Empty pipe
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When I heard the term gravity fill for the first time that's what I tried. Now I do it every single time. With bone dry tobacco even.
It's the technique I've used for ribbons for a long time now. Either a light touch with a finger, capping the chamber with fingers, or tapping the heel on my palm is all of the correcting necessary. Not had any clumping issues or need of relight unless intentionally extinguishing the ember.
Exactly
Everyone eventually finds their own way. New smokers at least have the benefit of the internet. Many of us worked it out by trial and error long before the internet was a reality.
I thought my pipes were too big. Then I stopped over packing. I recently spoke with Mr Frank of the Frank method. Interestingly enough his full method involves meer chips. He didn’t include it in his earlier videos do to thinking not everyone could get them.
He fills the bowl half with chips then does his light filled method.
Now I dont do it exactly like he does typically I fill one third. This gives more airflow and you never get bottom of bowl muddy taste. I am careful to lightly compress (I think the word tamp confuses people) around the edges as I progress through the bowl. It seems to work well if Im patient enough to dry my tobacco enough.
He fills the bowl half with chips then does his light filled method.
Now I dont do it exactly like he does typically I fill one third. This gives more airflow and you never get bottom of bowl muddy taste. I am careful to lightly compress (I think the word tamp confuses people) around the edges as I progress through the bowl. It seems to work well if Im patient enough to dry my tobacco enough.
I have been using meerschaum chips or Nording Keystones for a while.
Typically I use anything from 4-6 depending on their size.
They absorb most of the moisture
And also create an air pocket under the tobacco.
Reduces Dottie and results in a much better smoke all round
Blo….dy autocorrect
That should be dottle
I have been using meerschaum chips or Nording Keystones for a while.
Typically I use anything from 4-6 depending on their size.
They absorb most of the moisture
And also create an air pocket under the tobacco.
Reduces Dottie and results in a much better smoke all round
Blo….dy autocorrect
That should be dottle.
I agree.
If I am smoking a ribbon that’s even lightly cased/topped or pg’d, I will do something close to a gravity fill—and it’s great.
Far more often I’m smoking a dry, unadulterated ribbon by c&d—dark burley is my fave. I much prefer this with a fairly tight pack. Same for some of my favorite shags: 5 bros, dark birdseye, Kendal Kentucky . The tight pack slows the burn, improves flavor, and makes things better all around
I definitely agree that a loosely loaded pipe smokes better. There's a balance to strike, but I used the three step method for years, and it started to hurt my neck from the amount of sucking on the pipe I was doing to draw.
Learning to losely load the pipe changed my pipe smoking experience.
Learning to losely load the pipe changed my pipe smoking experience.
Pipe smoking isn't rocket science, it just takes time to learn what you like. I can't even explain how I load a pipe. All I know, from experience, is how I like the draw. I fill it and before every light, I draw on the pipe. If it's tighter than I like, a pipe cleaner usually clears it, if not I empty and re-fill. Too tight a draw is a miserable experience. It just takes time.
Yes ! That was my experience, and exactly why I posted originally. Take care buddy ! But it seems like some people have great luck with that method. Just not us.
