Packing Different Cuts of Tobacco

[blackbeard]

Ok, so... Hopefully I didn't overlook another thread on this; however my curiosity is begging me to ask. I want to know how later when I obtain an oddball cut how to handle it before it goes in my pipe. I noticed twists, flakes, ready rubbed, plugs, spun cut, etc. all are just a bit different than dealing with your basic tobacco. When I tried Villiger 1888 it was my first dealings with anything other than just drop in your bowl. Actually my first round I broke it up, second I folded it; both ways changed the way it smoked. Now to get to the point of this.
I want to know, how to deal with each type of tobacco before you load it into your bowl and smoke it. So, what are your opinions, advice, and experiences with how you handle the different cuts?

 

[warren]

I try to keep the pipe simple. Plugs, ropes, and slices are cut or sliced and rubbed out, loaded into the pipe and smoked. Some members treat the above differently. What ever works to give you a good smoking experience.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Rope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iddCRTAF7s&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Ribbon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKK4vF7kTo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Flake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBdA8XtoISM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Plug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWb2AmWvMOU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Crumble Cake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00lLHMZ2-gU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[blackbeard]

Talk about covering a question....time to start watching!

 

[Chasing Embers]

:mrgreen: I like to be thorough, plus different cuts can be quite intimidating when you first try them. Each one does have its merits though. ::

 

[blackbeard]

I have to add here. When I first was introduced to pipe smoking my advice on packing was..."here let me show you, if it draws its fine it will smoke." He grabbed his pipe out of his pocket, unrolled his bag of admirals choice, dropped the pipe in, pushed a little ribbon in, shook the bag a little, pushed a little more in, and pushed a little amount in the top, pulled the pipe out, and blew it off the sides. I have to say...when I figured it out, it was a little easier to explain than his 5 second motion of a 40+ year pipe smoker. Gotta love fond memories if there was a person to start you smoking. He saw me do it, waited until almost finished with the smoke and he said "You've re-lit once haven't you? I taught you well." Ribbon is easy to me, but the first time something different came in and I freaked out a little...not gonna lie.

 

[Chasing Embers]

After a while, it becomes second nature, and you'll be able to load different cuts without thinking about it. Twenty-four years piping here, and remember thinking that the first time I saw a plug, I thought it was something edible. :rofl:

 

[blackbeard]

Just brought to mind when my grandpa (who used to chew a twist in a day or two) decided he would grab a pinch of my pipe tobacco and try to chew it. I said...."It is not going to taste like it smells...you might not want to...." Few seconds later and several words later he realized I was right. So, apparently pipe tobacco isn't edible...WHO KNEW!?