
I am just now breaking in an uncoated pipe, and I've been filling it half-way up the bowl for the last 60 bowls. (Yes, I'm
anal-retentive enough to actually keep track of such things!) This pipe has proved to be particularly slow to "come around"
and start delivering that sweet, delectable taste we all shoot for; and I think it'll be another 30 bowls or so before it
finally loses that green, woody character.
To me, the choice of tobaccos used during the process is important in defining the ultimate character the pipe will have.
I'd like to know what others think of that, and of what tobacco they feel is best to use for the break-in.
