Is this Normal with Flake; If Not, What am I Doing Wrong?

[frozenchurchwarden]

Smoking Peterson Navy Flake and wondering if it is normal for the tobacco on the side of the bowl not to burn? Every time I smoke flake I have to push what is on the sides of the bowl in and lightly tamp. I’m using the fold method and wondering if it’s my packing, lighting, or the wrong tobacco for this style bowl.

Unless this incomplete burn is a sign of poor airflow, it's likely you'd just get less flavor with a more complete burn.
You'll get the most flavor out of unburned tobacco, technically fully burning everything in the bowl is less than ideal.

As long as you got to smoke the tobacco for a reasonable amount of time and it tasted good, I wouldn't worry about what the leftovers look like.

 

[drrock]

The chamber is too small for the volume of flake used. A lot of space needs to be reserved for the flake's expansion as it is heated.

^^^^ This

 

[Dan-o$]

I rarely smoke flake tobacco, and when I do, it is generally rubbed out before I load the bowl. Someone else will definitely be able to chime in here.

My initial thought would be the flake is too moist causing you to sip a bit heavy and create a tunnel down the middle. Could be way off though bro

maybe it is a bit too moist