3 things I learned to improve my pipe smoking experience

[pdmus]

I simply enjoy smoking my pipes. While working or sittin' back outside, watching the stars and enjoying.

 

[dd951]

I have to agree with strongirish on this one, I like A little more cake rather than A little less

 

[cyndi]

goodkat - I tried putting my hand over the bowl to make a vacuum the other day, and I'll be damned. It works very well! I noticed that Bootleg naturally holds his hand half over the bowl and he never seems to relight so I figured I'd give it a shot. That's something I never would have thought of on my own!

 

[mjtannen]

Three things I've learned:

1. Select a bowl

2. Fill it to the brim with a great blend

3. Always carry a pipe tool, a fluid filled zippo lighter and if necessary a back-up lighter

 

[admin]

@digitalshave

Just wondering does #2 apply with Grabows that are supposed to be "Pre-Smoked"?

Yes. It still applies. "Pre-smoked" just means they have started the process of building cake, and you need to continue it.
@juni

But how do you know when a pipe has the appropriate amount of cake?

It's personal preference, but most "experts" say the thickness of a dime. I also think I recall hearing that once you get to the thickness of a nickel, that you might be too thick, or that is the upper limit.
A cake too thick will potentially damage the bowl by putting too much pressure on the walls.
The creating a vacuum trick that is being discussed is similar to what participants do in slow smoking contests, but they use the tamper. I'm not sure if the rules allow one to use their hand as described here.
It is a pretty cool trick though.

 

[juozapas]

Yup...good 'ol pipe management...works for me.

Thanks, great topic !! :worship: :clap: ::

 

[hauntedmyst]

1. Pack your pipe properly and it will smoke well.
2. If a pipe doesn't smoke right for you, toss it, trade it or modify it. Some knuckleheads will tell you to "get to know your pipe" and its properties. What a steaming pipe of advice. If a pipe doesn't smoke well for you, do one of the above. Pipe smoking should be a good experience.
3. Never ever light up your pipe if your prison cell mate is bigger than you, horny and hates it. Ever. Wait and smoke in the yard.

 

[bubbadreier]

haha Haunted! I missed your posts while I was away!
I took two pipes that smoked about the same for me (okay, but not great) and smoked them the same number of times with the same tobacco (1Q) one I wiped out after every smoke and the other I left alone... I must say that I dislike having a cake! So #1 and #3 are great, but I will pretend I didn't see #2! :D

 

[hobie1dog]

This may be one of the best Top Ten threads on here so far. :clap:

I'm using my tamper less and more lightly than ever, and seeing results too...thanks Kevin.

 

[admin]

Check this new article too:

http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/pipe-smoking-thoughts/pipe-smoking-why-less-is-more/