Thread: Pipes: Cleaning, Identification, and Use

I know nothing about pipes other than my grandfather smoked one when I was little.

I just bought what I can only assume is an estate pipe at my local antique store. I don't think I need to do too much for cleaning. It's in pretty good shape. Didn't look like a lot of carbon build up in the bowl. And it didn't stink.

I've been to the pipe forums mentioned here, and even though I didn't think it needed it, I put some alchohol cotton swabs in the bowell and left it there over night. And then I plan on using a lot of pipe cleaners and alcohol on the mouthpiece.

But I was wondering if I need to buy the "tools". I gather that the standard tools are a pick, a scraper, and a tamp. To me a set like this looks like a nail and a cheap knife would do you. I believe I'm wrong though.

And is there any way to identify a pipe? I don't see any brand names.

You might want to find a pipe forum and see what they have on cleaning. I have always been told to fill the bowl with Kosher Salt and then pour in like an Everyclear alchohol and let it sit a few days and then scrape it. A pipe tool is s good thing.

Good luck,

Lynn

Originally Posted by biggbadwulff

I know nothing about pipes other than my grandfather smoked one when I was little.

I just bought what I can only assume is an estate pipe at my local antique store. I don't think I need to do too much for cleaning. It's in pretty good shape. Didn't look like a lot of carbon build up in the bowl. And it didn't stink.

I've been to the pipe forums mentioned here, and even though I didn't think it needed it, I put some alchohol cotton swabs in the bowell and left it there over night. And then I plan on using a lot of pipe cleaners and alcohol on the mouthpiece.

But I was wondering if I need to buy the "tools". I gather that the standard tools are a pick, a scraper, and a tamp. To me a set like this looks like a nail and a cheap knife would do you. I believe I'm wrong though.

And is there any way to identify a pipe? I don't see any brand names.

I never cleaned my pipe in a very thorough way but I maintain it clean as to provide a good smoke. I use Parker conical pipe cleaners made of cotton and I have a tool just like that one. It's a good thing, if not a necessary tool to have in order to light the pipe well and to remove the ashes in a way that doesn't "hurt" the pipe itself. I'd recomend one of those tools... but I'm not an expert. I'm simply an amateur pipe smoker!
Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by biggbadwulff

I know nothing about pipes other than my grandfather smoked one when I was little.

I just bought what I can only assume is an estate pipe at my local antique store. I don't think I need to do too much for cleaning. It's in pretty good shape. Didn't look like a lot of carbon build up in the bowl. And it didn't stink.

I've been to the pipe forums mentioned here, and even though I didn't think it needed it, I put some alchohol cotton swabs in the bowell and left it there over night. And then I plan on using a lot of pipe cleaners and alcohol on the mouthpiece.

But I was wondering if I need to buy the "tools". I gather that the standard tools are a pick, a scraper, and a tamp. To me a set like this looks like a nail and a cheap knife would do you. I believe I'm wrong though.

And is there any way to identify a pipe? I don't see any brand names.

Here's one that Is a nail: Pipe Tools Pipe Nail Accessories at Smoking Pipes .com

The one you found is way overpriced a tool in that style should be no more than two bucks. Here is the exact same one for $1.25 :Pipe Tools Czech Pipe Tool Accessories at Smoking Pipes .com

I have a couple of pipe tools that are more like pocket knives. They look much nicer than the cheapos but don't really do much more.

The scoop is nice for scraping char off the sides of the bowel, you could use a pocket knife for this but then you would be risking a slice on the side of the bowel that could cause a burn through.

Pipes are usually identified by the marking on the stem, it is a pattern of dots or a symbol that identifies the manufacturer, many are also brand marked on the underside of the wooden part of the stem.

Dunhill for instance is known for its "white spot" trademark, even without all the other writing on it a collector would know this pipe as a Dunhill: Dunhill Bruyere (2103) (2007) Pipes at Smoking Pipes .com

Here is a page that lists a bunch of the marks. makesandmarques

Thanks for all the advice everyone. And thanks for that great manufacturer marking website. I actually did find a symbol on the stem of my pipe, but it wasn't listed there. Mine has the man symbol. Sort of like this.

O->

I think I'll go to the local tobacco store and see if they have a cheap tool. Also, I didn't buy it, but this antique store had some old pipe lighters. The ones that look like lipstick cases. Is $10 a ripoff?

Originally Posted by biggbadwulff

Thanks for all the advice everyone. And thanks for that great manufacturer marking website. I actually did find a symbol on the stem of my pipe, but it wasn't listed there. Mine has the man symbol. Sort of like this.

O->

I think I'll go to the local tobacco store and see if they have a cheap tool. Also, I didn't buy it, but this antique store had some old pipe lighters. The ones that look like lipstick cases. Is $10 a ripoff?

I used to use roofing nails and they worked well. My favorite pipe cleaners are Longs regular. I never could find a tapered cleaner that I liked. A pipe lighter that looks like a lipstick tube sounds like a Nimrod. They were very good but in buying a couple of vintage Nimrods on ebay the flint had corroded to the point where the lighter would not work and no way to clean it out.

I always advise new pipe smokers to try corn cob pipes. They are cheap but good and if you decide it isn't your cup of tea then you don't have a big investment in it. Lynn had the right idea, go to the pipe smoker's forum here . I don't participate in it myself but probably a lot of good info.

I was able to pick up one of the Zippo butane torch lighters (MPL or something like that) for $6. It looks a little goofy, but it works really well. If you're new, I figure as long as it's butane, works, and cheap, who cares

A guy gave me a detailed description for cleaning estate pipes. It boils down to a lot of scrubbing with alcohol and pipe cleaners.

For the bowl he recommended a certain reamer( sorry i'd have to look it up if you really want to know) Anyway there are many different styles. I felt confident in my ability to carve away the cake with a knife. It's not hard to do but it is easy to rut into a soft spot if not careful.

Since I was not working on anything very expensive I went against the advice, but if I had something kinda nice I sure would get a reamer for cleaning the bowl.

I did get a new stanwell anniversary pipe which needed no cleaning. It hasn't been smoked enough to need any either but that one will not be pocket knifed.

Here is the best way to take the residual aroma out of pre-owned pipes I have ever found. Known as The Professor's Pipe-Sweetening Treatment. I have used it in extreme cases and have never had a bowl crack. YMMV.

Originally Posted by kevint

A guy gave me a detailed description for cleaning estate pipes. It boils down to a lot of scrubbing with alcohol and pipe cleaners.

For the bowl he recommended a certain reamer

Usually, the procedure is as follows:
- ream out bowl
- clean bowl and shank with everclear (or anything over 180 proof) with kitchen paper and cleaners
- soak stem in bleach for 10 min, then clean with everclear
- for badly oxidized stems, sand with fine grid sandpaper (1000 and 2000) and finish with stem polish paste or a polishing wheel on a bench grinder or lathe

To get rid of "ghosts" (impregnated taste from formerly enjoyed tobaccos) block off shank (stem removed) and pour salt into bowl, then pour in everclear and let it sit for a day. Repeat this until the salt stops turning brown.

Hardly worth it for a cheap pipe, a bit like buying 3 hones and a strop to restore one single used razor... you can have the pipe professionally restored for $20.

Pipe smoking is the most difficult way of smoking tobacco and takes a lot of practice. You have to know what the tobacco should feel like (not too moist, nor overly dry), you have to get the packing right (too loose and it will keep going out, too tight and it will smoke hot and it will be difficult to draw), then light it without scorching the rim, then tamp once in a while as you smoke! A lot of people give up quickly. It's also a very rewarding way of enjoying an immense variety of tastes and aromas (there are over 1,000 different blends of pipe tobaccos available). Not for everybody, but perhaps more patient people (like, say, those who are patient enough to shave with a straight razor ) will have a better chance of succeeding.

Pipe smoking is also the cheapest way of smoking. A bowl full will typically last 30 - 60 mins and cost the price of a cigarette.