Meerschaum question...

[cthulhu]

I've been shopping around, trying to find my first meerschaum, and had a quick question:
Are you supposed to let cake build up in the bowl like a briar pipe?
I ask this because I know the tobacco over time will stain the meerschaum. I was just wondering if a thick cake will clog up the pores in the bowl causing the coloring process to slow down.

 

[bootlegbonvivant]

No, you don't really want cake build up in a meer. Simply wipe them out with a paper towl from time to time, or after each smoke. You want them clean so that the tobacco juices and moisture is absorbed into the mineral.

 

[uberam3rica]

now when you wipe it out should what your wiping it out with be dry? or should you put some alcohol on it?

 

[schmitzbitz]

now when you wipe it out should what your wiping it out with be dry? or should you put some alcohol on it?

Dry; any moisture will wick (ie alcohol) into the block.

 

[uberam3rica]

alright thanks.ive been looking for a meer too

 

[marmal4de]

alright thanks.ive been looking for a meer too

I bought 2 Peterson Meers, neither have made it to me yet, the suspense is killing me.

 

[cthulhu]

I've been looking at carved meers. Part of me wants an old beauty, but I'd be afraid to smoke it.

 

[uberam3rica]

i hate waiting for things ive bought. im very impatient

 

[yohanan]

Alcohol evaporates, If it does wick, the alcohol it will evaporate.

 

[cthulhu]

I 2nd the question on 151, would come in handy for more then just cleaning!
I may be picking up some beat up meers to fool around with. Does anyone have any tips on cleaning the outside of the pipes?

 

[shaintiques]

They say you really shouldn't use alcohol on the meerschaum. I use it to clean the stem but not the bowl. Just a damp with water paper towel. Cake build up can cause the meer to crack. I've seen it.

 

[cthulhu]

Thanks for the link baskerville,
One of the meers I'm getting looks like it was buried in dirt for years! Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean both the inside and outside of the pipe? Also, the end of the shank is tarnished metal (silver?) and was wondering if I should use something other then the Alcohol to clean it.

 

[atuukson]

have a tin cake on my meer and imo it smoke much better then w/o a cake.