My First Pipe Smells Bad.

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Benboyjones

Lurker
May 26, 2023
2
0
Title edited for caps and brevity. (Rule 9)

Hi,

So I'm brand new to the world of pipe smoking and I just received my first pipe in the post today (it's a Peterson System Ebony 317). I opened up the box and was greeted with a slightly unpleasant musty smell. I was just wondering if this is normal or whether I should send the pipe back and ask for a refund/another pipe?

Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:

EvertonFC

Starting to Get Obsessed
May 5, 2020
253
483
Philadelphia
Is it an estate pipe or a brand new pipe? If it's the latter, I would give it 24 hours and see if the odor has faded. If not, get a refund.
 

Benboyjones

Lurker
May 26, 2023
2
0
Is it an estate pipe or a brand new pipe? If it's the latter, I would give it 24 hours and see if the odor has faded. If not, get a refund.
It's a brand new pipe. I'll leave it out the box like you suggested, and hopefully the smell will fade by tommorow.
 

HawkeyeLinus

Lifer
Oct 16, 2020
5,831
42,106
Iowa
If this is true, it's not normal (and I've never had that experience with any new pipe) so send it back. Can't imagine why it would, honestly, but stuff happens.
 
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Beowoulf

Can't Leave
Oct 16, 2022
446
7,341
If it were me, I would email the store, tell them your problem and ask to send it back. If they are reputable, there should be no problem.

You could try cleaning the daylights out of it, but that could "void the warranty". I could outline for you my protocol for deep cleaning, which involves lots of brandy 😍 .,.. but you should probably just send it back.
 
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FLDRD

Lifer
Oct 13, 2021
2,253
9,114
Arkansas
Those Peterson pipe socks stink. At least they smell weird to me but I have a seriously sensitive sense of smell. If you’re like me it could be the sock or sometimes the pipes smell off too, possibly from the stain or the bowl coating. Once smoked a bit it goes away, at least that’s my experience.
I'm curious about the pipe sock being the culprit. I've not noticed it before (I might now...), but the cloth would more likely seem to be a culprit than the briar in most scenarios I can imagine...
 

Puff nstuff

Starting to Get Obsessed
Dec 2, 2021
231
1,170
Inland Southern California
Me, I would just check the pipe for any visible mold. If you find some, clean it with a cotton ball or pipe cleaner soaked in your favorite spirit, let it dry, then pack the pipe with tobacco and smoke it. If you find no visible mold, go directly to the packing and smoking. 'Slightly musty' has no chance of outlasting alcohol, tobacco, and fire.
 
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jaingorenard

Part of the Furniture Now
Apr 11, 2022
744
3,399
Norwich, UK
Those Peterson pipe socks stink. At least they smell weird to me but I have a seriously sensitive sense of smell. If you’re like me it could be the sock or sometimes the pipes smell off too, possibly from the stain or the bowl coating. Once smoked a bit it goes away, at least that’s my experience.
I've had this with a few of my cheaper Peterson socks (e.g. Christmas pipes). After getting them out of the sock the smell goes away quickly.
 

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,211
60,622
I suspect the sock, which I would consign to the trash. I think a good cleaning with your favorite alcohol beverage and a pipe cleaner will probably cure the pipe, along with tobacco and fire. If it were mine, I'd take that chance. But if you feel strongly, send it back and ask for a replacement or refund.