| Smoking a pipe is a time to relax, to put aside the | | | | it lightly. If you tamp it too hard you will end up with a |
| day’s hectic pace. Because we need to pay | | | | rock and it will not draw. Try drawing, if you can’t, |
| attention to what the tobacco is doing inside the bowl | | | | start over. The second pinch tamp it a little more firmly |
| we shouldn’t do much of anything else except | | | | and so on and so forth until your pipe is filled. |
| maybe take a walk or sit on the porch. Driving or any | | | | Remember that when you tamp the second pinch |
| other mechanical work which needs our undivided | | | | your are re-tamping the ones below. A last draw |
| attention should not be done while we are smoking. | | | | before lighting, if there is no resistance, you are good |
| Learning how to pack, to light and smoke a pipe is an | | | | to go. |
| ability that needs to be developed. Getting it right the | | | | 4. Light your pipe - Do not use a torch lighter. You will |
| first time is nearly impossible. And, in order to get good | | | | burn the wood and that will leave an ugly burn mark |
| at it the novice must be patient and practice. Making | | | | which might not be removed. Use matches or a |
| mistakes is part of the learning process. | | | | regular butane lighter with a flame adjusted for pipes. |
| Guide to Smoking a Pipe Correctly | | | | Light the tobacco in a circular motion. At this point |
| 1. Start with a clean pipe - Before you reach for your | | | | draw lightly, most tobaccos and particularly the longer |
| tobacco make sure your pipe is dry and free of any | | | | cuts, uncurl and loosen when they are lit for the first |
| dottle ( left-over tobacco and ashes ). If your pipe is | | | | time. Tamp it lightly, very lightly and re light it if it goes |
| not clean, your tobacco will have a bitter taste and the | | | | out. If the smoke is too hot you are puffing too fast. |
| aroma will not be attractive. | | | | Slow down and take your time, you will find your own |
| 2. Prepare your tobacco - Take a large pinch of | | | | rhythm. In case your pipe gets too wet run a pipe |
| tobacco and place it on a paper towel. If it has knots | | | | cleaner, without taking the pipe apart, just push it in, |
| or clumps remove them. If it is too moist, let it sit for a | | | | leave it in for a minute and pull it out. |
| few minutes so it will dry a bit. | | | | At this point you know the basics to start enjoying |
| 3. Fill your bowl - The first pinch should be loose. Tamp | | | | your new pipe and tobacco. Enjoy. |