Thread: Pipes: Cleaning, Identification, and Use

Well, so far I've not put too much money into this yet. I've only bought the pipe and that was only $8. I'm still interested in learning though.

I was hesitant to pick up the lighter because I've heard that they leave a taste in the tobacco. And I know you can buy odorless fuel, but I figured using matches was the cheapest way.

I think I'll go the cheap Czek tool. I brought up the nail thing because I guess it sort of just seemed like the simplest thing to do. Like I said, I know practically nothing.

I'll go with the salt and alchohol approach. It seems like a good method.

Rubbing alcahol will work just fine with some bristled pipe cleaners to kill of any bacteria on or in the mouthpeice. On the bowl who needs a special tool. Only someone with too much money on their hands. Just use ant slim profile pocket knife. I do. Lighters are for your own appeal they all provide the same function. If you get to really enjoying the smoke then treat yourself to the fancier stuff. Enjoy

Hey, you were right JimmyHAD. I was trolling ebay and found this Nimrod lighter. It looks just like the 2 I saw at the antique shop. One of the lighter's flynt still worked. I may pick it up. If anything, it's a neat find.

Lotsa good stuff here.

The professor's pipe sweetner works great. I picked up a pipe reamer for a buck at a garage sale, and use that -- I don't even know if they make them anymore. I've seasoned with Irish Whiskey, as well.

I wouldn't bother buying a pipe lighter, especially one that works with naptha (lighter fluid). It imparts a taste to the tobacco. Wooden matches are the way to go. Eventually, if it works for you, pick up a fat boy lighter, which has a pipe tool built in.

Regarding a pipe tool, they come in real handy when you're learning. You can tamp tobacco with your thumb before it's lit, but you'll need to retamp after it's lit until you get the hang of it (or are trying a different cut of tobacco). For that, something metal and uncoated is good. A big headed nail would work well, but you can buy cheapie aluminum ones at a tobacconist for about a buck.

Best of luck,

cass

I use acetone on a pipe cleaner to clean both the stem and the shank, a blade of my pocket knife to occasionally scrape the charcoal out of the bowl, I might add I don't scrape to severely. I often put either a chunk of charcoal from the fire in the bottom of the pipe to absorb the moisture and sometimes if I have them just a pipe gauze, pre shaped . Mostly I use a zippo, especially iffen I smoke whilst on horseback. I smoke mostly Borkum Riff Cherry Cavendish, occasionally errinmore flake. more rarely DR Pat. I have been smoking a Petersen crook stem pipe for twenty years. I do have some other pipes as well.


Cheers

gordon

Hey, I received a digital camera for Christmas, so I've finally got an image of my pipe.

Here's the pipe itself. And here's the maker symbol on the stem.

Sorry for not just adding the pictures to my posts. I still haven't figured that out here. Anyhoo, here's the rim of the bowl. It's the reason I think it's a clay pipe. And here's the stem of the pipe.

That brings up a question. What is on the stem? It's like dirt, but it keeps coming back after I clean the stem.

That looks like dead skin from yours or the previous owner's lip and oxidation. Getting rid of it is a chore but it can be done. I have learned to live with a bit of oxidation on my vulcanite stems. You can take the stem and put it in a 50/50 solution of water and clorox and let it sit for an hour and then scrub ALL of the bleach out of it.

That will kill the oxidation but it will also make the surface of the stem kind of rough and dull. It will then need buffing or you can take 1,000 grit sandpaper and lightly go over it and then either buff it with carnuba wax or apply a little olive oil and rub it in good.

Be careful with the alcohol. Don't let it get on the outside of the bowl or shank as the finish will be stripped by alcohol. Then you'd need to send it out for refinishing.

+1 on corn cobs. They are a good learning pipe.

Then there's tobacco. More blends than you can imagine. It's like picking soaps, cremes, and AS.

The learning curve is like str8s, but the satisfaction of a good bowl is also comparable.

Good luck and good smokes.

Dave

Thanks. I'm glad I cleaned it then. I would never have thought it was dead skin. I think I'll get a corn cob. I keep reading it's a good way to taste the tobacco without getting any residual flavors.