Elegant Pipe Smoking

[maiteyOh]

Forgive me if this has been covered but I couldn't find a previous thread. I am a big fan of the golden age of pipes, the way they featured on the silver screen, the elegant way they were smoked.
I think of my own smoking and I am curious to know if I am missing any tricks.
For example, I tend to run very wet and every couple of minutes I'm running a pipe cleaner to wick away the moisture.
After a bowl, I clean the bowl out and give it a strong puff to get any left over ash or carbon out, creating a fair cloud of particulates.
I feel that I'm lacking refinement and would welcome any tips on how to keep my pipe smoking more civilised.

 

[mingc]

I feel that I'm lacking refinement

I'm afraid, old chap, that there's no helping it if you're not to the manor born. Pygmalion was a bunch of malarkey. You'll just have to make do with what you're given.

The rest of the hoi-polloi will come along now to tell you to dry your tobacco, smoke slower, etc. Ignore them.

 

[telescopes]

For example, I tend to run very wet and every couple of minutes I'm running a pipe cleaner to wick away the moisture.
After a bowl, I clean the bowl out and give it a strong puff to get any left over ash or carbon out, creating a fair cloud of particulates.

Recommendations for when in public:

Yes, you are doing something wrong in terms of moisture. One, your tobacco may be too wet; second, you have packed it too tight; third, you are slobbering into the stem. Pick one of the above or all of you wish. My money would be on packing too tightly. Try the Frank Method. If the tobacco is still gurgling, dry the tobacco or get a spittoon.
After smoking, tap the ashes into an ash tray and if you must, wipe the inside of the bowl with a tissue and dispose of it quietly.

Your pipe is an adult pipe - not a bubble pipe for two year olds. LOL.

Getting the gurgling moisture thing down is a skill you will develop.

 

[olkofri]

 

[Chasing Embers]

Don't try to produce clouds.

 

[warren]

Ah, the movies. My guess is you need to hire a director who can cue you as to how to look elegant smoking a pipe while reciting lines others have written. A costumer might help. Proper lighting and so forth will add to the posture you wish to project to your ardent and fawning viewers.

 

[PipesRock]

What's been said already. No idea but if you're trying to clench alot you might try holding the pipe in hand more than your mouth. Clenching still can make me drool the fool at times but improves when not overthinking. If you worry too much about looking dapper you'll likely walk face first into a wall destroying the pipe and scalding your face with boiling slobber. Relax.

 

[Bassman65]

I don’t do dapper. It’s cold up here. A lumber jacket, hat with ear flaps, and a cob pipe is my A-game! Lol.

 

[Epip Oc'Cabot]

This is an honest answer….

To get a more “elegant” pipe smoking experience when in public…..

1. Dry the tobacco appropriately. Using pipe cleaners in public does not add to an “elegant” appearance.

2. Use common sense in terms of dress, mannerisms, having clean glasses (if wearing them), and be tidy.

3. Do not be “showy” but instead be gentle, calm, and subdued.

4. Have the experience where the pipe is NOT the “event” but is instead an aspect of what you are simply doing as part of another activity/event.

Basically, just simple, common-place thoughtfulness will make you appear “elegant” to others when smoking your pipe.

Now, that said…. there are times where you may not want or need “elegance” while smoking your pipe too. I have had many times of both across my many decades of pipe smoking. It is just basically working to “fit in” within the given situation.

 

[georged]

And there are some who never have to work at it. Elegance is part of their DNA:

 

[verporchting]

Sorry mate, but if you don’t have Myrna Loy or Ingrid Bergman draped over your arm you will just look like another mug with a pipe stuffed in his face.

Best advice is to stand next to a grotty dirtbag huffing a vape pen wearing his trucker cap sideways and his butt hanging out of his dirty cargo shorts. Your (relatively) svelte puffing on a classic billiard will make you shine in comparison - just make sure you’re not wearing a trucker hat sideways with your butt hanging out of your cargo shorts, LOL.

 

[bullet08]

Always have your pinkie raised, and always talk like Mike Tyson from 80s. Pinnacle of elegance right there! Or, always start your sentence with "You might be a redneck.." Amazing period drama!

 

[jpmcwjr]

In addition to your dark Savile Row three piece, you'll need a small and tasteful pinkie ring.

See Joe Pesci in Goodfellas- IIRC.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

Try holding your pipe with your pinkie in the air

 

[Michigan_Bill]

Wear wing tip shoes, too.

 

[Zack Miller]

Maybe you should just go with this.

 

[Searock Fan]

Looking elegant is important to me too. When I smoke I hold my pipe like I do when I'm sipping tea.

 

[OzPiper]

Dry, dry and dry your tobacco.
Pack lightly - gravity feed
Tamp lightly.
Sip - do not puff like a puffing Billy
I don't use them, but filters (not stingers) will reduce moisture

Channel Bing (Crosby)
A smoking jacket and fez only when smoking at home or in your club smoking room (cigar or pipe night)
If that still doesn't work, employ a valet

 

[kcghost]

I'm with Ozpiper

 

[maiteyOh]

Recommendations for when in public:

Yes, you are doing something wrong in terms of moisture. One, your tobacco may be too wet; second, you have packed it too tight; third, you are slobbering into the stem. Pick one of the above or all of you wish. My money would be on packing too tightly. Try the Frank Method. If the tobacco is still gurgling, dry the tobacco or get a spittoon.
After smoking, tap the ashes into an ash tray and if you must, wipe the inside of the bowl with a tissue and dispose of it quietly.

Your pipe is an adult pipe - not a bubble pipe for two year olds. LOL.

Getting the gurgling moisture thing down is a skill you will develop.

This is right on the money. I think smoking largely alone, I just clench and puff at high cadence filling the stem with drool. Thanks