Cob mud?

For years ( I’ve posted this prior on here ) I make my own pipe mud. I use cigar ash from a high grade/quality cigar and keep it in a small empty medication plastic container. Make sure after each smoke you keep the ash mixed to a fine powder. I use an old prescription cap to mix well, use as much cigar ash you think you will be needing. Add a few drops of water at a time and mix well with a toothpick, or something of your choice. Try and keep it to a smooth paste, not to watery, you’ll get the idea once you work with your first Cob, I use a small bristle hobby paint brush and fill in the gaps between the shank and the walls of the Cobs inner chamber. On new Cobs I really care about I also brush on a fine coat of this mud mixture on the inner chamber walls. I find the pipe forms a cake much faster and less chance of burning thru the Cob. It’s worked for me for almost 50 years👌👍👍

    Roll up a piece of paper towel, twist a number of times around the inner chamber. Tap over an ashtray or garbage pale and your good to go👍  I’ve saved many a Cobs, have fun. I did two earlier today, by tomorrow afternoon they will be dry enough to smoke. 

Here is a picture ( fair quality ) of the inside of a Cob chamber I finished with my pipe mud mixture yesterday. Take notice you don’t see any gap between the shank and the walls of the chamber. The mud has cured, nice and hard, will be smoking this later in the day👍

    I agree with your analogy, if the Cob is fairly worn out! Buy a new Cob and start fresh, unless the Cob he has might have sentimental value. Then put it aside for past “ fond memories “ as a keepsake. My Cobs I treat with pipe mud when they are new, this way no issues down the road.