Pipe Polishing: Needed?

[mso489]

I don't use wax or polish, and I don't use buffer. I use a paper towel to wipe down the stem and to get the oil from my hands off the pipe, and then to wipe out the bowl, and polish the pipe with a soft cloth. I don't want the pipes to look new, just well maintained.

"Product," polish or wax, leaves a residue, and a buffer wears off the finish.

I realize this isn't everybody's way, but it seems to work for me. Some pipes I bought new are now forty years old or more and look really good.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I just ordered a couple ounces of Reaissance Wax.
As I stated above, I’m a “use it and wipe it off like the tool it is” guy, but I just followed @georged’s “dishwashing” method of cleaning up a 1929-31KBB Kaywoodie 7204 that needed the bowl topped back to square after some angry beaver in the past 90 some odd years hacked and poorly beveled it.
The “suntan” finish seems to be just naked wood, as the part I topped matches the shade of the pipe pretty well, and should be nice after the wax.
I’m gonna use the Renaissance Wax in this case to give it its best shot at another 90 years.
Before and after:

 

[Doctor Chopper]

Previously posted by @admin :

 

[Lucashly]

Renascence Wax. Use it on my flintlock pistols and tried it on my pipes. It is used by the British Museum, dries very shiny and hard and leaves no fingerprints. Amazon sells it.

 

[telescopes]

I find it doesn't take too long to add a bit off wax to the bowl to touch it up and a little oil to the stem. Pipes are tools. Take care of your tools.

 

[Gimlet]

I just rub over with a dab of good vegetable oil - cold pressed rapeseed which is thicker and darker than the cheap stuff or olive oil - on a kitchen towel. Works particularly well on rusticated briars. Cleans them up and really brings out the texture and colours. Will darken pale wood over time though.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I use mineral oil as vegetable oils will eventually get rancid.

 

[RudyG]

I don't wax as I like the natural finish pipes obtain after awhile.

If the briar is really nasty, I use a small bit of olive oil to remove the grime and obtain the natural patina.

 

[didimauw]

I look forward to the days when my pipes are no longer shiny. I like em dirty, dull and scratched.

 

[HRPufnstuf]

I use mineral oil as vegetable oils will eventually get rancid.

I agree, cutting block oil with a microfibre cloth cleans and shines everything without a mess or excess gloss. It can even be used to maintain finished cobs.

Figure 1.
The rustication stays rustic and the finish glows warmly. Even the stem can be maintained with it, it is food safe. It will not eliminate stem chatter.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I look forward to the days when my pipes are no longer shiny. I like em dirty, dull and scratched.

You could get over your aversion to estates, then you’d be living high on the hog!

 

[Chasing Embers]

I just use a jeweler's cloth.

 

[didimauw]

You could get over your aversion to estates, then you’d be living high on the hog!

ewwwww

 

[pepperandjack]

Shiny pipes are a choice, as is preferring them dull and scratched, apparently dirty. The board ethos is shiny, but if no one sees your pipes who's to know, unless of course you gather with the boys for a smoke and conversation at a B&M.

 

[pepperandjack]

Chasing Embers, did I have the wonderful pipes that you have, I would be more disposed to shiny. Beautiful!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Chasing Embers, did I have the wonderful pipes that you have, I would be more disposed to shiny. Beautiful!

I've been fortunate in my life to have personally known many great carvers as well as getting a few really good deals in that time.

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

I use Paragon Wax on my smooth pipes and stems, and I use Halcyon II Wax on my rusticated pipes and stems.



I usually wax my pipes when I do a deep clean, or after buying an estate pipe and do a cleaning. It's all preference. Many people never wax their pipes. It's up to you.

 

[pepperandjack]

I've been fortunate in my life to have personally known many great carvers as well as getting a few really good deals in that time.

You're too humble.

 

[Chasing Embers]

You're too humble.

Thank you my friend.