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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 28, 2018 16:41:53 GMT -5
So there are stories about breaking in a pipe, and there are things you need to do to make sure it smokes great etc.
However, I've also heard many people post about getting a brand new pipe in the post and having the inaugural smoke in it. And the comment I hear frequently is this: 'it smokes great.'
What does that mean? That this pipe doesn't need broken in, or what?
Just curious.
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Post by Dramatwist on Aug 28, 2018 16:47:58 GMT -5
...personally, I think it's a myth... put the tobacco in the best you can reckon, light it, smoke it. YMMV.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2018 17:01:02 GMT -5
When I break in a briar or Cob, the first 6 to 10 bowls are filled half of the chamber. After that period I fill the bowl to 3/4 of the chamber. I never overstuff my pipes....don’t care for burnt rims. I try not to overheat the briar while breaking in a new pipe, don’t want carbon issues on the walls of the chamber. On Morta or Meers there is no break-in period required.
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 28, 2018 17:04:33 GMT -5
OK, but from smoke number 1 to smoke number 100 do you notice much difference?
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Post by puffy on Aug 28, 2018 17:16:24 GMT -5
Some pipes take longer to break in than others.Many years ago I had a pipe that just wouldn't break in at all.I paid over $200 for it and the bowl got so hot that I couldn't hold it.I contacted the maker.He said send it back.He sent me a replacement.It smokes great. Another pipe smoked hot for a good while.It slowly cooled down and smokes great now.Most of my pipes are good quality pipes that smoked cool almost. from the start
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2018 17:19:12 GMT -5
OK, but from smoke number 1 to smoke number 100 do you notice much difference? Once a thin layer of cake forms your pipe should smoke the same, just might take you time to find what blend smokes best in a particular pipe. Took me over 6 months to find a blend that smoked best in my Eltang Devil Anse....turned out to be a Virginia. The Eltang smoked all other blends terrible!!! |
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Post by bambooshank on Aug 28, 2018 17:24:25 GMT -5
I fill, or actually overfill, a pipe be it new or old. Admittedly the first tamp brings it well below the filled point, it’s become my way, I won’t endorse a new person to do this I’ll mention the the way Ted wrote and several other long written methods. I think the average pipester comes to terms with what works for them over time.
I don’t care for scorched tops on any pipe except a cob, to me it adds distinction and as far as the briars I have that it happens to a rough rag dampened with strong black coffee will set it right in short order, some day I will show the before and after, I always forget to take photos of pipes needing this and how wonderful they look once accomplished. I think we need to enjoy what we smoke how we like to smoke it and not necessarily live by some hard and fast rules since what works for me may most certainly not work for many others.
banjo
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2018 17:24:32 GMT -5
Some pipes take longer to break in than others.Many years ago I had a pipe that just wouldn't break in at all.I paid over $200 for it and the bowl got so hot that I couldn't hold it.I contacted the maker.He said send it back.He sent me a replacement.It smokes great. I’ve had the same issue with 3 different briars. Once I coated the chamber with a mixture of the pipe mud I mix and put a thin coat inside the entire chamber walls, including the heel. Before it hardens run a pipe cleaner then the draft hole. All 3 pipes built a thin layer of cake within 30 uses. “ Tricking the briar “ my grandfather once told me....he was right👍👍 |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2018 17:25:45 GMT -5
Tried breaking them in both ways my conclusion utter hogwash. For me a small amount of honey spread evenly inside the bowl works wonders for building that first cake. Tobacco Brittle if you will, anywho do what works best for you.
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Post by stilllernin on Aug 28, 2018 17:27:23 GMT -5
Half bowl to start with and prince alberts= good cake
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djo
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Post by djo on Aug 28, 2018 17:41:47 GMT -5
I just fill and smoke. I don't worry about half bowls or specific tobacco genres or anything. I have yet to have a pipe self destruct due to not being properly "broken in."
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Post by Dramatwist on Aug 28, 2018 18:09:09 GMT -5
...I don't believe that "cake" in a pipe bowl has any beneficial effect. Yes, we've all been told that it does, and my statement is based on personal experience only. If "cake" works for you, have at it. As in all things, your experience may be different from mine.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2018 18:11:47 GMT -5
Just a ^^^^^^^^^ very thin layer so the chamber does not form carbon and burn thru the walls. I don’t care for the thick cake at all.
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Post by Dramatwist on Aug 28, 2018 18:15:09 GMT -5
Just a ^^^^^^^^^ very thin layer so the chamber does not form carbon and burn thru the walls. I don’t care for the thick cake at all. ...yes, whatever works... I've been smoking a pipe long enough to know what works for me, and I know you have too, Ted... |
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Post by roadsdiverged on Aug 28, 2018 18:18:57 GMT -5
For the most part I just stuff and puff. In the beginning I only smoke new pipes when I'm not busy and can sit and pay attention to my cadence and keep it slow and cool. When I'm busy doing something I tend to puff faster and often end up with a rather warm bowl. Which is why my "yard/shed pipes" are my cobs and the Grabow.
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Post by Pistol Pete 1911 on Aug 28, 2018 18:23:49 GMT -5
OK, but from smoke number 1 to smoke number 100 do you notice much difference? I personally do, smoke one draws really nice but isn't that great tasting smoke one hundred tastes much better. I clean every time so I don't really ever have draft issues. As for breaking it in welllll I'm with drama and I don't really think it makes much difference. If it makes a person feel good to break in the bowl 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 then I'm all for it. I have decided to just load and go because that's the way I will smoke it after break in. I'll bet someone in here will tell to the contrary. My way works for me and its just my opinion.  |
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xjking
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Post by xjking on Aug 28, 2018 18:28:25 GMT -5
Thanks for your comments fellas, I was wondering about this "break in" that I have seen mentioned. I have yet to see any official method and it would appear everyone has their own method.
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Post by oldcajun123 on Aug 28, 2018 18:41:03 GMT -5
 Carter Hall has been the break in Tobbaco for many pipers. I load and go, like most of you fellows I don't over fill. Tip, Coke is an insulator, while it reduces the heat on your hand it can cause internal damage to your pipe. Tip, holding pipe to your cheek to check temperature is not really how you check temp, if you can count to 5 and still hold pipe it's under 150 degrees. Don't let flame hit Tobbaco lower in the bowl, you can draw a little and it will do for a relight. Myth, don't break down pipe while hot, that's when you can do a real clean while gunk is still wet and not dry. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. PS when a pipe is new you can taste the briar, I call this the Caviar of a pipe, unfortunately it doesn't last.
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Post by peteguy on Aug 28, 2018 18:48:38 GMT -5
Load pipe - smoke pipe - enjoy pipe.
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Post by Pistol Pete 1911 on Aug 28, 2018 19:08:16 GMT -5
Load pipe - smoke pipe - enjoy pipe. Precisely |
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Post by beardedmi on Aug 28, 2018 20:56:58 GMT -5
Early and often. Except cobs they get beat, they ride in the truck until the cake is thick enough my pinky wont go in the bowl without dragging then reamed and set aside for a month and then they only do a week in the hole at a time. Truck pipes get 3 or so bowls a day unless I'm traveling for work then its as many as a dozen. Sometimes they get a break other times they get emptied reloaded and smoked consecutive. Briars get a bowl a day until they smoke how I want. Then they get picked up as they call to me. I only own 2 olivewoods, 1 meer and zero other alternative woods. Im waiting for the right morta, and banjo keeps twisting my arm by showing his beauties.
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Post by monbla256 on Aug 28, 2018 21:42:41 GMT -5
Load pipe - smoke pipe - enjoy pipe. This + I've never gone by the 1/3 then 1/3 then full bowl except when I started but after an old codger told me otherwise I've just loaded a full bowl and smoked till the end. I don't and never really smoked Aros so haven't had to deal with goop in the heel. This has worked for me for over 40+ years whether with new or used pipes.  |
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Post by LSUTigersFan on Aug 28, 2018 21:48:58 GMT -5
Like with most things if life, go with what works for you, and to hell with anything else!
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 29, 2018 4:07:38 GMT -5
Load pipe - smoke pipe - enjoy pipe. See, this is what I do, and I've never noticed any difference (not that I notice difference in tastes much either). I get the impression that it might be more psychological... Especially when people get a new pipe and post here that the first smoke is great. Perhaps, over time with a pipe, other factors have changed which gives the perception of a better smoke. |
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Post by antb on Aug 29, 2018 7:25:42 GMT -5
So there are stories about breaking in a pipe, and there are things you need to do to make sure it smokes great etc. However, I've also heard many people post about getting a brand new pipe in the post and having the inaugural smoke in it. And the comment I hear frequently is this: 'it smokes great.' What does that mean? That this pipe doesn't need broken in, or what? Just curious. Bo Nordh told Rick Newcombe: "My pipes are good smokers from the very first bowl. But they get even better as they are broken in over time. " Do you understand now, LL?  |
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 29, 2018 7:34:35 GMT -5
So there are stories about breaking in a pipe, and there are things you need to do to make sure it smokes great etc. However, I've also heard many people post about getting a brand new pipe in the post and having the inaugural smoke in it. And the comment I hear frequently is this: 'it smokes great.' What does that mean? That this pipe doesn't need broken in, or what? Just curious. Bo Nordh told Rick Newcombe: "My pipes are good smokers from the very first bowl. But they get even better as they are broken in over time. " Do you understand now, LL? Perhaps so. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2018 8:19:46 GMT -5
So there are stories about breaking in a pipe, and there are things you need to do to make sure it smokes great etc. However, I've also heard many people post about getting a brand new pipe in the post and having the inaugural smoke in it. And the comment I hear frequently is this: 'it smokes great.' What does that mean? That this pipe doesn't need broken in, or what? Just curious. Bo Nordh told Rick Newcombe: "My pipes are good smokers from the very first bowl. But they get even better as they are broken in over time. " Do you understand now, LL? Very true, a new pipe should be a good smoke by its 6th smoke....all the odd smells/odors or taste from some new briars should be gone! That good smoking pipe will turn out to be a great smoker all the way up to a superb smoker....I’m sure all of you have pipes you categorize in a similar manner. I own a few briars that I’ve not smoked in years....extremely poor performers......most likely briar that was not aged/cured properly!! |
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Post by slowroll on Aug 29, 2018 11:34:08 GMT -5
I have found with the pipes I've made that they are best after about 8 smokes. The first couple are usually a bit acrid or sharp, then they start selling in. Occasionally one will be very good on the first smoke, and then those will turn into superb smokers. I have just a couple that always taste like a pig Pee'd on the briar for years. I believe all my briar is from similar batches, and certainly from the same vendor, so the aging is the same. I drill them all the same. Once in a while, for whatever the reason, a bum piece of briar happens. A real bother, after all the work, but just no way to tell in advance.
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Carter Hall has been the break in Tobbaco for many pipers. I load and go, like most of you fellows I don't over fill. Tip, Coke is an insulator, while it reduces the heat on your hand it can cause internal damage to your pipe. Tip, holding pipe to your cheek to check temperature is not really how you check temp, if you can count to 5 and still hold pipe it's under 150 degrees. Don't let flame hit Tobbaco lower in the bowl, you can draw a little and it will do for a relight. Myth, don't break down pipe while hot, that's when you can do a real clean while gunk is still wet and not dry. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. PS when a pipe is new you can taste the briar, I call this the Caviar of a pipe, unfortunately it doesn't last.
