Meerschaum questions.

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Beast

Lurker
Mar 29, 2022
35
90
47
Belvue, Kansas
Hello all. I am new to meerschaum pipes, and am absolutely hooked! I am curious if meerschaums need rotated like briar pipes, I’ve been smoking it daily several bowls. Somewhere around 3-5. Also I am curious if I should smoke it completely or tap out the dottle once it gets unenjoyable. Was not sure the best way to ‘break it in’ although I’ve read elsewhere that meers do not need a break in time. 1B1EB692-2532-4500-AF51-6EFEF14C5C24.jpeg
 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
44,840
116,686
If you scrape too hard in the bottom of the bowl you can slowly dig away the meerschaum until a hole pops out in the bottom of the pipe.
Just tap the contents out on your palm, no need for scraping.


I suggest you let the pipe dry our before cleaning.
Wiping the chamber while it's still warm with a paper towel removes any carbon buildup easier than when cool with no damage to the chamber walls.
 

Beast

Lurker
Mar 29, 2022
35
90
47
Belvue, Kansas
Update: I just noticed a hairline crack forming. I baby my Meerschaum as I know it is soft, and always use a tool to dislodge the dottle. Are carved meers prone to cracking? The crack is in a similar place as my last one. This pipe is only smoked at home so I don’t feel that I have been rough with it. :( image.jpg
 

NC TX ID pipeman

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 25, 2021
564
1,243
North Carolina,Texas,Idaho
Honestly.....if this is a second pipe from the same company which cracked I would not buy from them again..they neither using low quality meerschaum or walls are too thin or other enginiering issues...get an IMP or Altinok or Altinay or Baki or older CAO Bekler and you have no more problems
 
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Beast

Lurker
Mar 29, 2022
35
90
47
Belvue, Kansas
Honestly.....if this is a second pipe from the same company which cracked I would not buy from them again..they neither using low quality meerschaum or walls are too thin or other enginiering issues...get an IMP or Altinok or Altinay or Baki or older CAO Bekler and you have no more problems
I think you may be correct. Neither lasted more then 2 months before they cracked. This is my first experience with Meerschaums and will definitely get my next from one of the companies that you mentioned. Thank you.
 

NC TX ID pipeman

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 25, 2021
564
1,243
North Carolina,Texas,Idaho
I understand that meerschaum may crack but it really is suspicuous...They may have them pipes stored for years in wrong environment (very dry likely) and if smoked they crack...who knows...you will save youself bunch of problems and the more money you pay upfront,less headache you have down the road...and get a pipe with thicker walls
 

Beast

Lurker
Mar 29, 2022
35
90
47
Belvue, Kansas
I understand that meerschaum may crack but it really is suspicuous...They may have them pipes stored for years in wrong environment (very dry likely) and if smoked they crack...who knows...you will save youself bunch of problems and the more money you pay upfront,less headache you have down the road...and get a pipe with thicker walls
I greatly appreciate the input. This was the brand my local tobacco shop carried so it’s the one I wound up with. I will absolutely be ordering one with thicker walls from one of the companies you mentioned.
 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
44,840
116,686
I greatly appreciate the input. This was the brand my local tobacco shop carried so it’s the one I wound up with. I will absolutely be ordering one with thicker walls from one of the companies you mentioned.
IMP, SRV, AKB, and Altinay are definitely the way to go. Then of course there's independent artisans.

20220601_030205.jpg20211101_020459.jpg
 

PipeIT

Lifer
Nov 14, 2020
5,095
30,341
Hawaii
Boy, there’s been a few Meers posting starting to pop up, can’t wait to get my hands on one, and thanks for the great info you’re sharing @Chasing Embers! ?

Especially about ghosting, I’ll be sure to either dedicate, or only smoke non aros in my meers.

@Beast this a slightly long video, but not bad, if you haven’t seen it, someone posted it the other day.


A couple of good Meer places online;


 

dunnyboy

Lifer
Jul 6, 2018
2,574
32,073
New York
@dunnyboy

I thought you were joking but then I thought, hmmm, maybe not. I guess I'll have to change my HaHa emoji to Like. I had a look at the link. Seems the chalk and albumen patch was being employed for a meerschaum lining. Would it for a crack on a solid meerschaum pipe?