Going through an October 1947 issue of Pipe Lovers magazine, I found this reference to using a ball of steel wool as a filter in the pipe. This was a new one on me. Anyone heard of this before or use it?
Anyone Use Steel Wool As A Filter?
- Thread starter mikethompson
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I've heard of this... but only for... less scrupulous smoking methods
I would be concerned with micro particles of steel wool passing through the pipe into my mouth.
There were a lot of attempts during that time period to improve the basic "bowl, airway, stem" design and improve the smoking experience (stingers, various filters, etc.), but none of those attempts were very successful. Basic unfiltered pipes without any gimmicks are the way to go.
Also at that time I believe tobacco was expensive (at least considered to be) to the common fella. So all sorts of attempts were made to eliminate dottle. It was apparently a very humid era.
Yep, me too.
When I was kid back in the 60's, my dad had bundles (a lot) of steel wool in the basement. We would weave it in our bicycle spokes at night and light it with a match. It would glow as we would petal. So, I too would be afraid I'd be inhaling micro particles of steel wool into my mouth.
Not sure what kind of steel wool it was. All I can remember was it came in square cardboard sleeves and it was real fine...kind of soft.
I USE MAGNESIUM FLAKES LIKE NORDING KEYSTONES
I would be more concerned with inhaling the micro-particles of steel more than swallowing them, though neither is a good idea. I'd say, don't do it. It might be harmless, but do you want to be the guinea pig to find out? Lots of other things may be present in steel wood than just steel, too. It's not made for ingestion or inhalation.
I'd say to anyone needing an absorber in the heel: Your tobacco is too wet. There's no need for fiddly things in the chamber when it's dry enough.
For one thing, it has a very light coating of oil to prevent rust.
"1 pack of Chore Boy and one of those roses in the glass tube, please!" 
As someone who has watched steel wool burning, the concept strikes me as an effective way to burn up (not just through) a pipe. Not to mention the hazard of potentially breathing in metal fumes given off by the burning steel.
Maybe folks were less careful back then? For all we know, the one writing the letter could have burnt up right after they sent the letter off.
You know what works better than steel wool?......................NO FILTER AT ALL. FILTERS SUCK ASS.
Brigham filters work great. I think they are similar to the Savinelli system.
Actually this is true. They are genius, as far as filters go, there are no better options I know of.
If I were to consider using such a thing, I'd use a stainless steel scrubbing pad instead.
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