HOW TO SMOKE A PIPE
Pipe smoking is one of the
most relaxing and enjoyable experiences
that man and woman have shared since recorded
history began.
The following steps are a guide in helping the new pipe smoker and is presented only
as a guide to get you started. Eventually, you will develop and learn your own precise
ways
of preparing, filling, lighting and enjoying a great smoke.
NEVER
USE A TORCH LIGHTER
TO IGNITE YOUR PIPE!
1. Start with a pipe that is clean and dry.
2. It is important that the tobacco
be properly humidified before smoking. Most tobaccos bought in the handy
pocket size packs are already humidified and should last until all the
tobacco is used up as long as you re-seal
the pack each time after use. For larger amounts of tobacco, a tobacco
humidor is recommended. Ask your
local Tobacconist for recommend a
mild blend of tobacco.
3. Take some tobacco and let it
trickle into the bowl until it is filled. Tamp the tobacco down gently until it feels
springy. This is best accomplished by using a pipe tamper. Repeat this
two more times until the bowl is filled
to the top. The proper amount of tension
with each successive level of tobacco will determine the amount
of resulting draft. Proper draft will result in an easy cool smoke
whereas, packing the tobacco too tightly
will require a stronger draw of the air coursing through the tobacco and
result in a smoke that is possibly hotter
and less enjoyable. Experience will teach you what amount of
tamping pressure is required with each layer
of tobacco.
4. Remove any loose filaments of
tobacco that may be resting over the edge of the bowl.
Use only wooden matches or a quality butane lighter filled with premium butane.
Stay away from
low quality inexpensive brands of butane.
If using wooden matches, allow head to burn off before applying flame
to tobacco.
***NEVER USE A TORCH TYPE LIGHTER TO LIGHT A PIPE!***
5. Apply flame to entire surface of
tobacco, drawing frequently, but gently. The initial lighting of the tobacco will
cause it to raise up which can be remedied by tamping down with a
tamper. Once leveled, re-light and draw with
a slow, purposeful rhythm.
6. Do not inhale the smoke,
instead draw it in, savor its flavor and gently release it back into the air allowing it
to
color it with the aroma of whatever particular tobacco you have chosen.
Occasionally, you will have to tamp down
the tobacco a little, remove some of the ash buildup and
yes, sometimes your pipe may go out.............
This is normal!
Do not buy into the myth that 'one must never allow a pipe to go out
until the last piece of tobacco has
been consumed'. This is hogwash! Relighting your pipe several times during the
course of enjoying a bowlful
of tobacco is a normal and proper way to enjoy a pipe.
Never smoke down to the last chards of tobacco.
7. There comes a point in time where
re-lighting only works for a draw or two and then the pipe goes out. This
usually will occur towards the end of a bowlful of tobacco possibly
due to the tobacco being too compressed or
too moist. If this occurs, it is best to discard remaining tobacco.
8. After you have finished smoking
your pipe, it is best to allow it to cool before attempting to clean it. Use a pick
or similar pipe tool to remove the remaining tobacco from the bowl with
a gentle motion being careful not to
damage the inside of the bowl. Never scrape or dig out the bottom of
the bowl.
Next, blow out
strongly through the mouthpiece to dislodge any remaining pieces of tobacco. Run a pipe
cleaner
through the mouthpiece into the bowl several times to absorb any
moisture and residue that may remain. Your
pipe will be ready for the next pleasurable experience.
Here are a few suggestions to help
you enjoy and protect your pipe.
A. Never strike the top of the bowl against a hard surface when attempting to empty any
ashes. There are
many ashtrays that have built-in cork
knockers on the market. Be kind to your pipe.
B. Never attempt to remove the mouthpiece while the pipe is still hot or
warm. This
can result in the end of
shank cracking or breaking.
C. If your pipe bowl gets hot to the point where it is uncomfortable to hold, put it
down and allow to cool off.
Make sure you have followed the previous instructions
concerning how to properly fill your pipe.
D. Use a conditioning kit to keep your pipes in pristine condition. Polishes and cleaners
are available at most
retail Tobacconists.
E. Do not allow carbon to build up on walls of bowl to exceed any more than 1/16 of an inch
thick. Excessive
carbon buildup can cause bowl to crack.
START OUT BY SELECTING OR ASKING FOR A MILD TOBACCO BLEND
CHECK OUT THE PREMIER PIPE MADE JUST
FOR YOU
When cared for properly, your pipe
can become a favored friend providing you with years of relaxing pleasure.
As with most friendships, it takes two to make it a wonderful and lasting one.