That means even @olkofri could get an estate from SPC.I've only ever bought meerschaum estates from SPC. They clean and sanitize them.
That means even @olkofri could get an estate from SPC.I've only ever bought meerschaum estates from SPC. They clean and sanitize them.
I use alcohol to clean the inside/outside of the stem, and very carefully around the mortise. Dip a pipe cleaner in the alcohol and run it through the stem until all the debris is gone. Depending on the material your stem is made from (i.e. vulcanite), you may have to polish your stem afterwards as the alcohol can remove the finish. No alcohol in the bowl or shank. I'll then take my old Buck knife that works perfectly for reaming a pipe, and remove any cake from the bowl. Ream lightly as to not gouge the pipe. I'll then use a wet paper towel to clean the bowl, and repeat until the paper towel comes out clean. I'll use another wet paper towel to wipe down the outside of the bowl to remove any noticeable dirt or possible stains. If it's a pipe with grooves or hard to reach spots then I'll use a Q-tip with water. When cleaning any charing from the rim I will use my saliva on a paper towel, rotate the rim over the saliva, and then wipe it off with a wet paper towel. I've found saliva works the best for removing charring from the rim of a pipe, but just a wet paper towel can do the job if you're grossed out by the saliva. From there you should be good to go.On estate meers do you just clean out the stem?
It's endlessly amusing knowing that carvers test the airflow in their pipes by putting their mouths on them.
Yeah but that doesn't color the pipe that way!It's endlessly amusing knowing that carvers test the airflow in their pipes by putting their mouths on them.
He stopped cleaning his meers, So I wondered what he does with his estates. Yeah since you've been out, we have all gone insane. LolI use alcohol to clean the inside/outside of the stem, and very carefully around the mortise. Dip a pipe cleaner in the alcohol and run it through the stem until all the debris is gone. Depending on the material your stem is made from (i.e. vulcanite), you may have to polish your stem afterwards as the alcohol can remove the finish. No alcohol in the bowl or shank. I'll then take my old Buck knife that works perfectly for reaming a pipe, and remove any cake from the bowl. Ream lightly as to not gouge the pipe. I'll then use a wet paper towel to clean the bowl, and repeat until the paper towel comes out clean. I'll use another wet paper towel to wipe down the outside of the bowl to remove any noticeable dirt or possible stains. If it's a pipe with grooves or hard to reach spots then I'll use a Q-tip with water. When cleaning any charing from the rim I will use my saliva on a paper towel, rotate the rim over the saliva, and then wipe it off with a wet paper towel. I've found saliva works the best for removing charring from the rim of a pipe, but just a wet paper towel can do the job if you're grossed out by the saliva. From there you should be good to go.
What if they're chewing tobacco when they do it?Yeah but that doesn't color the pipe that way!
So that's your secret! Breathe in, spit out.What if they're chewing tobacco when they do it?
You have nothing to worry about. See below from SPC...they are "thoroughly...disinfected" ... ready to smoke as soon as you get it!Ok, I'm thoroughly queased out now...
How do they disinfect the stem?You have nothing to worry about. See below from SPC...they are "thoroughly...disinfected" ... ready to smoke as soon as you get it!
Whether smoked or unsmoked, each estate pipe has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and revitalized by our experienced pipe restoration team.
Best Selection of Estate Tobacco Pipes — Smokingpipes.com
Nobody does it like we do. We maintain the highest standards, we offer the widest selection. Give our experts a call if you’re looking for something specialwww.smokingpipes.com
SPC uses denatured alcohol to disinfect estates.How do they disinfect the stem?
Yeah, I really don't know for sure, but I would think you would not want to use that on a pipe. There are several here that I'm sure could answer that definitively.I have 190 proof ethanol at home, but I have not used it for pipe cleaning. I am worried that it might ruin the old stem.
This is what I use to clean pipes, including estates, and I haven't had any issues.I have 190 proof ethanol at home, but I have not used it for pipe cleaning. I am worried that it might ruin the old stem.
70% absinthe for brand new pipes.I don't know, but this guy uses gin on everything (inbetween swigs) and I'm sure it must be something better than that.
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