To dump, or not to dump...

[twss]

I have recently started dumping out ash from my pipe at about the 2/3 mark and noticing that I get a cleaner, more airy smoke. I am wondering though, if I'm also dumping out all that good sugar from the previous tobacco. What about all of you? Do you dump, not dump, and why?

 

[pstlpkr]

Sure....

Dumping my pipe is SOP, that is if it needs it.

However; removing the ash is said manner can cost you a slow smoke competition.

The whole idea behind smoking a pipe (besides the leisure and contemplation aspects) is enjoyment and the full expression of the tobacco's flavor.

So, any reasonable technique that enhances the experience is... alright in my book.

 

[twss]

SOP?

 

[bowhatchie]

Standard operating procedure... and I agree with Lawrence... if it improves your enjoyment and the quality of your smoke.. Have at it!

 

[menckenite]

Most of the time I do dump (a.k.a. "tipping") but not always. If there is too much ash build up to allow proper air flow in keeping the tobacco lit, then it gets tipped.
I'm not sure what causes the need for tipping but I think it may depend on the tobacco.

 

[directshot]

Tip or not to Tip..... As William stated above it seems dependent on the tobacco and in my case I've found it has some dependency on the pipe I'm smoking. I also resort to using the small wire part of my pipe tool to simply put a draft hole in the tobacco after I pack the ash, rather than tipping. This opens the airway in the packed tobacco and allows a less restricted draw. This will also cause the tobacco to burn faster and if your smoking for the "slow smoke competition" take you out of that world record you always wanted.

With that said.... does anyone see an issue with my method, would really appreciate tips, pointers and critique.

 

[cortezattic]

I have found that dumping the ash after the mid-bowl point greatly improves the continued taste of Va. flakes. I have tried that with other cuts and tobaccos without noticing much difference in taste; but it can improve the burn.

 

[classicgeek]

I'm going to give this a try.
Simon

 

[collin]

:? I'm a dumper.

 

[unclearthur]

Tipping out is pretty much standard for me. Though it takes special technique with a Pete System pipe.

 

[hobie1dog]

good topic....never really considered it, as I only do it if I put the pipe down and come back to it later.

 

[sparroa]

I have thought about it and done it more than once but I never noticed a huge difference. I will try a few more times and see what I think. Thanks.

 

[bubbadreier]

I dump... I can taste the ash if I don't!

 

[igloo]

Cortez is spot on with dumping the Virginia blends ash build up , it improves the flavor .

 

[puffintuff]

I dump. Probably 1/4 of the bowl all the time.

 

[fred]

Most of the time I leave the ash in the Pipe. I'll dump the ash when

it gives me a problem with relights due to the depth of the bowl's

chamber and/or the smoking characteristics of the Pipe tobacco.

 

[twss]

Yea, I'm noticing a huge difference with the VA's but not much elsewhere.

 

[dubinthedam]

For me dumping is another one of those little skills that the pipe smoker has in his arsenal to help get an even more enjoyable smoke. I dump usually about twice. But not always!