Clay, Cob, Ceramic or All The Above?

[Rigidman]

The price for cobs and clay pipes are such that you can use them when working or whatever and if they happen to get damaged, oh well. But I was wondering about the pros and cons are of each?

Now I know a clay pipe isn't a briar, they get hot, and not sure if you should let a cake build up or treat it like a meer. Then there are the plethora of other clay types like Germans and then there are ceramics. Saw a ceramic I really liked. Had a clipper ship painted on it. I love those old sailing ships.

Not sure if this is the place but I keep bulk tobacco in zip locks. Is that ok? I just bought a bunch if those pods to keep the tobacco moist. Some are still in the tins. Figured I'd just throw in a pod. I bought a cigar box to keep either my pipes in or the tobacco. I know cigar and pipe tobacco are kept at different humidity levels.

I also keep some tobacco in the pouches they came in, they will get a pod as well. I have a handful of Decatur roll up pouches and a really nice faux snakeskin pouch. I keep tobacco in them as well and eventually a pod.

Am I doing anything wrong, or is it ok? I should mention at most they're all about an oz or 2. When I find some tobacco I like, then I'll buy in larger quantities. When I do, can I just keep it in the tin or can? Or will I need to invest in better storage solutions?

Thanks. Can't wait for to here your advice.

 

[craig61a]

Clay pipes are relatively inexpensive. They do get hot. They will absorb moisture, so they are good for smoking a little moister tobacco, and getting a little more flavor. I usually wipe the bowl with a paper towel after it cools down. They are somewhat delicate.

Porcelain pipes basically the same as clay, however they don’t absorb moisture because they are glazed. While I have one, I have never smoked it, so I can’t offer any practical advice.

One of the advantages of the above is that you get a truer tobacco flavor; briar imparts a certain subtle muting of flavors or adds it’s own subtle flavor.

Ziplock bags are a very temporary method to keep tobacco moist. Moisture can penetrate through the plastic over time. We’re talking weeks or months. It’s not necessary to add humidification. Tobacco usually comes with a sufficient amount of humidity. Generally, 18% is the nominal amount of moisture. Any more and mold problems can occur.

Long term storage requires a better solution. Mason jars come in all sizes, and provide the ideal solution. It’s generally better to seal up 2-4 oz quantities, so that when you open up a jar you’re not disturbing a large quantity of aging tobacco. And Mason jars can be found at just about any retail store.

 

[Rigidman]

Clay pipes are relatively inexpensive. They do get hot. They will absorb moisture, so they are good for smoking a little moister tobacco, and getting a little more flavor. I usually wipe the bowl with a paper towel after it cools down. They are somewhat delicate.

Porcelain pipes basically the same as clay, however they don’t absorb moisture because they are glazed. While I have one, I have never smoked it, so I can’t offer any practical advice.

One of the advantages of the above is that you get a truer tobacco flavor; briar imparts a certain subtle muting of flavors or adds it’s own subtle flavor.

Ziplock bags are a very temporary method to keep tobacco moist. Moisture can penetrate through the plastic over time. We’re talking weeks or months. It’s not necessary to add humidification. Tobacco usually comes with a sufficient amount of humidity. Generally, 18% is the nominal amount of moisture. Any more and mold problems can occur.

Long term storage requires a better solution. Mason jars come in all sizes, and provide the ideal solution. It’s generally better to seal up 2-4 oz quantities, so that when you open up a jar you’re not disturbing a large quantity of aging tobacco. And Mason jars can be found at just about any retail store.

Thanks for the info. I might look into some clay pipes. I have a couple cobs. Most the tobacco in the zip locks doesn't stay there very long.

Been considering mason jars. There's an old post on here about them I priced them at local stores and Amazon.

Been looking at some tobacco jars but can't justify paying that much. Looked into vintage too, they're a little cheaper. I also considered some plastic food storage containers.

If I did get a jar it would have to be something I would like looking at. Iwan Ries sells jars for $2 if you buy some bulk tobacco from them.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[sandollars]

Nothing beats Mason jars. Nothing. And they're cheap.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

If you’re active, and often find yourself smoking while doing things, go with cobs, hands down. Nothing wrong with clays though. I just see them as more “disposable.” Perhaps a misperception on my part, but I like my cobs. I can work on knives in the shop and not worry about breaking them. ?‍

 

[highwaycobbery]

Cobs are number one, they will never let you down, I would stay away from ceramics, at least for smoking. They would probably make a better collectors item or “show pipe”.