How long to clay and corn cobs last?

[DeWitt1912]

Thinking about getting some of these, but I'm not the "disposable" type, so I was wondering how long, if treated well, do these pipes last? Can they last a long time?

What would you say is a good way to store a clay pipe to keep it from cracking?

Thanks.

 

[Chasing Embers]

All pipes can be disposable and all pipes can crack. Treat them as you would any pipe and they can last a lifetime.

 

[Dave760]

The only cob I can no longer smoke is one I stepped on. I have six others that I've been smoking for years...a few about 20 years. Smoke them, clean them out*, and let them dry. I see no signs that they're wearing out.

* My favored method is to let the pipe cool, empty the ash, wrap a paper towel around a finger, and then wipe out the inside of the bowl with that finger. This stops cake from forming so I never need to ream my cobs.

 

[DeWitt1912]

The only cob I can no longer smoke is one I stepped on. I have six others that I've been smoking for years...a few about 20 years. Smoke them, clean them out*, and let them dry. I see no signs that they're wearing out.

* My favored method is to let the pipe cool, empty the ash, wrap a paper towel around a finger, and then wipe out the inside of the bowl with that finger. This stops cake from forming so I never need to ream my cobs.

Excellent. I need to get some cobs. As a newer pipe smoker, I've felt they're the "all American" choice for pipes.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I've felt they're the "all American" choice for pipes.

There's also Dr. Grabow.

 

[VDL_Piper]

A lifetime if you know what you’re doing

 

[woodsroad]

Cobs last forever.
Clays can last forever, but they usually leap to their death well before that.

 

[DeWitt1912]

A lifetime if you know what you’re doing

Any tips of thoughts on that?

 

[B.Fee]

Cobs last forever.
Clays can last forever, but they usually leap to their death well before that.

Into the river Thames

 

[makhorkasmoker]

Knock on wood, I’ve never dropped a clay (I wish I could say the same for briar). mine have lasted for years and many cleanings in hot coals.

Even my cheapest unplastered cobs have lasted nearly a decade despite heavy use and rough treatment. For me a cob only gets better with use and time.

 

[dottlejockey]

I gave a buddy a cob while he was helping me with some of the details of building the current house i'm living in. It lasted him a couple weeks before he smoked a hole through it and the stem fell out. This was due to him smoking the shit out of it all day, and hot at that, without proper maintenance or rest.

On the other hand, i have cobs that i've smoked for almost 20 years now without issue.

As others have said, it's all about smoking with care and maintenance.

 

[coming to_falling too]

Like others have said, both can last as long as you want them to

 

[Chasing Embers]

Any tips of thoughts on that?

Just treat them as you would any pipe.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

If you were to smoke that cob all day everyday it would eventually fail.

Decently made briar pipes can hold up to that kind of abuse, if you clean them every once and a while.

If you just smoke a cob a few times a week or whatever, they'll last forever.

A year or two of all day everyday will kill cob.

 

[LeafErikson]

I generally throw away cobs at a certain point. You’d have to decide for yourself whether you want to toss them or take care of them.

 

[Chasing Embers]

A year or two of all day everyday will kill cob.

@didimauw

 

[coming to_falling too]

I generally throw away cobs at a certain point. You’d have to decide for yourself whether you want to toss them or take care of them.

Same for me, pretty much. My work cobs at least, see a lot of abuse. I could probably clean them and bring them up to snuff, but why? Cheap as they are, I usually just throw the worn out cob in the fire.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

@didimauw

Just the man we need.


@didimauw Do cobs last FOREVER if you you dog 'em out?

 

[KruegerFlap]

I predominantly smoke cobs and I have yet to throw one away; my first cob is now 10 years old and is a cheap Legend. I have even built cake in a few and cut it back. Like others have said, if you are careful while smoking not to overheat the pipe, clean it well by getting all ash and loose tobacco out, and wipe the bowl with a paper towel or napkin after each smoke they will last you forever. If they crack or the stem gets loose or falls out just glue it back in or glue the crack with Elmer's glue. As Chasing Embers said, treat them like any other pipe you have and you will get a very long time out of a cob.

 

[didimauw]

Just the man we need.


@didimauw Do cobs last FOREVER if you you dog 'em out?

I only have proof of one year lol.

One cob for One year.

They are very forgiving pipes. Like @Chasing Embers said, Just like any pipe.