New pipe break in

[JeffNYC]

I read a bit on this (not having a new pipe in 15 years) and did a search here (but couldn’t find). Curious what others recommend. I was going to remove a bit of the stain inside the bowl using Everclear (or just leave it, it’s about 1/4 to 1/2 inches inside the bowl). Then fill and smoke to the end. Some sites recommended starting with half bowls. This is a big bowl!

Welcome to my new pipe I’m going to name Groot. It‘s my first Freehand, and rather large relative to my billiards. I’m going to put this on burley blend duty and move my Big Ben to English blends (Big Ben being English after all).

 

[ThermionicScott]

Good name for it!

 

[Briarcutter]

I wouldn't worry about the stain. A half bowl isn't a bad idea, just be sure to smoke slowly to the bottom.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Wouldn’t worry at all about the stain. I’ve done smaller bowls, full ones. Just tried two new pipes for the first time the last couple of days, filled ‘em up and let them do the work. Only ones I’ve been extra cautious with have been really old unsmoked British estate pipes.

 

[PaulRVA]

I just leave the bowl coating and do 3/4 Bowls and a decent Virginia or Burley Ribbon Cut and keep it from getting hot for a few bowls.
Then continue on like usual………..

 

[Sig]

Yep, id leave the stain.
Smoke slowly is about my only advice. Briar bowls generally "burn out" where there is a pit or blemish. After a few smokes, any pits will fill in.
Ive never abided by the 1/2 bowl thing, but you do you.
Ive never damaged a bowl in 30 years from just smoking it.

 

[Olkofri]

I always remove the bowl coating. That one time I didn't I ended up with a back tongue.

Then disinfect thoroughly with gin. Then just smoke it.

 

[abecox]

Good looking pipe! When breaking in a pipe I tend to just smoke as usual though I try to be cautious about temperature, if it gets too hot it can mess with cake buildup at first.

 

[proteus]

Beautiful pipe!!! 15 years!!! Wow!! That reminds me...PAD hits me around 15 days.

 

[fireground_piper]

I smoke a first bowl exactly like any other. If something is going to happen to it, I'd rather get on with it.

 

[warren]

Curious what others recommend.

I'd simply load it and enjoy. Or, you can go the route of some here and make the whole process as complecated as your personality desires. It's personal thing, do what gives an enjoyable experience.

 

[JeffNYC]

I’m simple(ton). Just smoking as normal. Decided to not mess with the stain in the bowl figuring to avoid risk of messing the finish elsewhere.