Breaking in Savinelli Roma Pre Carbonized

[flyfishingpiper]

I just recently purchased a Savinelli Roma 320 KS and it has a pre carbonized bowl, and I'm wondering if it should be broken in like a traditional briar pipe, or if it should be regularly smoked from the beginning. If not, what should I do and how should I go about it? thanks ::

 

[jpmcwjr]

Welcome to the forum!
You'll find there are many opinions on the subject, and that many feel it makes little difference, if any. (There: that's one opinion! And one I half-heartedly subscribe to.)

 

[flyfishingpiper]

So to clarify, it makes little difference if it's broken in or not? Or little difference if it's pre carbonized or just briar? Thanks!

 

[jefff]

Break it in like you would any other briar. Whatever makes you comfortable.

 

[flyfishingpiper]

This is my first briar and I just don't want to burn a hole through it

 

[flyfishingpiper]

Sorry i didn't make it clear that it was my first briar.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

You'll only burn a hole through it if you are really trying (and even then, good luck), or if it's already defective anyway.
Welcome!

 

[jefff]

There are as many different ways to break in a pipe as there are people. Some swear by the old 1 third then 2 thirds method. Some just fill and smoke.
Personally, I smoke half a bowl for the first 3. Then fill it and smoke.
The most important thing to my mind is, if the bowl is HOT to the touch, let it cool and relight it.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I think you'll be fine. Since you are new to it, why not do the traditional break in of several bowls 1/4 full, slowly building from there.... Light gently and smoke on the slow side.

 

[fnord]

FFP:
Forty years ago I bought a couple of new GBDs that weren't pre-carbonized. Breaking them in, was a painful, ugly experience. Like most noobs I was smoking wet, goopy aromatics and the fact that one of them survived and is still in my weekly rotation is nothing short of divine intervention.
Most of my pipes are estates so the hard work has already been done. But of the three new pipes I've purchased in the past five years - less the cobs - all were pre-carbonized. The emotional and physical scarring still weighs that heavily.
Good luck on your journey.
Fnord

 

[flyfishingpiper]

Thanks for all the replies! I feel alot better about breaking it in. I think im just gonna play it safe and start with 1/4 of a bowl and work up. Thanks again for a the replies and advice.