Here's a thumbnail primer on the value and uses of small pipes, of what used to be called Group 1 and 2. Why would anyone want such a small pipe? The obvious use is for a short smoke, during a work break or intermission or other limited time. For that purpose, you can use a tobacco that will burn the appropriate amount of time. Small pipes can also give an average length smoke with flake, plug, coin or rope. I've been amazed at how long flake will burn in a Group 1. Small pipes are also good for sampling extra strength tobacco, to get its measure before graduating to a medium or larger bowl. They also serve to sample tobaccos at a pipe show, pipe club, or pipe shop, where you may not have time to smoke a medium bowl of each offering. I thought of small pipes as toys or souvenirs until the late great fish'n'banjo recommended them, so I bought one and never looked back. If you are thinking of buying a small pipe, I say do it. If you never considered it, I'd say, do so. Any small pipe adventures or opinions to report?
