| Smoking a PipeA new pipe should always be broken | | | | naturally go out if left. If this occurs just re-light the pipe. |
| in. This involves only half filling the bowl and drawing | | | | Occasionally you may hear or taste moisture in the |
| gently to allow the charring process to happen | | | | pipe, if this occurs run a pipe cleaner down the flue, |
| gradually; it will also allow the pipe to harden. | | | | tamp and relight the tobacco if necessary.Cleaning and |
| To enjoy a satisfying smoke a pipe must be filled | | | | MaintenanceA well cared for pipe can last for years, |
| correctly.Filling the PipeHold the pipe upright and trickle | | | | improving with age. To make sure this happens you |
| in tobacco until the pipe is full. Tamp it down gently | | | | need to undertake basic maintenance. Never refill a |
| then repeat two or three times until the bowl is full. | | | | warm pipe, wait until it has cooled. Many smokers |
| Draw on the pipe prior to lighting to ensure there are | | | | prefer two pipes to allow ample cooling time. When |
| no blockages. Failure to fill the pipe properly may cause | | | | cleaning the pipe, hold it by the bowl, the simply tip the |
| the pipe to burn hot and bitter, leading to "tongue bite" a | | | | ash from the bowl, before running a pipe cleaner |
| stinging on the top of the tongue.Lighting the PipeLight | | | | through the stem to remove moisture. Do not bang the |
| the pipe using a pipe lighter or wooden match, petrol | | | | pipe against a wall or shoe, as this will damage the |
| lighters can cause unpleasant odours and tastes. At | | | | bowl.A small layer of carbon will slowly start to |
| first try to char the top of the tobacco, to allow the | | | | accumulate from the first smoking, never allow this |
| flame to catch. The "charring light" as it is called should | | | | layer to get more than 1:16 of an inch (1.5mm) thick or |
| aim to ignite the tobacco, without scorching the bowl. | | | | risk the bowl cracking. To maintain this layer use a pipe |
| Tamp the charred tobacco down and then apply the | | | | reamer or smokers knife, (NOT a penknife or pointed |
| second flame, puffing gently as you light the | | | | object.)Insert the reamer then slowly rotate to strip |
| tobacco.Re-lighting and MoistureTobacco does | | | | way excess carbon. |