Learn To Smoke a Pipe

The hobby of pipe smoking is one which has experienced a significant decrease in popularity over the years since it’s heyday. In recent years however there is a return to pipe smoking among some crowds, particularly college and university students. Some areas of the world are more tobacco friendly than others however, and it may be daunting for a new or potential pipe smoker to find information on the subject. This article will take the beginner, or curious individual through the basics of pipe smoking. Pipe selection and tobacco choices will be covered in future articles.

Assuming one has already chosen a pipe, or acquired one through some manner or another, perhaps from a grandfather or relative as part of an inheritance, or just decided to go out and purchase one. The problem then becomes how does one go about packing the pipe with tobacco and actually smoking it? Smoking a pipe is not quite as simply as lighting up a cigarette or cigar even however can be much more enjoyable than its other smoke counterparts if done correctly.

The first step to smoking the pipe is to pack it with tobacco; this must be pipe tobacco, not loose tobacco for rolling cigarettes or any other substitute. Future articles will cover the various tobaccos to choose from, however the beginner may want to try Captain Black white, which is a fairly cheap tobacco of reasonable quality which can be purchased almost anywhere tobacco products are sold. To pack the pipe, take a pinch of tobacco between thumb and index finger and place it in the bowl of the pipe, pack it gently into the bottom of the bowl, no harder than you would squeeze an infant’s hand.  Next take another pinch and place it into the bowl and pack it slightly harder, using your index or middle finger, make sure it is evenly packed around the entire bowl. Take a Third pinch and repeat, packing it firmer still than the last, but not overly hard, perhaps as hard as you would squeeze a woman’s hand. Pack the pipe until it is full to overflowing just the slightest bit.

Once the pipe is packed to just above the edge of the bowl, it is time to light the pipe. Using a wooden match, or butane lighter (no lighter fluid lighters) apply a flame to the tobacco and char it until the ends blacken and curl, puff gently on the pipe as you do this (do not to inhale, just puff), make you char the tobacco evenly. Once the tobacco is charred, remove the flame. The pipe will likely go out at this point. This is normal. Using a tamper, or the end of your finger, lightly press down charred tobacco, and re-apply the flame, puffing gently again. This time the pipe should light and stay lit. If the draw is too loose or too firm you may need to pack tighter or looser. These are things you will have to try and find out what works best. It is more of a preference than a set guideline.

The pipe may go out during smoking, it is fine to re-light it as many times as you need or want. Once you no longer enjoy the smoke, or it becomes ashy, tap the pipe out by holding it by the stem and tapping it gently against the bottom of an ashtray, log or the bottom of your shoe

Remember, as you puff that first pipe, it should be enjoyable and relaxing, puff slowly and do not inhale. If you smoke too fast you will burn your tong and get what is known as tong bite by experienced smokers. Use this guide to help you start; however adjust the way you pack and light if you find a way which works better. The primary goal to pipe smoking is enjoyment.