To Rub or Not to Rub?

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

Watch for Updates Twice a Week

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

sablebrush52

The Bard Of Barlings
Jun 15, 2013
20,672
48,786
Southern Oregon
jrs457.wixsite.com
Very interesting. Would it really matter if I broke flakes in half (HH Bold Kentucky) for storing in a smaller mason 8oz mason jar? They were too long to fit, and I just broke them in half not thinking, but I didn't think it should make much of a difference because the flakes are still intact except for the edges. Ideally I'd want to keep them whole of course but just wanted to get it in that jar when I got ahold of some.
I doubt that it will make any comprehensible difference. Look for the taller 12 oz jars. They will accommodate long flakes.
 

anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
16,642
31,192
46
In the semi-rural NorthEastern USA
I have a 1/2lb of PS400 Superior Navy Flake coming in. I'd like to set aside a small bit to taste right off the bat and wish to cellar the rest away, as I understand it will do much better with some age on it. Upon your recommendations, should I store it as is, or rub it out and store it? Any downsides to the latter? Will it compromise the flavor at all? Thanks!!
As is. Why because you can rub it out latter if you want to but it's harder to put it back. If faced with two choices that seem equal pick the one that is easier to correct.
Example is that trash? Who knows but leave it cause it's easier to throw it in the dumpster then take it out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kcghost

Sinzalot

Starting to Get Obsessed
Oct 22, 2022
230
2,517
Wales
Very interesting. Would it really matter if I broke flakes in half (HH Bold Kentucky) for storing in a smaller mason 8oz mason jar? They were too long to fit, and I just broke them in half not thinking, but I didn't think it should make much of a difference because the flakes are still intact except for the edges. Ideally I'd want to keep them whole of course but just wanted to get it in that jar when I got ahold of some.
Breaking them in half won't matter, the main thing is getting them in the jar.
Happy smokes mate puffy
 
  • Like
Reactions: towhee89

RookieGuy80

Part of the Furniture Now
Jul 6, 2023
734
2,710
Maryland, United States
If it's a flake, it gets jarred as a flake. Also for coin, cake, ribbon, shag, broken flake, plug, cube, chunky cut (or whatever Sutliff calls its Ready Rub Match). I feel there's an inherent value in keeping it as the blender intended for as long as possible. But if asked after a few drinks, it's more a combination of jars cost money and I'm not sitting there rubbing out 1-4 pounds of flake to jar.

The other reason I jar flakes and coins as flakes and coins is in not quite there with folding and stuffing, that just hasn't clicked for me yet. But when it does, I'll be ready for it. But it'll take a couple more drinks to get that out of me in this crowd.
 
Feb 12, 2022
3,574
50,415
32
North Georgia mountains.
If you rub it too much, itll get hard.
On a serious note- I do both.
Flakes I smoke a lot, like daily or weekly, I rub em out into a jar for easy stuff and puff.
Flakes, or plugs/cakes/etc, that i don't smoke as consistently, I leave them in their original form. The majority of mine don't get rubbed until I'm preparing them to smoke.
 
  • Like
Reactions: towhee89

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,210
60,610
I'll vote with storing as-is. Flake, coin, rope, and plug hold some moisture and also allow the blend to age with all of the blend pressed together for future melding and mellowing. I think you will be well pleased with the results.