My new (used)meer. Help, I dont know much

[subtech77]

I just bought a used meer, and wow, it is huge, at least bigger than i expected. As I have no experience with meers I need som tips about use and cleaning. I also have a filter, and I wonder if I can just take the filter out and use it as normal. it looks a bit dirty outside, probably from dirty hands. How can I clean it on the outside? And how to clean it on the inside. It smells "strange" I think, but maybe meers smells diffrent from briar? Any other tips is more than welcomed.
Christian

 

[crk69]

Need a picture to see exactly what you are talking about, but I would say that cleaning the stem and tenon area would be a good start to get rid of the old baccy and smoke leftovers. I have several meers, however none of them have a filter so I don't know if you would be able to use it without it. Might have to ask storient about that one. I dont clean the outside of my meers, and usually hold them by the stems. I clean the bowl out after allowing it to sit and cool with a pipe cleaner after every smoke. I know that supposedly you can use alcohol to help clean fingerprints off the outside and someone told me to use aftershave lotion with a mild scent to do it. This also may be the patina starting to show from smoking the pipe, and you dont want to get rid of that... Again I would send storient a pm and see what he suggests for cleaning the pipe as well.. and welcome to the forum!!

 

[subtech77]

Thanks mate. You use a pipeknife gently to clean inside? or just fold a pipecleaner to rub inside?

 

[crk69]

I just use a folded over pipe cleaner and a gentle scrubbing motion to remove the dottle and ash...

 

[baronsamedi]

You have to be real careful scraping on Meers with anything. Even bristle cleaners can scratch it! If you ream the inside because of cake, use a light hand and do it carefully. You can also clean it with a cloth soaked in grain alcohol, but don't let it soak, just wipe it. This will also remove the finish and some patina, but you can rebuild those with time and beeswax. I've never had a meerschaum with a filter.
Fred, TopD and Storient will be able to help since they are the big meerschaum guys. Posting pix is a plus, too.

 

[grizzly86]

Can't wait to read you article storient.
For the inside of my meer I use 400grit sandpaper. Do not apply pressure; I just lightly go around in the bowl a few times to remove any cake that may have formed. I also keep a stiff nylon brush for cleaning any ash that may get stuck in small crevices. Make sure to clean the inside of stem and shank good. If you do use alcohol to clean with do as storient said and rest it; for briars I give 3 days rest after alcohol cleaning. I haven't used alcohol on my meer, but if I do I think I would give it at least 7 days; may be more than is needed but I tend to be extra cautious with my meer.

 

[baronsamedi]

I did it on mine and I let it rest for a week after. Mine was an estate, too so it needed work. It still has some dings and scratches, but it has character and is coloring nicely.

 

[subtech77]

Thank you all for great advices. the previous owner was very uncausious with it, and it needs professional help. Is it possible it can be damaged forever, or can every pipe be saved :?: