The Stuff & Twist Method

shawn622 · Dec 4, 2012

I have come up with a method for packing flake in my bowl that works very well. I have not read about it, but I'm sure I didn't invent it. I don't like to rub out my flake. I think rubbing out flake partially defeats the purpose of making flake in the first place. The fold and stuff method makes it burn unevenly. To remedy this I take a flake and fold it. Then I stuff the ends of the flake opposite the fold into the bowl first and twist as I push the folded flake into the bowl until it is flush. I find this to be the best way to get the most flavor with the most even burn from flake tobacco. I like the cube cut method, but it is time consuming. Next time you smoke flake, and don't have time to cube it up, humor me and give this stuff and twist method a shot. Happy Smoking !!! : puffy

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papipeguy · Dec 4, 2012

Interesting idea. I'll give it a shot today with 1792.

tbradsim1 · Dec 4, 2012

Will try it with Erinmore,you never can tell you might have hit on a winning combo. The old cajun

shawn622 · Dec 4, 2012

I prefer the rubbing method. My theory is that the creation of the flake melds the flavors together, and that rubbing releases the melded flavors. I didn't give stuffing a fair shot(roll or fold), I just didn't like the inconsistent burn.

I agree that flake is made for the most part for melding of flavors of the blend, that's why I said "partially defeats the purpose of making flake in the first place." I watched a video about the MacBaren flake process, and the representative said that when you rub out flake it makes it burn hot giving you tongue bite. He also suggested the fold and stuff method. Flake was made to increase the time for tobacco to stay fresh by sailors on long voyages at sea. So that is where I came up with the idea of stuff and twist. When I just fold and stuff, it never burned correctly, but when I add the twist, it opens the flake a bit inside the bowl.

topd · Dec 4, 2012

I agree with The Old Cajun. I've tried stuffing flake before and didn't like the burn. I'll give your method a try.

dottle · Dec 4, 2012

I have been using that method on all my flake tobacco for a few years,,,I think It gives the best burn and flavor to all my flake tobacco. For wetter flakes,I rip into thin long strips,tear in half and stand them up like logs in the bowl.

hfearly · Dec 4, 2012

Leaving whole, or rubbing out a flake to me is mostly a matter of two things:

Do I have more than one hour time? (Leave whole)

Does the blend benefit from more intensity in flavor? (Leave whole)
Cubing gets a wonderful compromise and best burn.
I've done the fold and twist method but felt that its not too different from fold and stuff for me. Just more annoying to tamp the sides of the bowl to the inside constantly.

captainprophesy · Dec 4, 2012

I sometimes fold and stuff... but will give it a try today.

Was going to take "Ruins of Isengard" for the day, but instead will take some PS Luxury Bullseye and will give this a try.

dlattim · Dec 4, 2012

I find that flakes don't actually fold well. They tend to fall apart while attempting the fold. The only flake I have tried (and do like) is University Flake, so maybe this is inherent with that brand. I've tried rubbing it out and get a hot smoke. I guess what I am doing now is a little like the stuff and twist method. I attempt to fold the flake and when it refuses to fold neatly I just jam and twist the resultant mess into the bowl, tamp and light. This seems to work just fine for me. I find that "folding" a flake can't really be done. When I think of folding I think of neatly folding a piece of paper which doesn't fall apart when done. I write all this to say the fold, stuff, and twist method is what I do and I like it.

rigmedic1 · Dec 4, 2012

Smoked my first University Flake yesterday. It tasted quite good using fold and stuff in a narrow pipe, but was absolutely awesome rubbed out in my wide bowled Randy Wiley Unique. I have tried twisting off the folded flake into 2 pieces before; naturally seems to lend itself to DGT. Next time out, I will try the twist.

gecko13 · Dec 4, 2012

For most flakes, I find the cutting into cubes (approx 3/32 inch with either a blade or scissors) to be the best method for burn, flavor, and no bite. It seems to take advantage of the flake property, just reduce its size.
: puffy

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kris · Dec 4, 2012

+1 rotnh.

shawn622 · Dec 4, 2012

As in most things, it's entertaining and informative to check out the advice and preferences of others but when we cut to the chase, the "best way" that really matters is the way that works best for our smoking style, our particular flake blend(s) and your personal pipe of choice.

+1

winton · Dec 4, 2012

Again, I will make the statement, there is no wrong way to smoke a pipe, unless you consistently set your beard on fire. Winton

tbradsim1 · Dec 4, 2012

Shawn,tried it on the leather meer and it worked good,but i belive i still like the cube method,this way that you do is good for a quick flake smoke,thank you for the advice The old cajun

keith929 · Dec 4, 2012

Tried it. Thanks shawn. Nice variation on my favorite fold and stuff method.

shawn622 · Dec 5, 2012

Thanks guys. Glad you gave it a shot!!!!

captainprophesy · Dec 5, 2012

So I tried it out yesterday and to be quite honest it smoked the same as the regular fold and stuff method... I think I didnt twist enough.
I'll try it out again when Im in more of a hurry (which is the only time I use the F&S method) .... when I have the time I really enjoy cubing it.

The Stuff & Twist Method

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