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