Ugh…Breaking In a Few New Pipes

[PipeIT]

I want to take this in a different direction!

Everyone’s pipe is their own business, to do with, whatever they wish.

But, missing out, starting out with a natural untreated chamber, that the carvers created, you’re missing out on it’s true intentions and journey.

Why be bothered breaking in a pipe, what’s the hurry, rush to get it broke in.

Tastes were mentioned, I’m certainly no briar pro, but all the pipes I’ve smoked with, starting out new, with uncoated chambers, had no bad tastes whatsoever.

Briar from good carvers, property cured/treated and ultimately carved, should not taste bad.

I’m familiar with Paronelli, but I’ve not smoked their pipes. Did you email them, asking their thoughts on smoking/breaking in one of their pipes?

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Every uncoated pipe I’ve smoked new, it was a bonding, learning, growing experience, understanding the pipe’s quirks and how to work with it.

If you have a good pipe, with an uncoated chamber, there’s no reason to do this. You simply need to smoke your pipe very slowly. You should barely be getting the pipe warm to the touch.

Yes, breaking in a new pipe, especially one you care about, is a slow process.

I can only comment on what Jose Rubio told me once about smoking uncoated chambers, to not smoke the pipe hot, to go easy until a 1mm layer was formed, otherwise cracks can be created inside the chamber.

Also, I can only assume, smoking a new uncoated chamber hot from the get go, as to possibly why it’s tasting bad. Most say new briar has nut like flavors, I’ve experienced these tastes before, as well as sweet tasting.

Good briar tastes good!

 

[ssjones]

My process is to load tobacco to the top of a new pipe and light it on fire. I haven't done the 3-level system or used honey or sour cream or grape jelly. I know some of y'all like it, but it seems bizarre to me.

I like the new pipe phase. It's somewhat of a bonding experience. I (almost) never set out to dedicate a pipe to a particular blend style, but I have ended up dedicating certain pipes to certain blends through the break-in period. I particularly like seeing how a familiar blend (recently it's been Green Dragon) tastes in new briar.

Maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but I like clean and new pipes.

Bingo. This thread is why I love the new Peterson bowl coating. It works for me, load, light and smoke. I always smoke slowly, so I've never experienced a burnout regardless. I'm hoping to keep that streak alive.

 

[Searock Fan]

I recently acquired my first new pipe in years. It's a Castello and was unsmoked. To give it the "acid test" I've smoked it 4 times a day for the last week. I believe I've run a pipe cleaner through it once to dislodge a bit of tobacco. I'm pleased to report it smoked wonderfully from the first puff and has continued to smoke great all week. Plus she has stayed as dry as a bone the entire time. I think I've got a winner here. Time to give her a rest.... she's earned it.

 

[DesertDan]

I haven't ever done anything to break in a new pipe accept load it and smoke it.

 

[LeafErikson]

I haven't ever done anything to break in a new pipe accept load it and smoke it.

I think many are with ya here Dan.

 

[DesertDan]

Sometimes it's best just to keep things simple.

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

I had a pipe that came new with a pre-coated bowl, looked like it was painted black, and it tasted awful. I'd never had an issue breaking in a pipe before this or after this, but this one pipe was so bad. I used a touch of honey to coat the bowl and from there it improved. I'm not sure what the purpose of the pre-coat was for, but I don't think it worked. LOL

 

[Sigmund]

Ive had some ebay pipes recoated. I dont care for the taste. Those I used honey to speed the process. I can’t say for sure if it does but it made me feel better. Otherwise, I load it and smoke.

 

[Green Hill Hermit]

Once a month I take a small drop of honey and very thinly coat the bowl of my favorite cob. Does it sweeten it? I think so. If you think it works,do it. Mind over matter.

I’ve come to the point where I dread breaking in a new pipe and tasting that briar char topping the first 4-5 bowls. So, I’ve resorted to my uncle‘s old method of coating the bowl with a high quality local artisan honey (love the corked bottle.) The honey was $7 and I only use it for pipes. Simon on London Calling on YouTube also uses this method.

I love my Savinelli Miele factory honey-coated pipes for their smooth break in. I know there are naysayers, but it works for me. I’ve yet to try pre-coating the bowls with activated charcoal mixed with yogurt as I saw one YouTuber do.

I block the hole and shank with a pipe cleaner while coating with honey, and only fill the bowl half full with tobacco. The pipe shown is a Paronelli. I‘m smoking Gawith & Hoggarth’s American Blend for the break-in period.

I’m interested if anyone else coats with honey.

(tap photos to enlarge)

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

I used to try different tricks to break in a new pipe. Now, I've found I best enjoy just loading it and smoking slower than usual the first few bowls.

 

[PipeIT]

Once a month I take a small drop of honey and very thinly coat the bowl of my favorite cob. Does it sweeten it? I think so. If you think it works,do it. Mind over matter.

I’ve only had maybe a half dozen cobs, everyone of them smoked fine as they were.

Rhetorically speaking, I don’t get why people feel the need to do this. If you have a good pipe, then it smokes just fine, without needing something to wipe around inside the chamber to supposedly sweeten it.

If you feel the need to sweeten a pipe, then it must either be a bad pipe, the styles of blends your smoking, or your palate.

There’s a lot of blends smokers will attest to, that have sweeter profiles to them. So if you always feel the need to do this, maybe you should smoke sweeter profile blends, until your mouth gets accustomed to the pipe, before switching over to straighter pure smoke blends, just a thought.

These three, the Morgan at the top with a Forever Stem, Dagner next, which I no longer have, and last a Apple Diplomat with a Forever Stem, all great smokers.



The Diplomat is the only one I smoke now, and it’s an amazing smoker, since I bought, till now.

P.S. Read this post, maybe the problem is, you’re burning the shank spoon out of the bottom, and it’s suppose to stay there.

Some people take the shank spoon out, and don’t seem to notice anything, but maybe in your situation it might make for a cooler smoke, having the spoon there. I always leave them in, and I don’t char them up from smoking to close to them either.

Missouri Meerschaum Explains Shank In Bowl Bottom :: Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions

Hello Pipers! Just like myself, and for those that wondered about the shank at the bottom of the bowl you might see in a Missouri Meerschaum, they explained it to me, because I know some people like to burn it out over time. ——————————— We assemble our pipes so the spoon on the shank goes all...

pipesmagazine.com

 

[Green Hill Hermit]

I’ve only had maybe a half dozen cobs, everyone of them smoked fine as they were.

Rhetorically speaking, I don’t get why people feel the need to do this. If you have a good pipe, then it smokes just fine, without needing something to wipe around inside the chamber to supposedly sweeten it.

If you feel the need to sweeten a pipe, then it must either be a bad pipe, the styles of blends your smoking, or your palate.

There’s a lot of blends smokers will attest to, that have sweeter profiles to them. So if you always feel the need to do this, maybe you should smoke sweeter profile blends, until your mouth gets accustomed to the pipe, before switching over to straighter pure smoke blends, just a thought.

These three, the Morgan at the top with a Forever Stem, Dagner next, which I no longer have, and last a Apple Diplomat with a Forever Stem, all great smokers.

View attachment 249015

The Diplomat is the only one I smoke now, and it’s an amazing smoker, since I bought, till now.

P.S. Read this post, maybe the problem is, you’re burning the shank spoon out of the bottom, and it’s suppose to stay there.

Some people take the shank spoon out, and don’t seem to notice anything, but maybe in your situation it might make for a cooler smoke, having the spoon there. I always leave them in, and I don’t char them up from smoking to close to them either.

Missouri Meerschaum Explains Shank In Bowl Bottom :: Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions

Hello Pipers! Just like myself, and for those that wondered about the shank at the bottom of the bowl you might see in a Missouri Meerschaum, they explained it to me, because I know some people like to burn it out over time. ——————————— We assemble our pipes so the spoon on the shank goes all...

pipesmagazine.com

More of a statement than a thought my point was clear I believe that pipe smoking is a very personal relationship and when you find something that makes your relationship ( in your mind or reality )work then why isn't that the exact right way? I appreciate your explanation of your opinion though, I really do like seeing other points of view.

 

[woodsroad]

high quality local artisan honey (love the corked bottle.)

WTF is that?

Honey is honey. Yes, there are variations, depending on what the girls were gathering nectar from, from that's it. There's nothing "artisan" that can be done to it, save for the cute cork and maybe the beekeeper had a beard. All this crap about "raw" honey is just that, crap. There's honey that has been strained of bee parts, ants, mouse hair and crap, etc (yes, mice can co-exist with bees in a hive), and honey that has been filtered to remove pollen and other micro contaminates to keep it from crystalizing, but there's nothing artisan about that. it is still honey, produced by the invasive insect Apis Mellifera, which are artificially housed in man-made hives, and processed in stainless steel equipment, which is usually motorized, just like most commercial food production. In fact, if someone wants to sell honey, they are usually required to meet the same sanitation and facilities standards as any other commercial food prep business.

"Honey" from unknown sources, like China, may well not be honey, but flavored corn syrup. Some unscrupulous heathens will adulterate honey with anything that will stretch their profits. Best to deal with someone you know and trust.

And make sure that cork is in there pretty tight. Honey is hygroscopic, and once it absorbs enough moisture from the environment, it will ferment and mold. I recently unsealed a 5 gallon bucket of honey that I extracted back in 1998. I fully expected it to be spoiled, but much to my joy, it was perfect and very delicious!

Why waste it in a pipe?

 

[PipeIT]

More of a statement than a thought my point was clear I believe that pipe smoking is a very personal relationship and when you find something that makes your relationship ( in your mind or reality )work then why isn't that the exact right way? I appreciate your explanation of your opinion though, I really do like seeing other points of view.

The Psychological enjoyment is certainly valid.

But, could it also be a hinderance, meaning, without, maybe it’s holding you back from exploring the pipe and blends you’d normally not explore.

I’m for whatever works, but just make sure it’s also not a crutch too, possibly standing in the way.

Look at it this way, since you mentioned it’s making sweeter for you, the question should then be, why aren’t I getting a satisfactory smoke without it?

If sweet is the objective, there are a lot of sweet blends out there, or maybe the ones you want sweeter, aren’t the right blends for you. or the wrong pipe, that also doesn’t deliver a nicer smoke.

Last, maybe it’s simply as you put, nothing more than a ritual you enjoy, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but a ritual, could detract from the quality of a pipe or blend too.

Anyhow, enjoy!

 

[Green Hill Hermit]

The Psychological enjoyment is certainly valid.

But, could it also be a hinderance, meaning, without, maybe it’s holding you back from exploring the pipe and blends you’d normally not explore.

I’m for whatever works, but just make sure it’s also not a crutch too, possibly standing in the way.

Look at it this way, since you mentioned it’s making sweeter for you, the question should then be, why aren’t I get a satisfactory smoke without it?

If sweet is the objective, there are a lot of sweet blends out there, or maybe the ones you want sweeter, aren’t the right blends for you. or the wrong pipe, that also doesn’t deliver a nicer smoke.

Mind blowing.maybe you really exist in a whole different reality and so do I and using honey is THE way to smoke a pipe over here. My real point is when a lurker asked a simple question just to feel like a part of the forum some members seem to dog pile them rather quickly.

 

[PipeIT]

Mind blowing.maybe you really exist in a whole different reality and so do I and using honey is THE way to smoke a pipe over here. My real point is when a lurker asked a simple question just to feel like a part of the forum some members seem to dog pile them rather quickly.

Don’t over think, what you said, Dog Pile, or I’m assuming, meaning, really laying it on thick.

Hopefully you aren’t being rude, as in talking shit.

Don’t over judge it, I was simply giving constructive comments is all, nothing more.

But also a very valid point, is that a lot of newer smokers are doing things they believe have some merit, when all they are doing is a negative and not helping, but rather hindering.

So regardless of the Pros or Cons, good vs bad, I was only giving you some food for thought.

And I would assume, you’d also appreciate someone taking their time to help.

Enjoy your pipes...

P.S. I’m here to help my fellow pipe smokers is all.

 

[AJL67]

WTF is that?

Honey is honey. Yes, there are variations, depending on what the girls were gathering nectar from, from that's it. There's nothing "artisan" that can be done to it, save for the cute cork and maybe the beekeeper had a beard. All this crap about "raw" honey is just that, crap. There's honey that has been strained of bee parts, ants, mouse hair and crap, etc (yes, mice can co-exist with bees in a hive), and honey that has been filtered to remove pollen and other micro contaminates to keep it from crystalizing, but there's nothing artisan about that. it is still honey, produced by the invasive insect Apis Mellifera, which are artificially housed in man-made hives, and processed in stainless steel equipment, which is usually motorized, just like most commercial food production. In fact, if someone wants to sell honey, they are usually required to meet the same sanitation and facilities standards as any other commercial food prep business.

"Honey" from unknown sources, like China, may well not be honey, but flavored corn syrup. Some unscrupulous heathens will adulterate honey with anything that will stretch their profits. Best to deal with someone you know and trust.

And make sure that cork is in there pretty tight. Honey is hygroscopic, and once it absorbs enough moisture from the environment, it will ferment and mold. I recently unsealed a 5 gallon bucket of honey that I extracted back in 1998. I fully expected it to be spoiled, but much to my joy, it was perfect and very delicious!

Why waste it in a pipe?

French or Italian bees.

 

[Green Hill Hermit]

Don’t over think, what you said, Dog Pile, or I’m assuming, meaning, really laying it on thick.

Hopefully you aren’t being rude, as in talking shit.

Don’t over judge it, I was simply giving constructive comments is all, nothing more.

But also a very valid point, is that a lot of newer smokers are doing things they believe have some merit, when all they are doing is a negative and not helping, but rather hindering.

So regardless of the Pros or Cons, good vs bad, I was only giving you some food for thought.

And I would assume, you’d also appreciate someone taking their time to help.

Enjoy your pipes...

P.S. I’m here to help my fellow pipe smokers is all.

I would absolutely appreciate taking help at all times, hower maybe with a gentle hand. If I was a new pipe smoker and I walked into a shop and asked for advice or tried to start a conversation and there was a bunch of veteran smokers and all they did was make me feel stupid because I am exited about something I think I have discovered in my journey and I just want to share my new found revelation it would put a sour taste in my mouth. Maybe some on her think they are being coderly but at times it seems like exactly what I said. No assuming. Dogpile.

 

[PipeIT]

Mind blowing.maybe you really exist in a whole different reality and so do I and using honey is THE way to smoke a pipe over here. My real point is when a lurker asked a simple question just to feel like a part of the forum some members seem to dog pile them rather quickly.

One last thing, Mind Blowing, and my Reality vs yours, or being a Lurker, has nothing to do with anything.

I was simply being friendly and polite, and replying just to give some things to think on, that is all.

That sort of reply, could be considered being rude. I’m not rude to anyone around here, never have been, never will be.

This is a very tight knit community, and if it comes across like others are giving each other shit, well, maybe someone is either being rude, or it’s friendly banter.

Next time, who cares, if we are all trying to be helpful, be glad for the help and input.

P.S. I am with a Gentle Hand, being friendly...

 

[woodsroad]

French or Italian bees.

I've mostly kept Italians and hybrids. Beekeepers are a highly idiosyncratic lot. Ask ten beekeepers what their preferred queens are, and you'll get 30 answers. Remind you of any other group of people?