Thread: Pipe of the Day

Just some Bayou Morning in a Castello Natural Vergin.

Who has experience with reconditioning estate pipes? I have several of my grandfathers pipes that probably have not been smoked since the late 70's or early 80's. Some oxidation on the stems, a not unpleasant, but distinctive, mild odor (reminds me of Erinmore mixture, but probably not) in the bowls. As far as I know gramps had no contagious disease (died from complications of a stroke - probably from smoking!). I'm thinking just Bar Keepers friend for the oxidation of the stems, some high proof alcohol and bristle pipe cleaners for the inner stem and shank. As far as the ghosting, maybe after a few bowls of navy Cavendish, or Frog Morton on the Town it won't be as noticeable. Sound about right?

I've looked into the retort method of cleaning a pipe, not sure I'm ready to get that sophisticated about it. But may at some point.

This mornings Velani straight pot pipe of Ouellette Fire Storm was a treat with black coffee. Fire Storm's blend of sweet Virginias, Perique, Turkish and fire cured mahogany Kentucky was very relaxing.

This afternoons enjoyment was a beautiful La Savinelli Giubillo D'Oro PIF pipe from a wonderful member here, thank you very much. I loaded the pipe with some 15 year old Villiger 1888 Late Night and was provided with serene peaceful experience which continues and hour and a half later as I write this.

Originally Posted by honedright

Who has experience with reconditioning estate pipes? I have several of my grandfathers pipes that probably have not been smoked since the late 70's or early 80's. Some oxidation on the stems, a not unpleasant, but distinctive, mild odor (reminds me of Erinmore mixture, but probably not) in the bowls. As far as I know gramps had no contagious disease (died from complications of a stroke - probably from smoking!). I'm thinking just Bar Keepers friend for the oxidation of the stems, some high proof alcohol and bristle pipe cleaners for the inner stem and shank. As far as the ghosting, maybe after a few bowls of navy Cavendish, or Frog Morton on the Town it won't be as noticeable. Sound about right?

I've looked into the retort method of cleaning a pipe, not sure I'm ready to get that sophisticated about it. But may at some point.

Yeah that's the basic Idea although much has been written on the subject. I guess you can take it as far as you want.
Ream it out maybe. Salt and Alcohol treatment (I use Everclear). pipeguy says Bacardi 151 is also good if Everclear is difficult to get. And just get some pipe cleaners dip in the booze and go crazy scrubbing all the insides. if you got a buffer handy use that on the stems with some tripoli. Maybe shine them up with some carnauba wax. But its up to you how meticulous you want to be. I would at least give em a good alcohol scrub.

Originally Posted by lz6

This mornings Velani straight pot pipe of Ouellette Fire Storm was a treat with black coffee. Fire Storm's blend of sweet Virginias, Perique, Turkish and fire cured mahogany Kentucky was very relaxing.

This afternoons enjoyment was a beautiful La Savinelli Giubillo D'Oro PIF pipe from a wonderful member here, thank you very much. I loaded the pipe with some 15 year old Villiger 1888 Late Night and was provided with serene peaceful experience which continues and hour and a half later as I write this.

Gee Bob, you already got some amazing vintage tobacco cellar going on. Way to go!

Originally Posted by honedright

Who has experience with reconditioning estate pipes?

I wouldn't do BKF on the stems. It has acid in it and if you read the instructions it is not recommended to leave it on stainless steel for any length of time.

A friend used to use Semichrome, Flitz, stuff like that. A pro would buff the stem with some tripoli, some red, and finally white bar polish. Alcohol & pipe cleaners run through the shank, and the stem (before polishing) is the way I clean them every 10 years whether they need it or not.

You could try the professor's pipe treatment for residual odor in the bowl, but some have reported cracked bowls subsequent to the treatment and smoking.

Afternoon smokes, a couple of Comoy's Blue Riband Canadians. Robusto in the one in the foreground, and Early Morning Pipe in the one behind it.

McClellands beacon in a Erik king on lunch break

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I wouldn't do BKF on the stems. It has acid in it and if you read the instructions it is not recommended to leave it on stainless steel for any length of time.

A friend used to use Semichrome, Flitz, stuff like that. A pro would buff the stem with some tripoli, some red, and finally white bar polish. Alcohol & pipe cleaners run through the shank, and the stem (before polishing) is the way I clean them every 10 years whether they need it or not.

You could try the professor's pipe treatment for residual odor in the bowl, but some have reported cracked bowls subsequent to the treatment and smoking.

Would baking soda work to remove oxidation? Trying to keep it simple, but may call around see if any local tobacconists that carry pipes and cigars do stem polishing.

Originally Posted by Razorfaust

Gee Bob, you already got some amazing vintage tobacco cellar going on. Way to go!

Yeah, getting to know pipestud is erasing my cigar savings $$.
: )