New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Originally Posted by Col. Kurtz

The original must have been bliss if this is a mere shadow as some allege.

Same here. It's tough to hear the stories of tobaccos past and how the current homage to the blend "just isn't the same". If anything, it's pushed me towards stocking more than I need for cellaring.

[Zanaspus]

Originally Posted by CoffeeWaterBeer

Same here. It's tough to hear the stories of tobaccos past and how the current homage to the blend "just isn't the same". If anything, it's pushed me towards stocking more than I need for cellaring.

IMHO, "The good old days" were always better. We see the past through rose colored glasses. Are some good blends gone? Sure. But there are more great blenders/blends about today than there have ever been in the past. If you find something you can't live without, buy big. Otherwise, there's always another 50 great blends to try.

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

Yes, if you find something you really like, put some away. If nothing else, even if it stays in production till forever, aged tobaccos usually are even better.

By the way, sometimes memories are better than the reality ever was.

Originally Posted by Zanaspus

IMHO, "The good old days" were always better. We see the past through rose colored glasses. Are some good blends gone? Sure. But there are more great blenders/blends about today than there have ever been in the past. If you find something you can't live without, buy big. Otherwise, there's always another 50 great blends to try.

I think we are echoes of one another.

I miss Syrian Latakia in blends. Cyprian is nice, but different. Some blends have changed just by that simple omission. So, while some is rose colored glasses, some is not.

I also agree that we have access to more stuff than before. But while there are more blends and blenders, I also believe there is also more schlock out there as well.

I do not smoke as often as I used to, so when I do smoke something it has to be something I really like. If it isn't, I get upset that I wasted my one smoke for a few days on a mediocre tobacco - that sucks. So, while I still like to try stuff, I have found a bunch of stuff that really satisfies me, so that is what I stock up on to keep on hand.

[mahtofire14]

Ever since I joined this site I have been sneaking around in this section trying to pick up a few beginner tips and trying to convince myself to give pipes another try. I used to think smoking a pipe was just filling a pipe with tobacco and lighting it. However after reading this thread for awhile that's obviously why I became quickly frustrated with pipe smoking.

Anyway, I have one question for the experts. When packing flake, do you still tamp it down like you would with regular tobacco? I've never smoked flake and am curious about it. Thanks in advance.

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by mahtofire14

Ever since I joined this site I have been sneaking around in this section trying to pick up a few beginner tips and trying to convince myself to give pipes another try. I used to think smoking a pipe was just filling a pipe with tobacco and lighting it. However after reading this thread for awhile that's obviously why I became quickly frustrated with pipe smoking.

Anyway, I have one question for the experts. When packing flake, do you still tamp it down like you would with regular tobacco? I've never smoked flake and am curious about it. Thanks in advance.

Once lit, yes, you will tamp.

[mahtofire14]

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

Once lit, yes, you will tamp.

The reason I ask is while reading up on packing pipes the majority have suggested lightly tamping the tobacco when you fill the bowl once, tamping it so it is half full, filling it to the top again, then tamping again. Is this considered the "correct" way? I will go back and read the thread in here about it as well. Rev, I was referring the this step in regards to packing with flake. Thanks for the help, by the way.

Originally Posted by mahtofire14

The reason I ask is while reading up on packing pipes the majority have suggested lightly tamping the tobacco when you fill the bowl once, tamping it so it is half full, filling it to the top again, then tamping again. Is this considered the "correct" way? I will go back and read the thread in here about it as well. Rev, I was referring the this step in regards to packing with flake. Thanks for the help, by the way.

Most will say something of the "Frank Pack" method.

I have heard the above referred to as the 3 handshakes method. It is what I use with mostly success...

Fill and pack down lightly, as if shaking a baby's hand.

Fill again and pack down, with a bit more pressure, as if shaking a woman's hand.

Fill again and pack down firmly, as if shaking a mans hand...

IDK if its the best way but its an easy one to remember...

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by mahtofire14

The reason I ask is while reading up on packing pipes the majority have suggested lightly tamping the tobacco when you fill the bowl once, tamping it so it is half full, filling it to the top again, then tamping again. Is this considered the "correct" way? I will go back and read the thread in here about it as well. Rev, I was referring the this step in regards to packing with flake. Thanks for the help, by the way.

If you rub the flake out (what I do 95% of the time), you will have basically normal tobacco, so do it that way. If you fill with rolled up flake, I usually dribble some rubbed flake on the top to get an even burn and will lightly press that in.

Hope that helps.

I think one of the best things to do is find and experienced piper to sit with and watch, having him show you things, and then observe your technique. It lowers the learning curve drastically.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Todd