Keeping it Lit !

[leafsmoker]

Okay I learned something quite awhile back....From famous pipe you-tuber pipefriendCHS...I would always use my lighter to re light, when i did not see a lot or embers.I now only use my lighter 2 times per real large bowl.I save a lot of butane by using my pipe poker. I thought the tamper was the most important part...but i now use my poker,when the pipe seems like it goes out--do a circular poke at the top of tobacco and do a circular stir along the top edge of the tobacco that you thought went out and whahlah..it's lit.Just thought I would share my experience.Happy smoking!

 

[wasnsfisher]

Comes with time in mate. 30 yrs now on da pipe. When its slacking off, tap out loose ash and simply relight. enjoy

 

[Chasing Embers]

but i now use my poker,when the pipe seems like it goes out--do a circular poke at the top of tobacco and do a circular stir along the top edge of the tobacco that you thought went out and whahlah..it's lit.

It's a technique called ember chasing.

 

[leafsmoker]

Nice thanks Embers! Ember chasing is definitely fitting for it!

 

[crashthegrey]

People relight unnecessarily all the time, especially early on. You'll get a feel for it eventually. When you get good enough, the pipe almost always look like it is out.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Sometimes just waiting a few or twelve seconds and then giving it a slow long sip will bring back the smoke also.

 

[mrmachado]

I don't really have problems with relights anymore. Only that very last bit of tobacco seems to go really persist going out.
I think most problems with relights come from too moist tobacco.
Dry tobacco (I dry it in the oven, seems to be the best way for high humidity places) is the secret for me.
Also, something else that does the trick for me to avoid relights is making the initial ember very solid and hot. Not just igniting that tiny bit and go on smoking it in a hurry like you're late for some appointment.

 

[crashthegrey]

I am not so sure the oven is the answer. You may want to try the microwave.

 

[mikethompson]

I used to fret about relights, but now I accept them as part of the process. Maybe one day I will perfect my technique, but until then relights happen.

 

[peanubutter]

My main experience is with cigars and those require a relight at times. Still new to the pipes and finally today the pipe had the right pack and the first light seemed to keep it going. Granted I was in the doorway and when I stepped outside completely the embers really took off, so much so that I had to cover the top of the pipe. I did the ember chase about halfway through the bowl and that worked for a bit. One more lighter touchup and finished off the bowl. It was like a plan that came together, finally.

 

[lawdawg]

whahlah!

 

[leafsmoker]

+1 lawdawg :D -- peanubutter-- when I think my cigar is out I have tried what another fellow told me years ago....blow though it instead of inhaling...and it usually relights. :idea:

 

[mtwaller]

I’m a pretty new pipe smoker, maybe 4 months of dabbling. About a month of real serious smoking. I can already say I worry about relights so much less even than when I started. As many others have said, when it goes out just scrape the soft ash out, give it a little tamp, and off you go again. However, I do agree that it’s nice to keep the bowl lit and gently puffing away for 20-30 minutes at a time. I haven’t tried this “ember chasing” technique but I’ll try it out next time I think about it.
In my super limited experience I’ve found that a lot of factors go into something as simple as keeping it lit. For me it’s moisture content, how much I rub it out, how I pack the bowl (specific technique and/ or just how tight I pack), and my tamping technique. The first time I got it right was such an amazingly enjoyable and flavorful smoking experience with no stress, it was like Nirvana. I say just tinker with how you prepare your bowls and you’ll find what works right for you for each different blend. It’s all about the journey and learning!