Another few newbie questions and question on bulk tobacco

[xoibsurferx]

When is it time to replace the pipe filter? I have a Dr.Grabow pipe and one end of the filter is brownish colored and it was wet when I pulled it out after a smoke. I'm sure it was wet because of the condensation but when should it be replaced?
Also I'm considering trying some bulk tobacco's. A place locally called Union Cigar has a ton of bulk tobaccos they sell. I believe its usually less than $5.00 an ounce which isn't too bad. They have a huge selection of different blends and flavors. Just curious if bulk blends are any good and if I should give them a try instead of buying the pouches or tins.
Just wanted some opinions! Sorry for all the newbie questions I ask.
I have made a lot of progress and can last a good hour or so on a bowl and I'm not having as much trouble keeping the pipe lit until I get towards the end where I usually have to take some of the ashes out and relight and then its fine. Also at the beginning its hard to keep it lit until I get it going after the false light.

 

[xoibsurferx]

My third question was going to be about if pipe filters are even needed.
Ill have to try some of the bulk tobacco then.
If i just get an once or two is it okay to just store it in the ziplock bag they give it in?

 

[philip]

I use the paper insert filters with my cobs. I replace those filters after every smoke.
I use the Savinelli filters with my Savinelli pipe. I also replace those after every smoke.
I also use the Brigham filters with that pipe. I clean and dry them after every smoke but then reuse those. I can't tell you how many times I reuse them as I haven't had the pipe long enough yet.
I don't use filters with any other pipes and they smoke just as well without.
I can't say about all bulk tobaccos, but the tobacco I buy bulk is the same stuff that comes in a tin. Only the packaging is different.

 

[xoibsurferx]

What do the filters really do? Its been a few smokes out of it so if i dont like it without the filter then it probably needs replacing.
Being able to ask questions is great and ill have to try some bulk tobaccos then. Theres a black cherry blend im dying to try.
Ive realized some tobaccos like captain black white for example. Smells great but doesnt taste as good as it smells. I like the prince alberts cherry/vanilla better and it was cheaper.

 

[buster]

I buy an ounce of bulk from my local store every once and a while. It runs about $4-$5 an ounce. Tins run $15-$20. If you less than love the bulk you are only out a few bucks. I've had good and bad luck with both. I got some samples (1 Oz.) from 4noggins that I wanted to try but could not find locally.
Seems to me that the pipe tobacco world is like the world of wine. Lots of flavors, some good some not so good. Some folks LOVE one style and others cant stand that style? Taste is subjective so try new things and if you like it check out the reviews on it and see where that leads you. As you go along remember your taste might evolve or change with your mood or season.
The two shops I go to both have open tins and will allow you to pack a bowl from them if you ask. I find it good to go in when it is slow and chat with them. Ask if they have some sample tins you can look at and if one smells nice ask if you can pack a half bowl to give it a taste. If you do it is good to buy a little some thing even if it is just pipe cleaners or a sample or two. Remember that free samples are not the norm and a hearty THANK YOU will go a long way to making friends.

 

[maduroman]

mason jars are your friend for bulk tobacco...
as far as filters, i don't use em even in pipes that take em, just don't like em, personal prefference.
btw, as a general rule, aromatics really don't age.

 

[xoibsurferx]

Thanks for all of the advice!
Can I just take out the filter and smoke the pipe? Or do I need to make an insert of some sort.

 

[xoibsurferx]

The Dr.Grabow didn't come with an insert to smoke without the filter. So I suppose I can just take the filter out and be fine? As long as it lines up and I can get a draw then I should be fine.

 

[yohanan]

The Dr.Grabow didn't come with an insert to smoke without the filter. So I suppose I can just take the filter out and be fine? As long as it lines up and I can get a draw then I should be fine.

Yes, You can smoke a Grabow without a filter, will be no problem. ::

 

[xoibsurferx]

Thanks for letting me know! I'll just take the filter out then.

 

[chopz]

i have 2 filter pipes and i always smoke one with the filter in and the other without because it didn't draw well with the filter in. i don't use an insert. the one i have a filter in i swap the filter out maybe every 3 to 6 smokes. i thin it depends what tobacco you're smoking; some will gum up the filter quicker than others. after one smoke it might be just barely tinged brown at the end so i won't bother swapping it.
that said, both the filter pipes are the ones i smoke least frequently.

 

[judcole]

Don't use filters - don't even have any that used to have 'em - well, maybe 1.
Got a B&M that I buy bulks from - he sells only his own blends - and also buy some bulks online. Some of these are bulk versions of tinned blends - the MacBarens, for example - others, like Larry's Blend from pipesandcigars.com, are available only as bulks.