Pipe Tobacco Accessories

Pipe Use and Care

Much like cigar smoking, the enjoyment of pipe smoking is dictated, for the most part, by personal preference. Especially in regards to types of tobacco and pipes, as well as how to properly pack, light, and smoke it. We believe the best way is the way that suits you best based upon your personal experiences and experimentation.

While smoking a pipe should be based upon personal taste, taking care of your pipes is a little more straight forward. First of all, when you buy a new pipe, you need to properly break it in. The break-in period for a pipe is crucial to getting maximum enjoyment out of it later. A proper break-in doesn't take long, and it's easy to accomplish. A pipe that is properly broken-in will have a well formed cake of carbon that will make it smoke cooler and stay lit longer.

When you buy a new pipe, only fill the bowl halfway for the first 3 or 4 bowls. Smoke these first bowls slowly, and all the way to the bottom. Don't worry if this requires several re-lights. This will ensure that the bowl doesn't get too hot and crack, and that a good layer of carbon will build up over the entire chamber. In between each of these early uses, let the pipe rest a minimum of 3 days, but if you let it sit for a week between uses, that's even better.

After the first few bowls, start gradually adding more tobacco. At this point, its still good to smoke slowly and let the pipe rest a few days between uses. After 8 or 10 bowls, the carbon layer should be built up to the point the bowl is staying cooler and the pipe is staying lit longer. At this point, its fine to add the pipe into your regular rotation. Now, you should have a pipe that will provide you with years of smoking enjoyment.

Once your pipe is broken-in and part of your regular rotation, it will still require some care to keep it in prime condition. The two most important things are keep it clean, and allow it to rest. You should let your pipes dry and air out between uses. The longer you can let it rest, the better, but try not to use a pipe more than once a day.

When you finish smoking, dump the ashes and run a pipe cleaner through the pipe to remove any excess moisture that has built up in the airway. Use of a pipe stand will allow any remaining moisture to drain into the bowl. Whether you choose to use a pipe stand or not, always store your pipe somewhere that has plenty of air circulation. Some pipe smokers remove the stem after each use for a thorough cleaning. Personally, I just do it after every few uses. I also like to use Briar Pipe Wipe to keep my pipes looking good. If you do this too, use the wipe very sparingly so that you don't get a wax buildup on your pipes.

Following these few, simple steps will allow you to get maximum enjoyment from a pipe for years on end.

Shop The Tinder Box

Shop at the Tinder Box for all of your pipe smoking needs. The Tinder Box carries aromatic blends, non-aromatics, English blends, and house blends of pipe tobacco. They offer a wide range of pipes from fine pipe makers such as Savinelli, Ascorti, and Peterson. They also carry lighters, cleaning supplies, bags, and other smoking accessories. The Tinder Box provides Free shipping on all orders over $99!

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