Pipe Chrystals Affect On The Smoke

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Had somebody here any experience with those of so called pipe chrystals of Denicotea,and if so,do they affect negatively on tobacco taste,I think,there a time when they might be nice chance of peace while softening and drying the entire smoke,although somehow I expect tobacco getting some sidetaste from use of them.?

 

[jabo]

Never heard of this. I'm also interested in other takes on this. Now, to investigate further.

 

[jabo]

It appears this product is made with silica gel . The same stuff you can get in a craft store or online for drying flowers. At one time, I heard, Birding marketed merschaum balls for absorbing moisture in the heel. This probably does the same. Worth testing out. Don't see any harm.MPO

 

[pipesmokingtom]

I'd be more inclined to use the Nording Keystones. Interesting concept.
Nording Keystones

 

[clickklick]

I don't need them. I dry my tobacco properly and pack it to my satisfaction. Gimmicks are humorous, but not really required.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Mostly see german and central European tobacconist selling them- so to say just continental eu courtesy /habit

 

[mawnansmiff]

I certainly wouldn't advise someone to put silica gel in their pipes, ye gods, there's enough chemicals in there in the first place once loaded with tobacco.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

That fact may need to be taken in account

 

[jpmcwjr]

How to use Keystones in the Eriksen Keystone pipe:

- Add 5 to 10 keystones into the spiral chamber, mount the pipe bowl and fill it with tobacco.

I'd like to see a video of someone "mounting" a pipe bowl. Ugh!
Tobacco at the right moisture level needs no tricks, either packing or lighting, and will not gurgle, system pipes possibly excepted.

 

[balkisobrains]

I have used Denicool silica crystals, which is basically commercial-grade silica, and it changes the flavor of the smoke for the worse in my opinion. I started using these when I was smoking a lot of 5100 Red Cake, and noticed it right away. It strips the sweetness right out of the smoke until you get to the bottom and heat them up. There's all of the missing flavor. If you want to source your own crystals, just know that there are two commonly-found types of commercial-grade silica crystals, one is "safe", one is not. I forget the terms that differentiate the two, but it has to do with whether or not the pieces will shed dangerous particulates.
I like to use meerchaum chips in the bottom. I find that this changes the character of the smoke for the better, while not really changing the flavor. They also hoist the tobacco up above the draught-hole, if you are having problems with that. (I have a meer-lined bowl with a high draught-hole.) It can also help when loading smaller pieces of tobacco, acting as a filter to keep the tobacco out of a draught hole. Plus the chips "store" a small bit of the overall flavor, which is nice at the bottom of the bowl when you heat them up a little. I have no idea if these shed dangerous particulates or not, but I just make sure the pieces aren't dusty when I load them in the bottom.
I have not used the keystone pellets, but I believe that they are expanded clay pellets. I wouldn't mind trying them, but the meer chips seem to make more sense for pipers who want to put something down there for whatever reason.

 

[tschiraldi]

With all of the choices out there, you should be able to find a tobacco with those qualities you like without adding to it. Think of the fun you'll have searching!

 

[jabo]

I think all my questions are answered. Don't really care much for gimmicks.

 

[ben88]

Another option is activated charcoal. The same you'd use in aquarium. In the end filter is better option(imo)

 

[balkisobrains]

The barrel filters prevent any chance of passing a pipe cleaner, and they kill the draw, and they don't raise the tobacco off of the bottom. I usually just run my own balsa triangle filters where those barrel filters go, but I'm thinking that activated charcoal in any form is going to have the greatest chance of stripping the flavor out of the smoke compared to everything else discussed so far. I'm also thinking that it may impart an certain distinct flavor or odor to the taste. I have some loose fresh activated charcoal, maybe one day I will test it in the bottom of the bowl if I'm bored. :puffpipe: