Pipe newbie

Kid Mac · Mar 12, 2009

Yes. Pickling salt is also not iodized; iodized salt effects the color, but not taste, of pickles.

I've also never had problems with the salt treatment, but some smokers reported problems in Pipe and Tobacco Magazine. Apparently the problem is with tiny imperfections or fissures in the bowl or shank that you don't notice, which enlarge (i.e., crack) when the salt re-crystallizes. I imagine the bad results are uncommon, but I thought I'd pass it along before anyone tried the method on an heirloom. Activated charcoal might also work as an absorbing medium.

When I did use the salt treatment, I used Everclear alcohol -- high proof and neutral flavor.

Mac

jamespowers · Mar 12, 2009

Kid Mac said:
Yes. Pickling salt is also not iodized; iodized salt effects the color, but not taste, of pickles.

I've also never had problems with the salt treatment, but some smokers reported problems in Pipe and Tobacco Magazine. Apparently the problem is with tiny imperfections or fissures in the bowl or shank that you don't notice, which enlarge (i.e., crack) when the salt re-crystallizes. I imagine the bad results are uncommon, but I thought I'd pass it along before anyone tried the method on an heirloom. Activated charcoal might also work as an absorbing medium.

When I did use the salt treatment, I used Everclear alcohol -- high proof and neutral flavor.

Mac

Iodine can smell pretty bad too.

I am not sure how careless you have to be in order to leave that much salt behind but.....[huh] Like I said, I always rinse with clear alcohol after dumping out the salt as well.
Charcoal might work but I don't want my pipe tasting like bourbon.

Everclear?! They still make that? I thought that was rubbing alcohol.

I tend to try to use 90 proof alcohol with the salt treatment. It works better with a higher proof.

Kid Mac · Mar 12, 2009

Yep, they still make Everclear, and it is still available in North Carolina. Two variations 151 proof (which I used for the salt treatment) and 190 proof.

Now that would be effective pipe cleaning. lol

Of course, you get a look from the clerk when you buy it.

Cheers,

Mac

jamespowers · Mar 13, 2009

Kid Mac said:
Yep, they still make Everclear, and it is still available in North Carolina. Two variations 151 proof (which I used for the salt treatment) and 190 proof.
Now that would be effective pipe cleaning. lol

Of course, you get a look from the clerk when you buy it.

Cheers,

Mac

Yeah, they wonder if you will pull a Richard Pryor or something.

190 proof! Geez, what, do they make that in their backyard?

:eusa_doh:

I would probably be afraid to use that in my pipe. It might crack it.

Copper · Mar 13, 2009

jamespowers said:
Then again, you had to taste Laphroig.
I am sure it worked because alcohol gets rid of quite a few sins in a pipe. I fill mine with kosher salt first and then wet this salt with the cheap vodka after blocking the stem. That white salt will turn brown after about 30 minutes and suck all the tar, and other stuff that taints the pipe, right out. Rinse with more vodka and let dry. No problems with nasty leftover tastes. :cool2:

He he - Yes, Laphroaig is certainly not to everyone's taste, but I'm still a fan! The alcohol does indeed do the trick quickly. I just wanted it to get to work on the stem though and wouldn't be pouring it into the bowl.

JJWord · Mar 13, 2009

The only pipe I have is a Doc Grabow I bought many years ago. It has this metal trap in the stem that has a scooped look to it. I really don't know what purpose it serves, but its removable for cleaning.

Am I better off leaving it out completely?

shortbow · Mar 13, 2009

Thanks for the head's up on the salt!

CigarMan · Mar 13, 2009

JJWord said:
The only pipe I have is a Doc Grabow I bought many years ago. It has this metal trap in the stem that has a scooped look to it. I really don't know what purpose it serves, but its removable for cleaning.

Am I better off leaving it out completely?

The purpose of the metal trap is to filter out saliva/moisture that could travel to the bottom of the bowl. When this happens, steam occurs causing tongue bite. But at the same time it does restrict the air flow a little bit too. Personally, any that I have that come with filters I take out the enjoy the full flow of the pipe, but it's really up to you. Try it without it and see what you think, then base you're decision off of that.

CigarMan · Mar 13, 2009

eldonkr said:
My pipe seems clogged. I have inspected and thoroughly cleaned every section and have found no clog.

What now?

Hey eldonkr . . . did you ever get your pipe unclogged?

wildturkey8 · Mar 14, 2009

Blakemar Briars

One of the hidden jewels of the internet is Blakemar Briars of Litchebourgh, England. I love the fact that I am ordering straight from the manufacturer. They have as complete selection of shapes, finishes,and sizes as you will find anywhere. You can also order to your own filter requirement, or no filter at all. Just type in Blakemar Briars on your search engine. Oh, by the way the price is as reasonable as it gets for a top of the line pipe.

Kid Mac · Mar 14, 2009

WildTurkey,

I second your recommendation of Blakemar Briars. I've several Blakemars. All are excellent smokers. They are well constructed and lightweight. Great value, even before the current pound/dollar exchange rate.

You can also order a second stem for your pipe at a very reasonable cost. Blakemar's vulcanite seems to be of very good quality, as it is not prone to oxidization -- at least that's my experience.

Cheers,

Mac

wildturkey8 · Mar 14, 2009

re: Blakemar Briars

Kid Mac: I had bought my first Blakemar in 2001, and I've haven't had to buy a replacement stem yet.

Harp · Mar 14, 2009

Humble pipe

John Boyer said:
...reflections over the Pipe?

It is a common frustration of those of us first engaging the Pipe: “how to keep it lit.” This is our first lesson--the Pipe is in control! After nearly 25 years of Pipe smoking, I will re-light 3-4 times per bowl, excluding the pre-light. In fact, I will often find myself re-lighting unnecessarily; it is just part of the ritual. It is such an anomaly to keep the Pipe lit through an entire bowl, that it is actually a contest among accomplished Pipe smokers for prizes. Once we think we have mastered this technique, we will change Pipes, blends or encounter different cuts of tobacco and be humbled-once again.

John,

Great post. I've not mastered the pipe (and never will),
but found some Orlik Slices at Chicago's Iwan Ries & Co;
and the book, Three Outsiders on eBay.

Should make a good "match."

skillbilly · Mar 26, 2009

storing tobacco???

My wife was repeatedly suggested that I take up pipe smoking.
My father smoked a pipe, which I held onto for years until it mysteriously
vanished. I recently, with the help of a friend, purchased a lovely pipe and
then ordered two varieties of tobacco.

Each leaf blend was listed as being 7oz in size and I expected it to
arrive in a small tin or pouch of some sort. Imagine my surprise to receive two large
Ziploc bags containing more tobacco than i have seen in my life at one time.

Obviously, after I unload some on my friend, which may have been his intention

,
it will take me quite a while to smoke it all. Can anyone tell me the proper way to store it.
It would be a shame for this to go to waste due to ignorance.

Kid Mac · Mar 26, 2009

Skillbilly,

To store your tobacco, I'd recommend Ball Mason canning jars (the time of jar with a canning lid). The 24 oz size nicely holds one-half pound of tobacco, and the one-half pint jars are a great size for the contents of an opened tin of tobacco. Plus, they are inexpensive.

Over the years, I've tried many kinds of containers for cellaring tobacco, and, for me, these work the best. Simply screwing down the lid gives you a very good seal. (No, you do not need to actually can the tobac.)

Bail jars also work for a time, but eventually the rubber gasket fails.

Dry ashes,
Mac

skillbilly · Mar 26, 2009

Thanks Mac.
I actually have to pick up some of those jars for the wifey
this evening. Maybe she won't notice one or two missing.

ScottF · Mar 26, 2009

wildturkey8 said:
One of the hidden jewels of the internet is Blakemar Briars of Litchebourgh, England. I love the fact that I am ordering straight from the manufacturer. They have as complete selection of shapes, finishes,and sizes as you will find anywhere. You can also order to your own filter requirement, or no filter at all. Just type in Blakemar Briars on your search engine. Oh, by the way the price is as reasonable as it gets for a top of the line pipe.

I'm new here and joined for the hat info, but to find pipes, scotch, etc....wow! Great tip on the Blakemar Briars.

It took me years to kick my pipe habit, but I picked up this nice oak English antique the other day at an antique store, so some of the pipes are back out, l-r: Edwards, Mastro de Paja, Peterson, Bari (my favorite), Savinelli Duca Carlo, Peterson (2nd favorite).

wildturkey8 · Mar 28, 2009

Blakemar Briars

Scott: That is a fine collection. I just received a brand new rusticated black prince deluxe pipe from Blakemar. It is beautiful. It would look great in your pipe stand

ScottF · Mar 28, 2009

wildturkey8 said:
Scott: That is a fine collection. I just received a brand new rusticated black prince deluxe pipe from Blakemar. It is beautiful. It would look great in your pipe stand

I just googled it - beautiful pipe. What website did you order it from? I'm finding the same basic Blakemar page at several different addresses, which concerns me.

Copper said:
I used a touch of Laphroaig to get the lucite taste out of a new churchwarden stem one time. I pulled some into the stem like a straw, blocked both ends and just let it sit for a few days.

Though the taste of the whisky passed quickly, it took with it the plasticky taste and was quite pleasant.

Laphroig is one of my favorites - any time you can combine Scotch, pipes and hats in a single effort....all you need is a pool table and a good hound dog (and if my gf is reading, a wonderful woman waiting for you at home when you're through playing).

wildturkey8 · Mar 28, 2009

ScottF said:
I just googled it - beautiful pipe. What website did you order it from? I'm finding the same basic Blakemar page at several different addresses, which concerns me.

Laphroig is one of my favorites - any time you can combine Scotch, pipes and hats in a single effort....all you need is a pool table and a good hound dog (and if my gf is reading, a wonderful woman waiting for you at home when you're through playing).

Scott: Try www.bruyerecourt.abelgratis.co.uk. I bookmark it.

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