Details- Critical or Not?
- Thread starter sugardaddy
- Start date
SmokingPipes.com Updates
Watch for Updates Twice a Week
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
I guess I'm in "not critical" now. Was into the "right" way to light at the start. Reading several of the posts above and nodding and saying, "yep" I guess I'm not consistent. Generally draw the flame slowly two to four times, usually tamp, light again if necessary, but I don't think it's in a "charring light" kind of way, maybe that's what one is. I tend to have mine a little drier, seems to lead to less fuss in getting going. All IMO.
I smoke the pipe, the pipe does not smoke me
However, if I am in a slow smoking contest, everything everyone stated above about "just doing it" goes out the window. Technique and discipline are essential for winning.
What does that mean ? It means there is a method that works and it works well.
When you watch new smokers struggle to keep a pipe lit and you see thee frustration and embarrassment on their faces as they try to finish a bowl, it obvious that there is a technique to this thing of ours. Eventually, we master it and we get to the point where we can improvise and have a great time smoking our pipes.
A teacher explains and yes, that often times means discussing a lot of small steps and processes. A coach does the same. Lots of drills. But when It is game time, all of it makes sense and the drills and many steps manifest themselves into something completely different and enjoyable.
However, if I am in a slow smoking contest, everything everyone stated above about "just doing it" goes out the window. Technique and discipline are essential for winning.
What does that mean ? It means there is a method that works and it works well.
When you watch new smokers struggle to keep a pipe lit and you see thee frustration and embarrassment on their faces as they try to finish a bowl, it obvious that there is a technique to this thing of ours. Eventually, we master it and we get to the point where we can improvise and have a great time smoking our pipes.
A teacher explains and yes, that often times means discussing a lot of small steps and processes. A coach does the same. Lots of drills. But when It is game time, all of it makes sense and the drills and many steps manifest themselves into something completely different and enjoyable.
This outlined process by @shermnatman works both in the presence and in the absence of YTPCBS.
I think that’s the issue - there are so many “right ways” out there as a result of so many people advocating his/her preferred method (to get likes, follows, shares, etc.). How do you think they developed those methods? Just smoke, it’ll happen.
I’m about to coin the Boomer method. It involves smoking without the fear of immediate and catastrophic internet shame. (Yes, I’m guilty of having gone through the giving a shit phase, too).
Here are the steps to enlightenment:
1. Find a pipe you like
2. Find a tobacco you like
3. Dry the tobacco (or don’t)
4. Get the tobacco in the bowl somehow
5. Light the tobacco with a lighter (or match, or rope, or flint/steel, or the gas range, or a magnifying glass)
6. Enjoy bowl
7. Clean pipe (or don’t)
The quicker folks realize that there’s no right/wrong way to do this, the quicker you’ll realize the happiness lies in the time you get to spend with your pipes, not achieving some standard set forth by a keyboard jockey on a pipe forum or YouTube.
Take it from someone who has had to drastically reduce the amount of smoking he can do - FTBS, just have fun.
Just never clean your pipe with water.
That's all well and good, but none of those methods provide the kind of satisfaction you get from lighting with a hunchback's cigar.
I rest my case!!
But faffing about is what many of us do here!
Yup. Diff folks, diff strokes.
Yes! And some basic guidance and techniques are helpful and often sought by new hobbyists who post their questions here.
The "do whatever works for you" and YMMV comments may prove to be true in the long run, but aren't super helpful when a beginner doesn't have a ton of trial-and-error to fall back on.
As a pipe smoker of ten years, my answer is.....I have no idea. I'm still trying new methods and crazy ideas.
This is a good point actually. I’m still open to trying something new and occasionally I run across a pipe that defies my ordinary routine and it always seems like starting over. Usually I figure out what that particular pipe requires and sometimes it’s new to me but works. More often though I get frustrated and send the pipe packing. I have an estate Hardcastle that has given me fits and it’s going bye-bye. Pretty pipe and great style but it just annoys me by not smoking the way I want it to. Meh, I win, it’s going away.
Some basics that new smokers struggle with are one, packing correctly; two, lighting the pipe; and three, breathing technique and keeping the pipe lit.
Experience pipe smokers have learned - hopefully - what a correctly loaded bowl of tobacco feels like under pressure. They have a sense as to when the true light, be it initial or secondary, has taken hold. And most of all, pipe smokers have learned the rhythm of the draw, the intensity of the draw, and how to change things up when the pipe is either too hot or about to go out.
Just as important, experienced smokers no when to quits on a pipe load.
Cleaning methods, upkeep, storage - these are all matters for debate and preference. But unless the new smoker learns some tricks to master the top three challenges mentioned above, smoking a pipe will only be one more frustration in their lives.
I think some of the "rules" that are provided new smokers have their place. In that they are all subject to modifications and experimentation, they are less rules and more like advice.
Experience pipe smokers have learned - hopefully - what a correctly loaded bowl of tobacco feels like under pressure. They have a sense as to when the true light, be it initial or secondary, has taken hold. And most of all, pipe smokers have learned the rhythm of the draw, the intensity of the draw, and how to change things up when the pipe is either too hot or about to go out.
Just as important, experienced smokers no when to quits on a pipe load.
Cleaning methods, upkeep, storage - these are all matters for debate and preference. But unless the new smoker learns some tricks to master the top three challenges mentioned above, smoking a pipe will only be one more frustration in their lives.
I think some of the "rules" that are provided new smokers have their place. In that they are all subject to modifications and experimentation, they are less rules and more like advice.
I do a char light to let the tobacco "puff up," followed by a light tamp and then re-light. I find that once I do that, it's good to go!
For me, unless what I call “a charring light” is different from your meaning….. I pretty much always have a charring light where I DO draw the flame pretty deeply into the bowl. Then after a few moments I will use my finger to tamp and smooth the surface lightly.
At that point, sometimes that initial light is sufficient and things roll along easily. But, just as often, I may need a gentle relight.
My “charring light” is primarily a way for me to even out the top of the bowl so that the leaf does not expand or become loose at the top….. to decrease the likelihood of stray embers coming out of the bowl and onto my shirt or worse.
But, in reality, there isn’t any logical method that is WRONG…. there may simply be methods that are not as good for you. I simply do the lighting in the way that works best for me, YMMV.
At that point, sometimes that initial light is sufficient and things roll along easily. But, just as often, I may need a gentle relight.
My “charring light” is primarily a way for me to even out the top of the bowl so that the leaf does not expand or become loose at the top….. to decrease the likelihood of stray embers coming out of the bowl and onto my shirt or worse.
But, in reality, there isn’t any logical method that is WRONG…. there may simply be methods that are not as good for you. I simply do the lighting in the way that works best for me, YMMV.
I think the only things I really truly feel critical on are cleaning the pipes and not using them as hammers.
With char lights it's an until I am happy with the ember. I try to not pull the flame into the tobacco but try is different then really try not too. Sometimes you get a magic light and it's even and ready to go with one match. Sometimes it's take up to four matches. Usually it's a two match thing. Sometimes if I am indoors and I feel like showing off it's one match char tamp and then true light with the still burning match. But that only happens if I got a really good story going on and a decent sized audience.
I am an old school pipe smoker. In as much as most of what I know comes from burning my tongue and stuffing the pipe to near unsmokability until accidentally finding out a better way. Though I did once read an old thing about pipes that described sipping smoke through a pipe. It was some book in the rare books room at Patee library. Some old book they wouldn't let me touch just look at that was about how weird that new continent is and the weird things people do there. The line was about how they are all into this stuff and chew the leaves sip the smoke through pipes and sip the powder up their noses. I tried sipping and my tongue thanked me so much for it.
Just don't watch youtube tutorials on smoking, and then whatever you are doing will probably be fine.
So many different responses here and it’s no surprise. Do you think the guy that only smokes a few bowls a week when he has hours of quiet time alone will do things the same as someone who smokes a few bowls an hour?
Take the guy that drinks hard liquor, smokes cigarettes, cigars, a pipe and chews tobacco. His pipe is nothing more than a tool to deliver smoke and he doesn’t give much care to the process or paraphernalia that may accompany his pipe smoking. It’s a miracle he tastes anything or notices as he is shoving tobacco in whatever is his next fancy as quick as possible while fluttering through his day. Do you think he cares to use a tamper when his finger or stick from the nearest bush will do? Or would he bother with a charting light while driving down the freeway one handed? No, I don’t think so. This type of smoker is just concerned with getting smoke going the fastest most efficient way possible.
Contrast that with the pipe smoker that needs all the gadgets and expensive tobacco. He doesn’t dare smoke bouncing through his day or he will miss out on the intricacies and nuances of his experience. No, a pipe is more than a tool to him. It is an accessory much like a wrist watch or fancy pair of shoes. It’s a statement and an experience that he prefers to enjoy in solitude or share with his buddies while having a drink and contemplating life.
Then you have everyone in between these extremes. Everyone doing it a bit different. It is no small wonder that there are so many different responses. Everybody doing it exactly the way that they should for their own enjoyment.
I think you need to try different techniques yourself and find your own path. Get off the computer and light a pipe. Whether you char it first or not is your own fancy.
Take the guy that drinks hard liquor, smokes cigarettes, cigars, a pipe and chews tobacco. His pipe is nothing more than a tool to deliver smoke and he doesn’t give much care to the process or paraphernalia that may accompany his pipe smoking. It’s a miracle he tastes anything or notices as he is shoving tobacco in whatever is his next fancy as quick as possible while fluttering through his day. Do you think he cares to use a tamper when his finger or stick from the nearest bush will do? Or would he bother with a charting light while driving down the freeway one handed? No, I don’t think so. This type of smoker is just concerned with getting smoke going the fastest most efficient way possible.
Contrast that with the pipe smoker that needs all the gadgets and expensive tobacco. He doesn’t dare smoke bouncing through his day or he will miss out on the intricacies and nuances of his experience. No, a pipe is more than a tool to him. It is an accessory much like a wrist watch or fancy pair of shoes. It’s a statement and an experience that he prefers to enjoy in solitude or share with his buddies while having a drink and contemplating life.
Then you have everyone in between these extremes. Everyone doing it a bit different. It is no small wonder that there are so many different responses. Everybody doing it exactly the way that they should for their own enjoyment.
I think you need to try different techniques yourself and find your own path. Get off the computer and light a pipe. Whether you char it first or not is your own fancy.