 Since I opened The Pipe Nook, I've had inquiries from many who don't yet smoke pipes, in regards to how to get into the hobby. While pipe smoking for me is the most enjoyable form of smoking, I have to admit that there is certainly a learning curve! I made many attempts along the way before I finally discovered the secrets to pipe smoking success. Below, you will find some basic tips to get you started on your pipe smoking journey. If you're already a pipe smoker, this information is fantastic for sharing with friends. Look for the link below to save the contents of this blog as a handy one-page reference! Things you'll need
Basic Steps 1. Pack your pipe to about 75% full, to allow space at the top for the lit tobacco to "bloom." Most people recommend a 3-Step packing method, but sometimes I only need to do this twice. Here are some guidelines:
2. Don't pack so tightly that a test puff feels like a milkshake, or so loosely that it feels like no resistance at all. You want it to feel like sipping water or soda through a straw. 3. For the First light, take sips (not gulps) and move the flame around until the top of the tobacco is evenly lit. It will most likely bloom up and go out quickly. This is known as the "false light." 4. Once out, tamp the tobacco gently and uniformly. This is the “cake” or burning surface that you'll use to get your true light. 5. Light a second time the same way as the first. You should be on your way, but it sometimes takes a third light to really get going. 6. Tamp gently along the way whenever the top gets looser. Once you've smoked for a while, the top will get moderately "fluffy" with ash; gently upturn your bowl and tap the loose ash in an ashtray. A coffee tin or any similar metal or wooden container will work. 7. Take gentle sips and enjoy the taste of the tobacco. Congratulations, you're smoking a pipe! General Tips If your tobacco is moist, leave it out to let it dry a bit. Moist tobacco causes too much hot vapor in the smoke, a large contributor to what is known as "tongue bite." Don't fight to keep it lit! You'll only frustrate yourself and burn your tongue. If the smoke tastes too hot, let the pipe cool down for a bit. If it goes out, just tamp and relight. Take your time, be patient. Pipe smoking is about relieving stress and enjoying the moment. Don't inhale! It's not a cigarette, and shouldn't be treated as though the point were to get a fix. Learning a cadence that keeps the pipe lit better for you, yet doesn't make the smoke too hot to enjoy, is a knack only learned with time and experience. Your cadence won't be what another pipe smoker's cadence is, so don't compare. Just learn what works best for you! If you don't like the first tobacco you've tried, don't give up: There are literally HUNDREDS of blends to choose from. I always recommend trying at least one of the following 5 blends before throwing in the towel: An Aromatic, a natural Virginia, a natural Burley, a Latakia Blend, and a Perique Blend. That's it! Of course, pipe smoking is a nuanced and highly personal activity that you will get better at over time. But these general tips are all you need to get you on your way! Click Below to Download these tips as a quick one-page reference! 
2/3/2017 05:40:49 pm
Thank you for beginners series on pipe smoking. I tried years ago with no help, didn't know what I was doing and threw it all away. Now I'm retired and trying it again, only with help from You Tube guys like you. Tried my first bowl twice today with Dunhill and liked the experience. Better than the cigar experience. A lot better. 2/3/2017 10:20:56 pm
John, thanks so much for the positive feedback! I wasted 20 years off and on trying to smoke a pipe before I "got it," and that was in large part to a few YouTubers, so I'm glad I can give back! I smoked cigars primarily during that 20 years, and like you, I've found pipe smoking to be much more satisfying, relaxing, and enjoyable.
Norman C. Lao
1/3/2018 03:06:34 pm
I literally just started with the pipe smoking hobby and probably would not have - if not for the incredible 25 episode "How to Smoke a Pipe" video collection on The Pipe Nook's YouTube channel AND several questions that Eddie has answered from several e-mails. Through his videos and e-mail responses, I had an incredibly smooth first experience, the learning curve wasn't as nearly as steep as I previously believed and I was able to enjoy a very solid first experience feeling that I did so in an educated manner. There were a LOT of myths that were dispelled because of the information Eddie and the videos provided and they were and are invaluable to not just me but to ANY new pipe enthusiast. Thank you to Eddie and The Pipe Nook!!! 1/3/2018 05:36:19 pm
Norman, what an encouraging comment! Thank you for sharing your experiences with my readers. This is what The Pipe Nook is all about! 9/5/2019 04:39:03 pm
That's pretty cool that a golf tee or any wooden t-shaped object is sufficient to tamp with. My friend recently started smoking and wants to try using a pipe. I'll have to find a good smoking pipe. 10/28/2019 05:03:15 pm
My brother is thinking about getting a pipe so that he can learn how to smoke. It could be really helpful for him to be able to get a pipe from a professional. It was interesting to learn about how he should leave it out to dry if it gets moist.
Jarrod Troyer
12/3/2019 04:06:11 pm
I just bought a pipe and it is immediately hard to draw, even before filling the chamber. What do I do? Comments are closed.
|
|||