Question For The Rope Smokers

[Ahi Ka]

Lads,

I’ve transitioned from smoking ropes on occasion to pretty much every day. Most of the stuff I’m working through has around a decade on it, and with the exception of the log of tambo, is all made in Kendal for either of the Gawith houses or for Synjeco.

I’ve started to just cut of a chunk from a jar and leave on my bench, slicing off bits as I need them. Normally I’ll cut off enough for 3-5days at a time.

Wondering if anyone else does this?

I’m not advocating it as a practice, and I’m not sure if I’ll keep doing it as we move into summer. I do notice a subtle change in the smoke as the week progresses, not better, just differ. but I’m still yet to determine if this has more to do with the moisture case of the rope or with my palette being used to consecutive/subsequent smokes of a single blend.

 

[georged]

I've smoked rope for decades, but only discovered The Magic Way To Prep It fairly recently.

Before anyone asks, no, this isn't a joke.

Slice the rope into 1.5mm / 1/16" thick coins---a couple dozen of them---on a paper plate (which is in turn on a cutting board) using a sharp chef's knife.

Then fold the paper plate taco-style and slide the coins into one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Coffee-Grinder-80335R/dp/B005EPRFKO/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3D8GAZIWNZR5E&dchild=1&keywords=spice+mill&qid=1635573978&qsid=139-5935673-0990918&sprefix=spice+mill%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-8&sres=B076FJ92M4%2CB001C2GWTI%2CB01JWY2WHI%2CB005EPRFKO%2CB095S7FT78%2CB079PMWD1B%2CB084Q5XN6P%2CB08FGR832S%2CB074Z8JB31%2CB00HSF4BCI%2CB074GRHTC5%2CB094VB9B5Q%2CB09B79YK1C%2CB084B1MK2R%2CB07S82DX3K%2CB005VDYHA0%2CB003L0OOQM%2CB084Z629YF%2CB089H12TQC%2CB01B4KQXKK

Attach the lid and blip the grinder for ONE SECOND two or three times.

That's it. Open and dump the contents back onto the paper plate.

A beautiful pile of absolutely perfect ribbons, perfectly fluffed, every time. No skill required.

The only variable is how evenly thick you cut the coins. The better your knife handling, the better the result.

The "magic" is because of something unexpected: the spinning blades do NOT cut or chop the tobacco. None of it gets turned to dust. Why? Because the the little upturned thingies on the ends of the blades instantly get wrapped with little balls of tobacco, so what actually spins is like a tiny barbell, not a blade. 5000rpm does the rest.

I 100% guarantee that using a spice grinder will instantly change anyone's view of ropes being a PITA to prep & deal with.

 

[Brendan]

Fantastic.
Although I'm not a rope smoker - yet, I have the same style grinder and will remember this tip.

Just wanted to say that, thanks @georged

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

I just cut of 2 or 3 coins off and semi rub them out so there's still some chunks in there.
That's the great thing about plug/rope, you can cut it thick or thin, you can fold and stuff, you can cube cut or rub it out to your desired preference.

 

[karam]

I tend to cut as i need, usually the night before. I cut waffer thin coins, more than i need for a bowl, and let them dry in an open old snus tin, they are ready in the morning to either stack if thinner rope like Gawith browns or folded and stuffed with Synjeco. Any remaining shreds become kindling for the top.

 

[kcghost]

The key to the deal is "if" you have a spice grinder.

 

[Peter Turbo]

i use a cigar cutter to slice little coins and stack them. then i break up a coin for some kindling on top.
the coffee grinding technique sounds good and im interested in trying it with some other blends i have.

 

[Streeper541]

The key to the deal is "if" you have a spice grinder.

Heck, from his story I might just go get one.

 

[condorlover1]

I have been smoking ropes for forty years and like everyone else I cut coins off with a sharp knife. I tend to rub the stuff out and then fill the pipe. Usually I cut the rope into six inch lengths that fit perfectly into my tobacco pouch. Thicker stuff like XX I tend to just carry in my jacket pocket since a 5" length seems to last me the day. I am intrigued with @georged coffee grinder and I might give that a whirl.

 

[craig61a]

Cigar cutter works great. Just place on a flat surface and place the rope in from the top. You’ll get thinner ribbons that way. I don’t have a hunk of rope handy, but I think you’ll get the idea.

I zap the coins in this little Mr. Coffee grinder. Just a second or so. And grind them when they’re moist, or you’ll end up with pixie dust.

 

[Ahi Ka]

I either use a knife or a cigar cutter depending on my mood. I’ll definitely try that grinder trick out this week. I guess my question was more aimed to see how many people get a few bowls worth out of the jar at a time, or basically just cut what they need for each smoke…and obviously I’m realising this depends on how frequently one smokes the turds

 

[mso489]

You have a log of tambolaka? Did you get it from 4noggins? Years ago? I never had a log, but I bought a few ounces. 'Tis strong, but tasty. (It's Indonesian air cured burley.)

 

[Ahi Ka]

You have a log of tambolaka? Did you get it from 4noggins? Years ago? I never had a log, but I bought a few ounces. 'Tis strong, but tasty. (It's Indonesian air cured burley.)

Yeah I grabbed it from Paul (Larryson) a while back. I think it’s dated to 2011 - well rolled up in 2006 according to the handwritten note on it. I enjoy it like @condorlover1 suggested mixed with brown rope. To me the log almost smells of straight dried perique. Like has that same barnyard vibe.

 

[condorlover1]

Tambo is one of my favorites but the prep work is even too much for me at times. It is one hell of a tobacco that falls into the 'hold my beer' bracket of smokes.

 

[Ahi Ka]

@georged who would win between tambo and your coffee grinder?

 

[FurCoat]

I have been known to cut a 1.5" length, leave it out to dry for a week and drop it in my Albertson. PITA to get started, but worth it.

 

[warren]

I slice enough off for a bowl, rub it out to my liking, stuff, light and enjoy.

 

[F4RM3R]

Sharp knife here. I also cut and loosely(barely) rub out maybe 1/2 oz at a time to dry for a day or two(humid climate) in a baking tin before smoking.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I have a good friend at the local deli, and he'll slice rope to very thin, so thin you can see some (bright) light come through dimly. I have him slice up 5-6 ounces at a time, and store the wafers in batches of an ounce or two so some will get a bit of aerobic aging for 6-12 months.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I cut ropes into coins, then cube cut the coins, and let them dry overnight. Gravity fill a pipe the next day and they smoke perfectly.