ALGERIAN BUTZ-CHOQUIN COMOY OF LONDON CHURCHWARDENSDENICOTEA DON CARLOS DR. GRABOW HUSKY JENSEN KAYWOODIE LARSEN W.O. MEDICO MEERSCHAUM MISSOURI MEERSCHAUM NORDING PETERSON SASIENI SAVEINELLI STANWELL TIM WEST YELLO-BOLE

Pipe choices, blends and tools.
Packing and lighting your pipe.
Caring for your pipe.

Pipe Basics

To understand the world of pipes and their varieties, it helps to know a few general terms for the different parts of a pipe. The vessel in which you pack the tobacco is called the bowl. The shaft extends from under the bowl to the joint where the pipe can be taken apart. The tip of the pipe is called the mouthpiece and it is divided into the stem and bit.

Pipe Choices

Pipes come in many different shapes and materials. Common materials include briar (made from the woody root or stem of a brier plant), clay, glass and corn. Briar is by far the most common material used, while corn is the least expensive and may be the best bet for the infrequent pipe smoker.

The basic pipe shape is one with a straight stem — no curves or bends. Smokers who prefer this type of pipe like the fact that saliva will not seep into the stem as easily as with a bent pipe. On the other hand, other smokers complain that this type of pipe design is heavier against your teeth, and therefore uncomfortable.

A bent pipe is exactly as it suggests: one that has a bend in the shape in varying degrees of curve (think Sherlock Holmes). Generally, bent pipes are more ergonomic (designed to mimic the shape of the user’s mouth and hands) than straight pipes and are lighter to hold in the mouth, although the saliva problem is something you'll need to get used to.

Within the basic "straight" and "bent" categories you’ll find seemingly endless variations. Some of the most popular shapes include the billiard, Dublin, apple, Canadian, Oom-Paul, bulldog, prince, Woodstock and poker.

Tobacco Blends

Tobacco blends can be easily broken down into three categories.

English blends. English blends are typified by the use of latakia, an ingredient that produces a strong and smoky flavor and perique, which lends a strong, peppery aroma. Perique tobacco is only grown in certain restricted areas of Louisiana. Generally, English blends do not contain artificial additives.

Aromatic blends. Flavors are added to these blends to give them a specific taste and a more pleasant odor. Common flavors are vanilla, chocolate, various berries, fruit or nut, rum or whiskey.

Virginia blends. Virginia blends are often the mildest tobacco, and they age well (long shelf life). These blends are usually pressed and sold in flakes.

Choosing your tobacco is half the fun. Most smoke shops will allow you to have a seat and enjoy a small sample. Choose what tastes and smells good to you. When buying online, consider trying samplers before you commit to a full tin.

Tools for Pipe Smoking

Once you've chosen your pipe and tobacco, there are still a few things you will need before you can get started:

Matches or lighter. Matches are the cheapest and probably the easiest to use. Make sure you get wooden ones, as paper matches produce an adverse taste. Wooden matches also tend to burn longer than thin paper matches.

If you choose a lighter, look for those specifically designed for use with a pipe — they’ll be a lot easier on your thumb. A particularly good pipe lighter is the wind-proof Zippo Pipe Lighter.

Pipe tool. You'll also need a tool to "tamp" (gently pack) down the tobacco as you light it and occasionally as you smoke, and a tool that lets you loosen tobacco that is too tightly packed or left in the bowl when you’re done. The Czech Pipe Tool is a particularly popular multi-tool for this purpose. Some tools may have a "reamer" included, a tool used for loosening or cutting your tobacco. If your pipe tool doesn’t include a reamer, check out the Savinelli Fits All Reamer.

Pipe cleaners. Cleaning your pipe regularly is essential. The easiest way to do this is with pipe cleaners — yes, the same ones you may have used for art projects at camp. Tinder Box.com offers a variety of different types, but you may find that the bristle ones are probably the best. Many pipe smokers periodically use pipe sweetener to clean out their pipes and maintain a "sweet" taste.

A second pipe. If you're serious about your pipe smoking, then you'll need more than one. Why? After a smoke, pipes need to cool down before you can light them up again. A second pipe allows smokers to pick up a pipe again while their first pipe cools down.

Packing and Lighting Your Pipe

Step One: Pack. Pack the tobacco into the bowl in small pinches — one at a time. Only fill your bowl about a half or a third full. Do not pack too tightly or too loosely, as you will need to drawn air through the tobacco. If you find that you’ve packed your tobacco too tightly, you can use your reamer to loosen it.

Step Two: Light. Light your match or lighter and apply the flame to the tobacco horizontally, rather than straight down into it, puffing and moving the match or lighter around in a circular motion until the tobacco is lit.

Step Three: Tamp. Once lit, the tobacco will begin to rise in the bowl. Take the tamper part of your tool and tamp (or gently

pack) the tobacco down gently, puffing as you tamp. The tobacco will begin to burn towards the bottom of the bowl, which is what you want.

Step Four: Relight. It is not unusual for a pipe to go out. To relight, simply tamp down the tobacco and begin again. If it keeps going out, you may have packed the tobacco too tightly. Use the reamer to loosen it — not too loosely, though, or you will end up with "tongue bite." Tongue bite occurs when the tobacco is too loosely packed into the bowl, allowing smoke to flow too freely and the smoker to suck in too much, burning his tongue.

Tip: Smoke all the tobacco in the bowl. Tamp any remaining tobacco and re-light it. This will help form a "cake" in the bowl, which will absorb moisture and give you a drier and untimely better smoke.

Caring for Your Pipe

Removing ash. Avoid banging your pipe. This may seem like the logical way to empty it, but banging your pipe on the edge of an ashtray or other hard surface will damage it in the long run. Instead, grasp the bottom of the bowl, turn it over and tap it lightly with your hand to remove the ash.

Between smokes. Immediately after smoking, run a pipe cleaner through the stem down to the bowl to remove any moisture. Let your pipe cool down before your next smoke. A cool pipe is infinitely better for enjoying flavor.

Cleaning. You will probably only need to thoroughly clean out your pipe about once a month. Remove the bit and stem from the shank and clean with a pipe cleaner and some pipe sweetener. If the cake is quite thick, use a reamer to cut it back to an even thickness (never use a knife for this).

TRUTH AND FACTS ARE THE SEEDS THAT MAKE KNOWLEDGE GROW

Written By Jerry Korn

Meerschaum. Literally translated from German means "seafoam". This name reflects its characteristics of lightness in weight and whiteness in color. It is one of the most porous substances found in nature, will not burn out, and is considered by pipe smokers as the perfect material for a cool, dry smoke. Unlike Briar Wood pipes, Meerschaum is a mineral. (Hydrous Magnesium Silicate).

Today the highest quality Meerschaum deposits are not found near any body of water but, are found in only one area of the world, the open plains of central Turkey surrounding the small city of Eskisehir. Meerschaum is mined wet from depths of up to 400 feet and is bought by carvers in various size blocks or lumps called stones, then hand carved into what many consider one of the finest smoking pipes available.

Pipe Making: Since every Meerschaum Pipe we sell is individually hand carved, the first step is for the craftsmen to select only the stones which he feels to be of the finest quality based upon size of the stone, density, color, and homogeneity. The carvers then transform this block of raw stone, using the same hand carving techniques which have been handed down from generation to generation, into various styles of pipes from the elegant smooth shapes, to intricately carved designs. This makes Meerschaum pipes one of the most prestigious, enjoyable, and beautiful pipes you can own.

The final process in crafting a Meerschaum pipe is drying out excess moisture, fitting it with a custom stem, dipping it in a coating of special protective wax, and then polishing. As long as your hands are not excessively greasy or dirty, TOUCH YOUR PIPE, hold it proudly, it has been carved for you to enjoy its coolness of smoke and pride of ownership.

Coloring: Because of its natural porous nature, Solid Block Meerschaum's most fascinating characteristic is its process of gradually changing colors from white to a golden deep cherry red or brown. Since each stone is unique unto itself, each pipe will color at various speeds and shades, I have seen pipes color in 2 months and some color in 12 months. It is impossible to tell just how long it will take your pipe to color. Some factors affecting this colorization vary from your particular smoking habits, different types of tobacco, to the amount of time you smoke your pipe.

NOTE: only Solid Block Meerschaum will color properly. Myself and many other experts consider pressed, formed, or Meerschaum lined pipes to be of inferior quality and should not be expected to have the same characteristics as Solid Block Meerschaum.

Care: There are many misconceptions surrounding Meerschaum pipes. Remember, just as no two pipes are exactly the same, no two pipe smokers are exactly the same. Don't be afraid to hold and handle your Meerschaum pipe. Smoking your pipe is a traditional pleasure and watching it color adds to your enjoyment. Also, unlike Briar which must be dried after each smoke, Meerschaum can be smoked many times a day because of its absorbing qualities. If your pipe becomes soiled or dirty, use cotton or a soft cloth with just a drop of after shave lotion or similar product containing a slight trace of clear alcohol and gently wipe it clean when the pipe is cool. Never boil or scrape your pipe.

Breaking In: No need to break in your new pipe. Unlike Briar, the natural mineral quality of Meerschaum needs no caking to enjoy the true, pure taste of your favorite blend. If a cake starts forming in your pipe, which is not unusual, lightly ream it out being careful not to scrape or dig into the pipe itself. Use a pipe cleaner when cleaning inside the stem and be gentle when separating it and cleaning inside the shank.

For hundreds of years, Meerschaum Pipes have been known as the ultimate pipe for enjoying the pleasures of smoking. Because each Meerschaum Pipe is a hand-crafted work of art, it is passed on from generation to generation giving each a special pride of ownership.

A very important part of the pipe experience is not pictured here and you will not find it in any new pipe you buy. This is the CAKE. Not Grandma's 27 year old fruit cake, but pipe tobacco cake. Technically speaking cake is the remnants of old burnt tobacco, mostly carbon (but ohhh what carbon). Cake scientifically plays a role in absorbing moisture. Aesthetically it plays the role of a nymph. Cake enlightens the smoke, it enlivens the taste, and it enhances the experience. Cake believes in equality, it can not be bought it must be earned.

The pipe was popularized by Sir Walter Raleigh in England in the late 1580¹s. As far as composition goes the sky is the limit. You can even make believe you are in an early Asian or African culture and build an "earth pipe" (DIRECTIONS : dig hole in ground place in burning substance drill holes through dirt with sticks, inhale and enjoy!).Or you can make or buy a pipe made from bamboo, bone, clay, crustacean shells, gourds, metal, nuts, porcelain, roots, wood, etc. etc. get the point. The most popular kinds have been traditionally been made of woods like briar (which is the root of a Mediterranean shrub). It¹s correct name common tree heath (Erica Arborea), but it is more generally referred to as Bruyere. It has been said that the wood is at it¹s best at ages over 100 years. Meerschaum, also widely used, is a fine white clay from turkey. This "sea spay" was created over 150 million years ago by crustacean shells. After the dangerous mining process the rock is boiled for days to remove salt, then it is treated with oils and waxes to give strength to the brittle stone. Meerschaum pipes are usually adorned with intricate carvings, and change in color as they are used.

It¹s good to have a few different pipes or different kinds, because depending on the shape, and composition pipes smoke differently. If your going to be using yours a lot you should alternate between uses, because a cooler pipe tends to give a better smoke than a hot one. O.K. so you have bought a pipe and you want to smoke it Here we Go. Fill it gradually stopping to tamp the tobacco. This will prevent the problem of disrupting air pockets. Remember it only needs to be filled half way. Now your ready to light it so strike a match or flick a lighter and apply the flame. As the heat from the flame comes in contact with the tobacco the tobacco will expand up towards the top of the bowl so grab your tamper and apply pressure to the smoldering tobacco, but don¹t stop puffing.

Instructions
Fill it gradually to prevent the problem of disrupting air pockets. Remember it only needs to be filled half way. Now your ready to light it so strike a match or flick a lighter and apply the flame. As the heat from the flame comes in contact with the tobacco the tobacco will expand up towards the top of the bowl so grab your tamper and apply pressure to the smoldering tobacco, but don't stop puffing.
Mixed cuts should be packed firmly but lively.
Flake cuts should be packed looser.
And finely the rougher the cut the tighter the pack should be.

Hints
If the Pipe goes out the pack was too tight, so work your shank poker through the tobacco down to the air hole.
If you get tongue bite the pack was too loose so tamp the tobacco down.

Cleaning your pipe...
DO IT GENTLY, you don't want to smash, slam , tap, whack, cut, or hack old ash out. Support the bowl and give it a gentle tap. This isn't a test of strength. Also remember pipe cleaners were made for pipes not elementary school projects, so uses pipe cleaners often, even in the middle of a smoke if need be. Then every couple weeks or so depending on use give the pipe of your choice a good cleaning. Carefully take off the bit, then the shank and clean thoroughly, and gently. Then using a "reamer" (this is a tool designed for cleaning a pipe, so use it, don't try a knife, ax, or an air ratchet) reduce the cake build up to an even thickness. So, to recap be gentle, and buy pipe cleaners, some pipe sweetener, and a reamer.

Let's end the mystery surrounding Pipe tobacco...

Remember you're not trying to split the atom, you're just looking for some plant to smoke. Pipe tobacco has only two categories:

1: English - Blended tobacco which is free from any artificial non-tobacco flavors. They tend to smoke more "dry".
2: Aromatic - Tobacco to which some kind of non-tobacco flavoring has been added. Including apple, cherry, coconut, hazelnut, honey, maple, molasses, pistachio, raspberry, vanilla, whiskey, and countless other combinations. These kinds of tobacco tend to smoke more "wet."

Variety
BURLEY -unlike the name would suggest this tobacco is light tasting and absorbs flavors quite easily.
CAVENDISH - Processed with maple syrup, licorice, rum, sweeteners, and whiskey. It is then heated, pressed, and cut. Probably has the most pleasant aroma. Fire-cured Cavendish is probably the most popular, and the sweetest in smell. usually noted by having the word BLACK in the name.

LATAKIA -A strong aromatic and bold tasting Mediterranean tobacco, used in English blends.

MARYLAND -A subdued American tobacco. Used in blends.

PERIQUE -Unique to Louisiana this tobacco is pressed and allowed to ferment. Thus producing a tobacco which is dark in color and strong in taste and aroma.

VIRGINIA -An American tobacco which burns hot. This tobacco adds both body and a sweet flavor when it is blended.

Here are a few of our favorite pipe clubs around America ...

EAST

• Capital Area Pipe Smokers 8607 Howell Rd. Bethesda, MD 20817

• Carolina Briar Friars 228 South Clarkson St. Charlotte, NC 28202

• New York Pipe Club P.O. Box 265 Gracie Station, NY 10028

• Conclave Of Richmond Pipe Smokers P.O. Box 34023 Richmond, VA 23234

• The Universal Coterie Of Pipe Smokers 20 120th St. College Point, NY 11356

• "Hudson Valley Pipe Club, contact robdistasio@mindspring.com

CENTRAL

• Calabash Cavaliers Pipe Club P.O. Box 219 Galveston, IN 46932

• Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club 2947 Edison St. Blue Island, IL 60406

• Civil War Smokers 1925 Welshire Dr. Davenport, IA 52806

• Indiana Briar Friars Rt. #1 Box 78 Arlington, IN 46104

• Kentuckianna Pipe Club 102 East Southland Blvd. Apt. #2 Louisville, KY 40214

• St. Louis Gateway Area Pipe Club 14070 New Halls Ferry Florissant, MO 63033

• The Arrowhead Pipe Club 647 South Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48502

• International Association Of Pipe Smokers Clubs 647 South Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48502

• North American Society Of Pipe Collectors P.O. Box 9642 Colombus, OH 43209

• The Original Grumblers Club 1747 Lexington Ave. St. Paul, MN 55113

• The Tri-Cities Pipe Club 3986 Bay Rd. Saginaw, MI 48603

• The Uptown Sons Of Briar Chicago Cigar Connoisseurs 1550 North Wells St. Chicago, IL 60610

• The Greater Kansas City Pipe Club contact:(913) 381-5597 Meet: Evey third Thursday of the month, at 8:00p.m. at Cigar and Tabac store in Overland Park, KS.

WEST

• Southwest Pipe & Cigar League 8856 Winnetka Ave. Northridge, CA 91324

• The Bay Area Pipe Club 3 Embarcadero Center San Francisco, CA 94111