Indeed you have developed the perfect system. I appreciate the striving for excellence in each and every bowl. I can learn something from that.
Does Anyone Top Off?
- Thread starter docpierce
- Start date
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The only time I top off the tobacco is when I just have a little left in the tin. I do it to get rid of the last of the tobacco. It rarely tastes good.
My reference on such practices is my late dad who smoked from age 15 to 65, lived on to 89 licensed to drive without glasses, and during his smoking years, my growing up and beyond, smoked from after breakfast to bedtime, with time out for meals. I never saw him top off his pipe. His whole regime imprinted deeply on me. I didn't smoke a pipe until my mid-thirties, and then mostly I did what he did, like I'd practiced for years. For me, no topping off.
I don't remember ever topping off. I will try to use all of the tin, even if I have to smoke two smaller bowls to do it.
Edit: (Not one right after the other)
Edit: (Not one right after the other)
Isn't that something the wife wants to do after smoking too many Mexican 'special cigarettes' on a Friday evening that involves a some form of electronic agitating device that she wears below the waist whilst bending you over the couch? 
On a serious note topping off tobacco is like smoking a bowl in reverse and tastes really nasty.
On a serious note topping off tobacco is like smoking a bowl in reverse and tastes really nasty.
Hi Doc, I am glad you can appreciate my goal of perfection. I spend good money on my tobacco and I want the best flavors possible. Some people are ok with an average smoke and they are quite happy. Some love to smoke the same blend day after day, more power to them as that is what makes them happy.. I would never look down at a pipe smokers choices as in the end we are all brothers of the pipe.
Pipe smoking is the only thing left in my life that I am anal about. I used to be anal about my tennis rackets and if the strings were perfect. I was anal enough to get a fitted set of Titlist forged blades when I joined my country club. I used to be anal about the basket ball I owned or which tennis balls I would use. Now after too many physical issues I am pretty much an invalid who has a live in caretaker and my pipes are my anal release.
My search for the perfect smoke every time doesn't take that much work really. First off my tobacco is kept at 73-74 degrees year round. Since I live in Florida, I have a whole house dehumidifier which keeps the humidity where it should be. I keep all my tobacco in a cool dark place and the only time I touch a tin it is to open and smoke. I don't move tins around, I don't organize, they are wherever I put them when they came in. My jars don't ever move unless I plan on smoking one.
One thing l learned was what pipes are best suited for the tobacco I smoke. I smoke flakes all the time and some plugs but lately I haven't been smoking plugs as I want to age them. My flake pipes are all around group 4-5 which can take a folded and stuffed flake with out much trouble. Once I am done with my pipe, I take a couple of soft BJ Long Tapered extra fluffy pipe cleaners double them over and wipe the loose ash and tobacco out of it. I put the pipe down and do not try and take the stem off till the next day.
Once I am done smoking for the day. I get up the next day, clean my pipes thoroughly before I start filling my pipes for the day. I like starting the day with all of my pipes available to me even though I always give my pipes a day or two to rest. I will normally plan the first 3 pipes for the day and then let mood dictate what I smoke after that.
I almost forgot that most of my pipes have vulcanite stems made from high quality German stuff. After I am done cleaning a pipe, I will wipe the stem with Obidisian Stem oil. I have found it works well. It is a tiny bottle for 8 bucks but no big deal, just another accessory.
I have my morning flakes that are generally a mild Virginia Flake. Next might be a darker flake, next could be a Virginia/Perique flake, or a Virginia/Kentucky flake. After that I just grab something I am in the mood for. I usually smoke 4-6 bowls a day and enjoy everyone of them.
I hope this helps you in the future.
I do it on occasion with no problems.Whether or not it tastes good is subjective.Just because someone else finds it repulsive doesn't mean it's a bad thing for you.It's part of this adventure called pipe smoking.
I have never tried topping off, it has always seemed starting with an empty pipe would provide better results. That said, if somebody wants a longer smoke and doesn’t care to empty the bowl at that moment, do what makes you happy.
