Use scissors and cut across the grain for a small cube cut, let dry.
I swear by scissors.
I swear by scissors.
FVF - Light After Light After Light
- Thread starter mngslvs
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I picked up some Full Virginia Plug a while ago and was expecting the worst with regards to getting it lit, but it has been relatively easy.
I just shave off thin slices from the plug and then cut it into tiny cubes with a chef's knife, sort of how you would cut up garlic. I end the P with very small cubes of maybe 1-1.5mm. I then let it dry for 30-45 minutes.
I put a pipe cleaner in the shank all the way into the bowl and I load the largest cubes first to prevent clogging the draft hole. I then gravity feed the rest of the bowl, give it a little tap and a gentle tamp and off we go. There are a few relights, but no more than usual.
It is such an amazing smoke. It would be worth it even if it was harder to light.
I just shave off thin slices from the plug and then cut it into tiny cubes with a chef's knife, sort of how you would cut up garlic. I end the P with very small cubes of maybe 1-1.5mm. I then let it dry for 30-45 minutes.
I put a pipe cleaner in the shank all the way into the bowl and I load the largest cubes first to prevent clogging the draft hole. I then gravity feed the rest of the bowl, give it a little tap and a gentle tamp and off we go. There are a few relights, but no more than usual.
It is such an amazing smoke. It would be worth it even if it was harder to light.
I think thin slices is the key. I smoked a lot of FVF, Brown, and Golden 12-15 years ago without any issue; however, in my experience the flakes were cut much thinner by Gawtih than they have been recently. So now we cube cut, grind, etc. to compensate.
The difficulty of FVF is overrated, as some posters imply.
It comes as thick flakes that are quite moist. Compared to another great virginia, Capstan Blue Flake, that comes as thin, moderately moist flakes, it should be no surprise that FVF needs more drying time.
The thick flakes can be hard to rub out when they have dried out, so I rub mine first, then dry. After that it's load and go as with any other blend, putting the finest rubbed bits on top as kindling.
When you find out how to prepare it, it burns as well as any flake on the market, if not better.
It comes as thick flakes that are quite moist. Compared to another great virginia, Capstan Blue Flake, that comes as thin, moderately moist flakes, it should be no surprise that FVF needs more drying time.
The thick flakes can be hard to rub out when they have dried out, so I rub mine first, then dry. After that it's load and go as with any other blend, putting the finest rubbed bits on top as kindling.
When you find out how to prepare it, it burns as well as any flake on the market, if not better.
"The thick flakes can be hard to rub out when they have dried out so I rub mine first, then dry. "
This is very true. When I used to buy it in bulk (250g boxes) I would rub out the entire box then jar it up for maturation. After a while I got lazy and just jarred up the extra long flakes still in their Ziploc bags knowing that when it came time to open the jars, it would still be moist enough to rub out.
Regards,
Jay.
This is very true. When I used to buy it in bulk (250g boxes) I would rub out the entire box then jar it up for maturation. After a while I got lazy and just jarred up the extra long flakes still in their Ziploc bags knowing that when it came time to open the jars, it would still be moist enough to rub out.
Regards,
Jay.
Exactly. SG & GH can stay in their boxes for a looong time.
I pull the flakes apart, microwave for 8-10 seconds atop a paper towel, then rub it out.
A spice/herb grinder works well too. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014IRB798/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A spice/herb grinder works well too. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014IRB798/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Best luck I had was to dry for maybe a half hour, rub out, pack & smoke. It almost smoked like a normal non-SG flake (i.e.: very well). I believe the outside air was fairly dry (30ish RH) and the moon was in the seventh house while Jupiter aligned with Mars.
I have read a number of reviews from people saying the tin moisture was near optimal, which was the philosophy I went on when I tried the above. Haven't had it since as I'm scared to jinx it.
I have read a number of reviews from people saying the tin moisture was near optimal, which was the philosophy I went on when I tried the above. Haven't had it since as I'm scared to jinx it.
I have no problem getting through a bowl of FVF with a match or 2.?
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