Shag Cut, Why Don’t We See It More Often?

[petes03]

I’ve smoked McClelland 221b Black Shag off and on over the years, and have always loved it’s burn characteristics. Recently, I’ve tried a few D&R shags and G&H Kendal Gold Vanilla Shag. The D&Rs come very dry, burn evenly and effortlessly. The Kendal Gold has got to be the most delicate tobacco I’ve ever seen, and the ease of smoking reflects that very well. I know that in the old days shag was considered an inferior, and often cheap cut. I never really understood that. It seems to me that it would take more effort to obtain a fine shag cut that it would a standard ribbon or pebble cut. Can anyone tell me why we don’t see it more often? Is there something I’m missing? Something that does in fact make shag inferior to ribbon or pebble cut? For my part, I like it and would like to see it much more often.

 

[BROBS]

I’ve smoked McClelland 221b Black Shag off and on over the years, and have always loved it’s burn characteristics. Recently, I’ve tried a few D&R shags and G&H Kendal Gold Vanilla Shag. The D&Rs come very dry, burn evenly and effortlessly. The Kendal Gold has got to be the most delicate tobacco I’ve ever seen, and the ease of smoking reflects that very well. I know that in the old days shag was considered an inferior, and often cheap cut. I never really understood that. It seems to me that it would take more effort to obtain a fine shag cut that it would a standard ribbon or pebble cut. Can anyone tell me why we don’t see it more often? Is there something I’m missing? Something that does in fact make shag inferior to ribbon or pebble cut? For my part, I like it and would like to see it much more often.

I agree. Big shag fan here.

it’s probably harder to store and keep moist without crumbling? (Speculation)

I think a lot of people who smoke a pipe when they see shag think cig tobacco.

 

[seanv]

I also enjoy shag cut. It packs and burns nicely. I sometimes grind other cuts down to shag in a weed style grinder.

 

[canucklehead]

I like shag cuts. Easy to pack, light, and smoke. Good for driving.??

 

[Country Bladesmith]

Only ones I’ve had are Esoterica and D&R. Neither presented any negatives in my opinion. ?‍

 

[logs]

Shag burns fast and hot and is kind of a pain. I find ribbon preferable.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

Shag burns fast and hot and is kind of a pain. I find ribbon preferable.

I just pack it a little tighter. It’s worked for me, but like I said earlier, my experience with them is quite limited.

 

[brandaves]

Love Five Brothers, Penny Farthing and the Esoterica Shag cuts...pack light and smoke slow. Actually, my smoke this morning was Penny Farthing.

 

[LOREN]

I've only had picayune "the pride of new orleans". It seemed like a shag cut to me, and seemed to burn fast and hot for me. Maybe I should have tried to rehydrate it first.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I've only had picayune "the pride of new orleans". It seemed like a shag cut to me, and seemed to burn fast and hot for me. Maybe I should have tried to rehydrate it first.

I’ve heard some folks have luck by packing the pipe and clenching it for a while, breathing through the pipe, before lighting it.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I don't care for the cut. I suspect part of the issue for manufacturers is packaging. The cut takes up more space per weight.

 

[3rdguy]

I like it for my shorter smokes. I would not want Five Brothers to be a long smoke.

 

[kcghost]

I really don't like shag cuts. I don't find it to be pipe tobacco as much RYO tobacco. Certainly don't begrudge it for folks who do like it.

 

[BROBS]

I've only had picayune "the pride of new orleans". It seemed like a shag cut to me, and seemed to burn fast and hot for me. Maybe I should have tried to rehydrate it first.

D&R likes to be jam packed tight.

 

[Sonorisis]

I enjoy Kendal Kentucky, Penny Farthing, Tabac Manil Petite Robin, Kendal Dark Shag, KBV Live Wire, and sometimes mix some Five Brothers into things. I like shag because it is easy to load, easy to light, and usually makes for a short but satisfying smoke.

 

[mso489]

Shag does burn fast and hot, as logs and others mention. It's a good short smoke, like during a work break, at work or at home. But for relaxing, it is too short a smoke for me. I like Petite Robin and Five Brothers and others, but not a regular part of my rotation.

 

[lelik]

Love Five Brothers, Penny Farthing and the Esoterica Shag cuts...pack light and smoke slow. Actually, my smoke this morning was Penny Farthing.

Esoterica shag cuts blends ? Name of the blends,please.Thank you.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Esoterica shag cuts blends ? Name of the blends,please.Thank you.

First one comes to mind is Pembroke.

 

[sablebrush52]

I suspect that cuts, like everything else, go in and out of fashion. I like shag and ribbon cuts. They're easy to enjoy. Flakes take more prep and I don't have either the time or the foresight to deal with that.

 

[sallow]

McConnell Special London, but thats a strong one.