Flakes and cakes and ribbons (oh, my?)

[jaytex1969]

Most of my piping so far has been 50g tins of ribbon cut. Easy to use and repeatable in technique.
My one flake can has been a challenge. McClelland Red & Black. I've rubbed some out, scissor cut into tiny pieces against the grain and cubed some. I suspect that maybe the black is too moist yet.
Regardless, my "path of least resistance" nature is pushing me away from flakes, although some input from others indicates that it's worth my time to master.
Today, I popped open a can of Black Frigate with much anticipation. I was surprised to find a block of material in there and had to use a forum "lifeline" post to learn what to do with it. After some simple instructions, I just finished the best bowl I've ever had.
It rubbed out easy, packed loosely and well. Lit on the second match and burned at a nice rate clean to the bottom. What I expected to be a 30 minute pipe hit 50 minutes due to the efficiency of it all.
So, my questions: What other tobacco configurations am I likely to encounter? What method should be employed when I do? and Sell/educate me on flake, please.
Thanks.
Jay :nana:

 

[cortezattic]

If you encounter something that looks like this, don't step in it.

 

[Waning Embers]

Flake

https://youtu.be/SBdA8XtoISM
Plug

https://youtu.be/fWb2AmWvMOU
Crumble Cake

https://youtu.be/00lLHMZ2-gU
Coin/Medallion

https://youtu.be/s9tzmB0JInY

 

[mcitinner1]

Jaytex don't ever try any of that crappy SGFVF! It ain't worth the trouble! Black Frigate is a lot easier to prep and smoke.

 

[Waning Embers]

Nice try Stan. I'm set for life with Black Frigate. Likely will never have to order any again. :: Now GH Rich Dark Honeydew, stay away from that, just horrid! :mrgreen:

 

[mcitinner1]

Good man... I have a lot more BF than FVF myself.

 

[ashdigger]

FVF is worth the effort. A little patience and you'll be rewarded.
As for Black Frigate, I bought 10 tins, smoked one and got rid of the other nine tins of stinkweed. I actually still have 1/2 of the first tin.

 

[mcitinner1]

I was just pulling the guy's leg. I like both of them.

 

[mawnansmiff]

"Jaytex don't ever try any of that crappy SGFVF!" :rofl:
The same applies to St. James Flake :wink:
Regards,
Jay.

 

[mso489]

Flake, plug, coin and rope can give you a long leisurely smoke in a small pipe. Especially plug and rope are durable in retaining moisture and flavor. It does take some tinkering to get the hang of various blends so they smoke well, but if you take a relaxed attitude and try one thing at a time, you usually have rewarding success. Slice plug and rope thin, and rub them out, if you like, as with flake. Give them an hour or a day or two to dry out, depending on the blend. In large pipes, you can get incremental sessions with relights, not having to pack a pipe several times is nice.

 

[jaytex1969]

Well, I did have another go at the Red & Black last night.
The red rubs out nicely but the black is gummy and stubborn.
I'll pull some of the black flakes out an hour or two early to dry nest time and see how it goes.
I'll also do my best to not judge all flakes by this one product's first impression.
Still, my lazy side says "Screw it...."
Jay :nana:

 

[johnbarleycorn]

Don't give up on flakes. They are somewhat hard to get the hang of at first but definitely worth the effort. Get some that are easy to smoke like Orlik Golden Sliced or PS luxury navy Flake. Rub it out and allow a little drying time. Don't waste your time with cube cutting I have never had an enjoyable bowl of cube cut flakes. Rubbing or fold and stuff are the way to go with flakes in my opinion.