Killarney 408, Breaking In

Build cake with Prince Albert or something like it. Obviously take it easy on the puffing. Freight training the pipe will definitely overheat it.

The only Pete that has been noticeable in breaking in, for me, is a K&P rusticated slightly bent author, and with it, it was merely a matter of time. It was a serviceable smoker but just lacked that immediate sense of delivering a good smoke effortlessly, but I could feel it improve slowly, and finally after about three years, it arrived. All my other Petes -- smooth, unfinished, or rusticated -- have been quick to smoke well, almost effortlessly. The bubbling of a glossy finish has never happened to me, and I have several Petersons and some other brands with a high gloss finish. So it can be used without problems. Peterson has done well lately, with fewer complaints, but I'm sorry to hear yours. Hope the new ownership can address some of these quality issues. A glossy finish can be issue free; many are. Breaking a pipe in, I just smoke a standard loose tobacco I enjoy, no special rituals.

One school of thought, break in a pipe slowly by loading it up, smoking it until you feel the slightest heat on the outside, set it down to cool. Come back, light it again and smoke it until warm. Set it down. Do this all day long if necessary. I've done it before. I don't know that it really helps, but it is worth a try. This is a method from Brian mentioned on the show.

Wow, I've never tried that slow-mo' breaking in on a pipe. I'm glad I've never felt the need, since it sounds rather arduous in time and effort. My dad was an all-day smoker, and only smoked one pipe, no rotation, until it cracked, then he bought another. I have quite a stable of pipes, but he was my role model on breaking in a pipe. Pack 'em and smoke 'em

MSO, I typically fall squarely in your camp as well. However, if someone is worried about bubbling a finish or if there is evidence of a pit, I simply pass on the advice that Brian once gave. I don't believe he tends to use this method either, but it is out there for those concerned.

Pack 'em and smoke 'em

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This method works for many, however I tend to get more caking at the top of the chamber rather than the heel due to the fact that I often toss the bottom quarter of the bowl. So in cases like mine it is probably better to start with half filled bowls and progressively increase until full after 20 bowls or so.
If the bubbling is near the rim, it is possible that your lighter is too hot as well, however, I suspect the finish is the problem.

I do it like MSO.

& like Dottiewarden.
Last 10 like MSO.