The "how do I pack my pipe method" has been discussed ad nauseum including a sticky thread somewhere. But I am posting this in the basics and beginners section because after two years of smoking a pipe and trying every method from stuff and puff, to three pinch, to the scoop from the jar, to the spiral palm swirl method,, I have settled on the Frank method - it works.
I had used it - sort of and without attention to the details- periodically with only periodic success. I recently read the article on the method on the NY Pipe club site and began following the directions exactly (other than the torch lighter). It works -- consistently and with great results. If done correctly, it creates a firm plug of tobacco at the top of the bowl with looser tobacco at the bottom, so that as the ember burns down, airflow is maintained and I get a consistent smoke that rarely goes out. I find the bowl doesn't heat up as much, and tamping and relights are kept to a minimum, and the tobacco burns down to a nice ash at the bottom of the bowl, This has been true across different pipes and blends, although it works best with ribbon cuts.
The most important part is creating the plug with a large volume of tobacco over the top of the bowl which is gently nudged and pushed inwards but not down into the bowl.
Anyway, wanted to share in the beginner's section - I highly recommend new smokers try it,
