Okay To Use a Filter Pipe Without a Filter?

[sandollars]

I have a couple of filter pipes and I don't like what the filter does to the experience. Is it okay to use a filter pipe without a filter or will I be damaging it? I have seen inserts one can install in place of the filters but they look so gimmicky. I bought some Balsa inserts and they work great but oft times I won't clean my pipe until the next morning and you do not want to leave a moist piece of balsa in a pipe overnight. PEW! I only did it once....

 

[agnosticpipe]

No problem, I mostly smoke filter pipes without a filter, and I've never had a problem. You can use an adapter/insert if you want to, but that's just one more thing to clean. If it takes a larger 9mm filter I will usually use an adapter if not using a filter. But then I've even forgone either and just smoked it as is. Clear as mud now?

 

[didimauw]

Yes, I used to do it all the time. Just be careful of you break up the tobacco very fine. You might get pieces In your mouth.

 

[Ctbill]

I’ve purchased most of my pipes based on size and looks, and have a few that are filtered. I remove them immediately (the filters). They smoke fine to me, no inserts, etc.
BUT, I might just be a Luddite...
(happy and satisfied with my smokes Luddite maybe?...?)

 

[Chasing Embers]

Don't ever do it! The vacant chamber meant for a filter can fill with tobacconite residue from repeated smokes over time and will eventually explode!

 

[sandollars]

Don't ever do it! The vacant chamber meant for a filter can fill with tobacconite residue from repeated smokes over time and will eventually explode!

What if I line it with lead?

 

[Chasing Embers]

What if I line it with lead?

That may help but if you smoke Penzance in it you get double the lead exposure.

 

[sandollars]

I. Am. Scrwed.... Can I say Scrwed or is Scr*wed too vulgar?

 

[Chasing Embers]

I. Am. Scrwed.... Can I say Scrwed or is Scr*wed too vulgar?

Nope, you're fine. Tame compared to some of the language.?

 

[Frozenoak]

I have a pipe some 10 years old that I pulled the filter out of and haven’t looked back. I do clean the “chamber” with a paper towel when I’m cleaning it but I haven’t had any issues with it.

 

[alaskanpiper]

Yes.

 

[anotherbob]

better then a filter for most blends. (there are a few that it seems to improve).

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I must confess,I have sold all my filter pipes away including those Savinellis which were using balsa filters, somehow I feel I would like to have one of those 6mm Savinellis back to my collection,generally speaking those were lovely pipes especially when smoking stronger Dark Kentucky (Latakia Blends) but I couldn't smoke them without using filters and when with adapters I were noticing some unwanted moisture build up in the tenon area.

 

[cigrmaster]

I used to own 6mm Savinelli's and 9mm Winslow's. I smoked both without filters or adapters and they all smoked great.

 

[shanez]

I smoke my Savinelli's with and without filters and can't tell the difference.

 

[mso489]

Most filter pipes smoke well without a filter or adaptor, though you might want an adaptor if you'd like the draw a little more focused. Pipes differ, so some would feel better with an adaptor, others you don't need it. Mostly personal preference. It would be a rare pipe that would be damaged either way.

 

[Spa32]

I never use a filter in my 6mm Savs. I use the adapter in some of the pipes.

 

[sandollars]

Thanks for all your responses. I will stop fretting over it and just keep them clean.

 

[Swampdragon69]

Why use a filter at all? Cooler smoke? Less tongue bite? What is the deal? Perceived better for your health? All the questions. I have asked other pipe smokers and they do not know. Lets brainstorm this.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Lets brainstorm this.

Unlike cigarette filters, pipe filters are primarily for removing moisture from the smoke to prevent steam burns.