Questions on briar break-in

[zachstorm]

Hello all!
I've been a lurker for some time now, but decided it's finally time to join the discussion. I've just finished ordering my first pipe (w/ the whole nine yards) and I'm excited to get started, but I've read several confusing articles regarding the standard "break-in" methods. Any sage advice to impart on a pipe newbie would be greatly appreciated.
If it's any help, what I've ordered is a Stanwell Brushed Brown #83, an ounce of Dunhill Early Morning (image link below...hopefully), tamping tool and cleaners.
Having read my way through many of the pages here, a particular one about hobbits making me hurt with laughter, I know you all to be a wise and generous community. Again, thanks for any advice.
Zach
http://www.google.com/search?q=stanwell+brushed+brown+83&safe=off&biw=1152&bih=551&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=zsAeVYaCOcWqNrmMgbAG&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg#imgrc=n83-VDv5x2ecBM%253A%3BOWW-uqZzZaRFCM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimg.cigarsinternational.com%252Fp%252F500%252Fpm%252Fp%252Fpm-pswbhn-123-r.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.cigarsinternational.com%252Fpipes%252F83390%252Fstanwell-brushed-brown%252F%3B500%3B500

 

[zack24]

Forget most of what you've read- some of the advice you'll get online is way too obsessive about picky details....
Stuff your pipe full of tobacco, slowly smoke it to the bottom relighting, tamping, and emptying ash as needed...It's that easy...If it feels hot on the outside of the bowl, you're smoking too fast...

 

[raevans]

Pretty much what zack24 said. Load your pipe and smoke it really slow. It doesn't matter how many times you have to relight. The key to the first few smokes is to build up an even cake on the inside of the bowl. With this being a new pipe, make sure that you have plenty of pipe cleaners handy to absorb the "juice" that will accumulate. Make sure that you allow yourself ample time to smoke. Above all else, enjoy to experience!!

 

[wilson]

Yep.What zack24 and raevans said. Its not magic. Smoke slowly and some cake will form. Let your pipe dry out between smokes.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Like everyone above said. Slowly smoke it and enjoy the process. The breaking in will take care of itself.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

My understanding is that if you have a pipe with a black bowl (coated on the inside), it probably needs no break in.

Regardless, however you smoke the pipe is where you want cake, I don't think I've ever burned tobacco to the bottom of a bowl.

 

[mcitinner1]

Stuff your pipe full of tobacco, slowly smoke it to the bottom relighting, tamping, and emptying ash as needed...It's that easy...If it feels hot on the outside of the bowl, you're smoking too fast... :clap:
Read the above over and over until you remember it forever.

 

[joshb83]

There isn't much else to say that hasn't already been said. Just enjoy and experiment! Welcome to the forums!

 

[settersbrace]

I too agree with the above posts. I'd venture a guess that many a prospective pipe smoker has needlessly stressed over the whole "break in" thing and would have been better advised with what Zach24 said. Enjoy and welcome aboard!

 

[darthcider]

Just like Zack said, take it slow, enjoy the process.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Just for a different perspective, I like to get my new pipe going really good, get in the car, drive really fast, and hold the pipe out the window. I know, I know, it seems counter intuitive, but when see a bakery on the side of the road pull over and ask them to put a cake in your pipe. No, no, no, don't worry, they'll know exactly what your talking about. ::
Welcome to the forum. And, I was just kidding about holding it out the window. That's dangerous. Make the passenger do it, Ha ha!!

 

[saltedplug]

"Forget most of what you've read- some of the advice you'll get online is way too obsessive about picky details....
Stuff your pipe full of tobacco, slowly smoke it to the bottom relighting, tamping, and emptying ash as needed...It's that easy...If it feels hot on the outside of the bowl, you're smoking too fast..."
Great advice.

 

[mortonbriar]

Give it a good clean after you smoke too! run pipe cleaners through till they come out clean, inside of bowl can be wiped with a folded over pipe cleaner or paper towel etc.
Isaac

 

[brudnod]

Try a variety of tobaccos from whimpy (like I personally prefer) mild Virginias to powerful English blends. DON'T buy a pound of any particular variety of tobacco; you might just hate it. Minimum amounts or samplers from places like PipesandCigars.com. There are WAY too many choices and getting to your "sweet spot" is going to take some time. Good luck!

 

[jvs68]

Hi guys,
Sort of along this line, is there any preferred amount of time to let a pipe "rest" between smokes? Is it OK to smoke the same pipe every day?
Thanks!

 

[mortonbriar]

jvs68, there is the full spectrum of opinions on resting a pipe, but i think most people will agree that it cant hurt to rest a briar for a few days to let it dry out after a smoke. I do a week on mine, its a good excuse to have a 7 day set.

 

[monty55]

Hi guys,
Sort of along this line, is there any preferred amount of time to let a pipe "rest" between smokes? Is it OK to smoke the same pipe every day?
Thanks!

Probably should be a new thread, but to answer your question yes, you can smoke a pipe every day, if that is your ONLY option but it's best not to. The pipe really needs to dry out before you reload it. Most would probably agree that optimally one would have a mininum of 7 pipes, one for each day so that they can rest for a week before smoking again. On the other hand I have well over 7 pipes, but I still might smoke the same pipe after only 2 or 3 days of rest, cause we love our pipes, and when you get the urge to smoke out of a particular pipe there isn't a whole lot that will change your mind.
Ok, back to our original scheduled program

 

[jvs68]

Thanks guys!

 

[zachstorm]

"Stuff your pipe full of tobacco, slowly smoke it to the bottom relighting, tamping, and emptying ash as needed...It's that easy...If it feels hot on the outside of the bowl, you're smoking too fast..."
Seems like the general consensus is that these are words to live by! Call me partial, but advice from any Zac(h/k/q?) is good advice

Anyway, I received the confirmation email that it's all on the way! When I have a free hour or so later this week I'll post pictures of my first go at things. Hopefully I won't "catch [my] nose on fire," as my girlfriend seems to feel is inevitable. Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Zach

 

[zachstorm]

Well, it turns out "2-8 days shipping time" is alot more like "36 hours later it's in your hands" using the lingo of the folks over at PipesandCigars.com :D
I'll post pictures of my first smoke tonight, after what I'm sure is going to be a fairly grueling day.
Zach