Yes, I have found that most of the North European pipes that have flexible stems do not smoke very well. The flexible stem is a cloth covered rubber hose, which in most cases is one hundred years old and adds a funny taste or leaks air or all of the above.
The other problem is that most of this type is made in four pieces, Bowl, shoe, stem and bit with each joint being a friction fitted piece of aged crumbly cork which must be replaced if you are going to smoke the pipe. This is not a hard thing to do with sharp knife, drill, and sandpaper. (An empty bottle of good wine will furnish the best cork.) :D
Photo of best type of German pipe for smoking an "ALWETTER" pipe which has a chamber below the bowl with a cloth filter to soak up tars and moisture.
This type of Swiss/South German pipe usually smokes ok also.
Clay or porcelain pipes usually smoke just fine but cork should be replaced. and watch those metal windcaps...They do get hot.
The other problem is that most of this type is made in four pieces, Bowl, shoe, stem and bit with each joint being a friction fitted piece of aged crumbly cork which must be replaced if you are going to smoke the pipe. This is not a hard thing to do with sharp knife, drill, and sandpaper. (An empty bottle of good wine will furnish the best cork.) :D
Photo of best type of German pipe for smoking an "ALWETTER" pipe which has a chamber below the bowl with a cloth filter to soak up tars and moisture.
This type of Swiss/South German pipe usually smokes ok also.
Clay or porcelain pipes usually smoke just fine but cork should be replaced. and watch those metal windcaps...They do get hot.