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Aug 31, 2024
4
22
Springfield, Missouri
Got my corn cob pipe and an ounce each of Tombigbee and Cherokee delivered about an hour ago. Went with the Cherokee first. Pinched a bit out of the bag and dropped it into the bowl. Lit a match, held it to the bowl, puffed 2-3 times, took a few draws and repeated the process about 5 times (minus adding tobacco). Total smoke lasted about 5 minutes and it was ok, though I think I was more excited about the novelty of it rather than actually enjoying the smoke itself. I really wish this stuff tasted like it smells! Still VERY new to this new hobby so feel free to drop any tips, hints, and advice.
 

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OzPiper

Lifer
Nov 30, 2020
6,864
37,075
72
Sydney, Australia
I am not familiar with either of those 2 blends

Filling/loading a pipe is probably the skill that takes longest to master

Important factors:
1) The cut:
If it is shag or ribbon - you need to tamp down. DO NOT USE FORCE. The tobacco should still feel springy. Breaking the strands up into shorter bits will help avoid clumping.
If it is a flake, either rub out completely or cube cut and gravity fill.

2) Dry. Dry. Dry the tobacco.
Not necessarily until it is crisp, but until a pinch will fall apart easily.

After you have mastered the art of filling/loading, you can experiment with different levels of moisture in your tobacco to work out your preference

3) Tamping:
DO NOT USE FORCE:
Tobacco expands when heated/burnt.
Just use sufficient pressure to get the ember down into the unburnt tobacco mass

4) Ashing:
Whenever necessary and only if the excess ash smothers the ember.

5) Relighting:
No rules regarding how many times you are allowed to relight unless you are in a slow smoking comp
However each relight means subjecting the tobacco to a higher temperature

6) Gurgles/moisture:
Steam/moisture is a byproduct of burning tobacco.
If excessive, use cleaners. They are cheap
Or master the “flick” - thumb over the top of the bowl and then a quick flick

Meerschaum chips/Nording Keystones:
Yes, an additional step but they are reasonably cheap.
They greatly help my smoking.
They provide an “air pocket” under the tobacco thus promoting burning.
Plus they help absorb moisture.
Most of my bowls burn down to ash with minimal dottle these days

7) Cadence:
Avoid puffing excessively.
I hold the pipe in hand mostly. I know I am puffing too hard if the pipe becomes uncomfortable to hold.
The best flavours come when the tobacco is not burning feverishly.

Some tobacco NEVER tastes like they smell. ☹️
But smoking cooler will result in getting more flavour from your tobacco

I have to admit I like to SEE smoke.
I’ve never seen the point of “smokeless smoking” 😏

Sorry for this verbose post. I hope some of the above is of help to you.
Happy puffing puffy
 

bpinkstaff

Can't Leave
Apr 2, 2024
431
416
Rockton, il
I am not familiar with either of those 2 blends

Filling/loading a pipe is probably the skill that takes longest to master

Important factors:
1) The cut:
If it is shag or ribbon - you need to tamp down. DO NOT USE FORCE. The tobacco should still feel springy. Breaking the strands up into shorter bits will help avoid clumping.
If it is a flake, either rub out completely or cube cut and gravity fill.

2) Dry. Dry. Dry the tobacco.
Not necessarily until it is crisp, but until a pinch will fall apart easily.

After you have mastered the art of filling/loading, you can experiment with different levels of moisture in your tobacco to work out your preference

3) Tamping:
DO NOT USE FORCE:
Tobacco expands when heated/burnt.
Just use sufficient pressure to get the ember down into the unburnt tobacco mass

4) Ashing:
Whenever necessary and only if the excess ash smothers the ember.

5) Relighting:
No rules regarding how many times you are allowed to relight unless you are in a slow smoking comp
However each relight means subjecting the tobacco to a higher temperature

6) Gurgles/moisture:
Steam/moisture is a byproduct of burning tobacco.
If excessive, use cleaners. They are cheap
Or master the “flick” - thumb over the top of the bowl and then a quick flick

Meerschaum chips/Nording Keystones:
Yes, an additional step but they are reasonably cheap.
They greatly help my smoking.
They provide an “air pocket” under the tobacco thus promoting burning.
Plus they help absorb moisture.
Most of my bowls burn down to ash with minimal dottle these days

7) Cadence:
Avoid puffing excessively.
I hold the pipe in hand mostly. I know I am puffing too hard if the pipe becomes uncomfortable to hold.
The best flavours come when the tobacco is not burning feverishly.

Some tobacco NEVER tastes like they smell. ☹️
But smoking cooler will result in getting more flavour from your tobacco

I have to admit I like to SEE smoke.
I’ve never seen the point of “smokeless smoking” 😏

Sorry for this verbose post. I hope some of the above is of help to you.
Happy puffing puffy
Sums it up pretty darn good
 
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SmokingInTheWind

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 24, 2024
295
1,783
New Mexico
Looks like some decent tobacco. The mini cob may be ok for a while but do yourself a favor and get a medium sized cob like a Missouri Meerschaum Legend for less than $10.
 

Sgetz

Lifer
May 21, 2020
1,584
2,281
74
UK
Welcome. You tube has many helpful videos. Look up a channel called " the aromatic pipe" . Very informative