Pipe smoking, a lost art.

[Broothru]

Hi!
Two scenarios to follow

Either it’s a plastic recreation or meerschaum

There is a big difference. I’m inept at the explanations so will quote. Not my words

“Meerschaum is one of the most naturally porous substances in the world, which makes it perfect for pipes as it absorbs the tars, oils, and nicotine in tobacco. This allows for a cool, dry smoke that most smokers would say is unparalleled.”

There was a pipe (name escapes me now) in the 60s that touted "space age materials" in the bowl. It wasn't Teflon, but might have been a precursor material to the tiles on the Space Shuttle. The liner focused the heat back toward the packed tobacco and burned exceptionally clean, hot enough to burn off tar, etc.

The exterior bowl remained cool throughout, as did the smoke draw oddly enough, and there was no 'coking' residue left behind. You could clean it with a quick rinsing along with your dinner dishes.

I had one for awhile, but it was really more of a novelty item typical of the outer space mystique of the time.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

 

[Craiginthecorn]

There was a pipe (name escapes me now) in the 60s that touted "space age materials" in the bowl. It wasn't Teflon, but might have been a precursor material to the tiles on the Space Shuttle. The liner focused the heat back toward the packed tobacco and burned exceptionally clean, hot enough to burn off tar, etc.

The exterior bowl remained cool throughout, as did the smoke draw oddly enough, and there was no 'coking' residue left behind. You could clean it with a quick rinsing along with your dinner dishes.

I had one for awhile, but it was really more of a novelty item typical of the outer space mystique of the time.

Are you thinking of The Pipe or The Smoke?

https://pipedia.org/wiki/Super-Temp

 

[Craiginthecorn]

I'm a huge fan of smokingpipes.com

It's one of the few places I can occasionally restock on some of the harder to find blenders like, Esoterica, Sam Gawith, Rattray's, or Frybourg and Treyer.

Virginia pipe tobacco's have always been my favorite, and my favorite blender went belly up. McClelland, an American blender.

A bit of nit-picking on my part, but McClelland closed up shop. They were still a successful business, but could no longer source high-sugar red Virginia tobaccos that met their unique requirements. Plus, the guy who made all of their tobacco, Mike McNeil, was ready to call it a day after years and years of hard work. They were offered significant sums to purchase the business, but preferred that the McClelland end with their ownership.

Anyone buy from cigarbid.com? They have pipes and pipe tobacco, Borkum Riff for a Buck a bag right now

They are owned by the same company as pipesandcigars.com, I have generally seen better prices buying from their sister company.

 

[Craiginthecorn]

Been looking for a pipe tobacco that taste like a good cigar. Haven’t found one. Finally decided if I want good cigar flavor, just open my humidor and smoke a good cigar.

I haven’t found a cigar that taste like a pipe and vice versa.

There aren't any. McClelland had one that was OKish. Generally speaking, the crossovers don't work. The Stillwell pipe tobacco cigars aren't great, overpriced, and don't taste like pipe tobacco. Pipe tobacco blends with cigar leaf tend to be best when the cigar leaf is condimental, rather than the star.

 

[redrocker652002]

I am late to the party, but have always wanted to try both Pipe and Cigars. I only smoked cigs for a very short time in high school and college. I enjoyed the buzz and all the cool kids were doing it. LOL I found myself hating the aftermath of it though. Tried chewing tobacco to, yuck. That was gross. I did some research on "beginner" cigars, but not sure I want to take the plunge as if I enjoy it, that's another vice I have to explain to the wife. LOL. But heck, if you enjoy it, why not, right?

 

[Craiginthecorn]

Yeah I was always told to "clean" but not scrape a new pipe because you want that cake layer to build up and act as insulation. No one in my family smoked cigars or pipes but they still always made my feel "at home" for some reason.

It's always a great idea to clean your pipe using a pipe cleaner immediately after smoking, while the pipe is still moist inside. This is just the mouthpiece and shank, however. As for cake, with a new pipe, especially with the rare pipe without a factory- or artisan-applied carbon bowl coating, it's a good idea to let the cake build to protect the briar.

 

[Broothru]

Are you thinking of The Pipe or The Smoke?

https://pipedia.org/wiki/Super-Temp

THE Pipe. Yes, that’s the one.

 

[lumpher]

My favorite casual pipe (no other type for me, even though I have 20 or so). It's going now..

 

[Billy-Klubb]

Enjoying some Mac Baren HH Pure Virginia Flake in this long stemmed Billiard I made a few years ago.

 

[Sailingeric]

I got a pile yesterday. Now time to take some scrap walnut or maple, or both, and make a pipe stand.

 

[Sailingeric]

Turned my wood working hobby into a couple scraps wood pipes and a pipe stand. These two on the right are not made to smoke but good practice for when I get a block of briar wood.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

Any of you heathens still smoking cigars or pipes?

 

[corncob]

Somebody's about to smoke some Ennerdale and watch the children try to burn the county to the ground.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

Somebody's about to smoke some Ennerdale and watch the children try to burn the county to the ground.
View attachment 879216

Been a minute since I've had any Ennerdale. Got some jarred up. I might get into some Scented Brown Flake tonight.

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Any of you heathens still smoking cigars or pipes?

After 76 years my go to family shop closed and went into hiatus in 2022. The good news is he recently reopened in NH.

The going out of business was sad and a celebration in a way. The son found a room that hadn't been opened since the 50's. All kinds of stuff he was just giving away. I bought a Bertram's pipe that has all kinds of history with it. I'm afraid to use it so most of my stuff is still with Steve Saka and Dunbarton. I run into him often.

I do recommend if you're heading thru NH to the mountains to hit their new place. It might be dangerous. Good selection and now spirits. I do miss the old shop and oldy clientele but the help at the new place is top notch and Zack is so much more happier. Hit them up

Owlshop.com

 

[Broothru]

Any of you heathens still smoking cigars or pipes?

I did have my “once or twice” a year cigar last night, with friends and young parents who gathered at my son’s house for barbecue, beer and fireworks. Enjoyable, but hard to justify, having just survived a bout with the ‘Big C’ (unrelated to smoking).

And speaking of beer (how’s that for a less than subtle segue?), I used the occasion to get feedback on my five remaining Kolshes for an upcoming competition. Interesting input from a diverse group of beer drinkers. I’ll post results soon on the “Perfect Kolsch” thread.

 

[hungupdown]

Yep, absolutely. Sense of smell has to be one of the strongest triggers.

Things with a distinctive smell, like pipe tobacco, are one of the best things to take into old people's (care) homes for 'remembering days'.
People who are no longer responsive to sights or sounds, can often still show they enjoy certain smells.

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Reminds me of college and dankness. I don't partake but I love the smell....