Rim Charring
- Thread starter RevBriar
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I wet the rim with spit and then rub it over a couple pieces of kitchen towel, laid out over a flat surface. Gently rubbing with very little pressure, then adding more as I feel less resistance from the paper towel.
Try to always use a "soft flame" lighter, or a stick match. Avoid using a "Torch" lighter. Other than that, I believe all the previous posts have been outstanding recommendations!
Personally I would consider rim charring to be a normal occurrence for a pipe.
From time to time I give them a good cleaning.
I generally pick pipes that are black and rusticated for everyday use and then don't worry about it.
Peterson seems to have figure that out.
Those very dark, heavily rusticated models are workhorses.
They can tumble around on the center console of a truck and you could use a propane torch to light them and they just look better with age.
From time to time I give them a good cleaning.
I generally pick pipes that are black and rusticated for everyday use and then don't worry about it.
Peterson seems to have figure that out.
Those very dark, heavily rusticated models are workhorses.
They can tumble around on the center console of a truck and you could use a propane torch to light them and they just look better with age.
Unless you are literally torching the rim, little spit and paper towel will take that off. Nothing to worry about. But I do notice, with my pipes, rim closer to stem usually get darker than others. Probably has to do with pipe hanging little higher on that side and tar and smoke collecting close to stem side.
I always use matches for their soft flame and am careful not to hit the brim, but I still get a little darkening on some brims. A lot can be polished away, but over time, there is some darkening.
I choose not to get too fastidious. Like other wear, it shows a pipe has been enjoyed, and I think that's the point.
I choose not to get too fastidious. Like other wear, it shows a pipe has been enjoyed, and I think that's the point.
Do I need to clean this one?
I've never touched a flame to the rim on this one. That's what I figure to be about 200 bowls worth of smoke licking the rim when first lit. I'm also a clincher while doing other things, and breathing sometimes smokes the pipe both in and out, which I'm sure contributes to this. It starts in the back because the pipe tilts downward and that's where the smoke mostly goes-upward. My briars are starting to get it too, I never considered it a bad thing until reading this thread. I say if it bothers you, clean it... or don't, either way your pipe will make smoke.
I don't think it's charred, maybe... tarred?
I've never touched a flame to the rim on this one. That's what I figure to be about 200 bowls worth of smoke licking the rim when first lit. I'm also a clincher while doing other things, and breathing sometimes smokes the pipe both in and out, which I'm sure contributes to this. It starts in the back because the pipe tilts downward and that's where the smoke mostly goes-upward. My briars are starting to get it too, I never considered it a bad thing until reading this thread. I say if it bothers you, clean it... or don't, either way your pipe will make smoke.
I don't think it's charred, maybe... tarred?
I've never had a blackened corn cob rim unless intentionally done so. I guess it's where I don't produce much visible smoke.
I pay attention to this in my nicer smooth-finished pipes. Generally speaking, it’s not hard to remove as long as you don’t let it build up.
For my other pipes, I just try to keep the pipe as level as possible when lighting. To be honest, I kinda like a little char: that’s my pipe and that char is a sign that I like it enough to smoke it regularly.
Here’s a Mark Tinsky I commissioned:
That’s fine with me
For my other pipes, I just try to keep the pipe as level as possible when lighting. To be honest, I kinda like a little char: that’s my pipe and that char is a sign that I like it enough to smoke it regularly.
Here’s a Mark Tinsky I commissioned:
That’s fine with me
Other then spit, waxing rim can help. I’m convinced some of my pipes rim finish darkens easier then others. Not sure what that means exactly other then some come clean much easier and some I just live with being a bit darker. I also use a very soft toothbrush on rims with a little warm water occasionally.
Using your birthday pipe I see! I’m too scared to use any of my expensive pipes, but you’ve inspired me!
No need to be, they'll be fine. These are smoked regularly and often go in my pocket to travel wherever I'm going.
They need a drool emoji. Is that a Mummert volcano! You have so many gorgeous pipes. Your taste lines up a lot with mine. I don’t have any with ivory stummels/mortise?, you seem to have a lot, now I want one!
