Your Thoughts on Broken Flakes?

[Pavelmed]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

As a newer pipe smoker I love broken flakes. They burn slow and evenly, are easy to pack, don't require too much tamping.
What are your thoughts on broken flakes and what blends do you like?

 

[BROBS]

As a newer pipe smoker I love broken flakes. They burn slow and evenly, are easy to pack, don't require too much tamping.
What are your thoughts on broken flakes and what blends do you like?

I fully rub out flakes, broken flake, ready rubbed, and ribbon.

 

[mountainman]

I also rub out all flakes. Tried the cube cut, fold and stuff and whatnot, but 100% get more consistent smokes when I rub the flake out into a ribbon consistency.

 

[BROBS]

I also rub out all flakes. Tried the cube cut, fold and stuff and whatnot, but 100% get more consistent smokes when I rub the flake out into a ribbon consistency.

It’s how they were intended to be smoked.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I'm fine with broken flakes. I don't rub out flakes or broken flakes. I just stuff in the bowl, light and smoke. I like that they burn slower and I think I get a richer, deeper flavor. To each their own. If you're new, you should do some experimenting to see what works best for you. I smoke 5 to 7 bowls per day, I don't want to spend any unnecessary time on prep.

 

[canucklehead]

It’s how they were intended to be smoked.

All really old pipe smokers I've observed when I was younger gave everything a good rubbing before filling their pipe. I think most of them were smoking original Amphora.

 

[gervais]

I like a broken flake. I fill the bottom half first with unrubbed broken flake, then the other half with a more rubbed out version. I sometimes stuff a full flake in there, but rarely

 

[coming to_falling too]

I fully rub out flakes, broken flake, ready rubbed, and ribbon.

So what you're saying is, you rub your ribbon?

 

[select565]

I still can’t figure out how to smoke big chunks of broken flake or folded flakes in my pipes they just don’t stay lit and are all airy

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I still can’t figure out how to smoke big chunks of broken flake or folded flakes in my pipes they just don’t stay lit and are all airy

I’m not saying the way I do it is the “right way,” not in the least, but this works for me: try putting the strands of broken flake vertically into the pipe, almost like a bundle of sticks. Give it a light tamp to get it all even with the rim, and check the draw. If it’s good, light it up. If it’s too tight, pull a little out and try the draw again. You’ll still need an occasional relight, but it shouldn’t be that many. All that being said, I still rub it out sometimes.

 

[Worknman]

I like broken flakes. I've never understood people who complain when they open a tin and the flakes aren't all perfectly cut and neatly stacked. Are you smoking the stuff or just admiring it for its beauty?

 

[hawky454]

I like em. My favorite broken flakes were of the McClelland variety. They were nice and compressed.

 

[trubka2]

I love em, but I like all cuts off tobacco. Old Gowrie and Capstan Blue Ready Rubbed are two of my favorite broken flakes. I usually only rub out the little bit that goes on top. But I'll smoke them however my mood or the conditions dictate. Couldn't give less of a how they're "supposed" to be smoked or used to be smoked way back when.

 

[select565]

I’m not saying the way I do it is the “right way,” not in the least, but this works for me: try putting the strands of broken flake vertically into the pipe, almost like a bundle of sticks. Give it a light tamp to get it all even with the rim, and check the draw. If it’s good, light it up. If it’s too tight, pull a little out and try the draw again. You’ll still need an occasional relight, but it shouldn’t be that many. All that being said, I still rub it out sometimes.

Will Definitely give that a try next time! Thank you

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I just wad them up and cram them in my pipe. I'll cube cut full flakes... if I'm feeling all arts and crafty. But, for the most part, I don't think about any of it much and just wad and stuff.