Instructions for Breaking in Your Wood Pipe
You must break in your new pipe slowly, this will get the wood “accustomed” to expanding and contracting. Always begin with a very small amount in your first bowl; 1/5 of a full bowl or smaller is recommended. In each successive bowl, increase the amount by small graduations (e.g. 1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2…) In between bowls during the break-in process. ALWAYS ALLOW YOUR PIPE TO COOL, DOWN COMPLETELY!
Remember: if you smoke too much too fast, you could compromise the integrity of your pipe and cause the wood to split!
For filtered pipes:
For optimal smoking enjoyment, it is recommended that you replace the filter after every smoke. If the tobacco you are smoking is not too strong or wet, you can likely smoke 2-4 bowls before needing to replace the filter.
Remember: the filter is collecting tar. etc. from the smoke; when it is saturated, these will begin to taint the flavor of your smoke!
Cleaning your pipe:
For optimal smoking enjoyment, it is recommended that you clean your pipe after every use. If the bowl has accumulated thick carbon deposits, it is best to scrape it clean directly after smoking while the bowl is still hot. Use a pipe cleaner and/or poker to clean the shank and mouthpiece.
However, DO NOT EVER REMOVE THE MOUTHPIECE WHILE YOUR PIPE IS HOT!
Also, always remove the mouthpiece by twisting counter-clockwise while tugging softly. Do not twist back-and-forth or pull straight off.
Tips for smoking:
– To pack bowl that will smoke optimally and for a long time, try filling your bowl in
three steps:
- First, place a layer of tobacco in the bottom by letting it fall loosely into the
bowl. - Second, pack a generous pinch firmly with your fingers and place it on top of the
first layer. - Third, pack the final layer very tightly and add it to the top, making sure that
it fits snugly into the top of the bowl.
As you light the tobacco, puff vigorously to stoke up the “coal” on top. Tamp the tobacco until the draw is firm, like sucking a milkshake through a straw, and light again if necessary.
– This is not the only way to loud an effective bowl; you should experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you.
– “Torch lighters are good for cigars, bad for pipes.” (Bjarne Nielsen) A torch lighter concentrates too much heat in one area; over time using a torch lighter will burn through your pipe (which could have lasted a lifetime!). Also, smoking in windy environments, such as in n car with the window down, can cause the tobacco to burn too hot and ruin your pipe over time.
Take care of your pipe and it will prove itself a worthy investment, providing you with many years of delightful smoking enjoyment! Thank you for choosing The Stash Gift Shop and Happy Smoking!