6mm filter pipe -- question about non-filter use

forsooth · Feb 24, 2011

Hello, brothers --

I have learned from this forum that filter pipes are the "norm" in certain parts of Europe.

I'm looking at buying an estate pipe that accepts a 6mm filter.

My question is this: To "Americanize" the pipe, do I simply remove the filter and then the pipe is "normal?" Or, are there other issues associated with the pipe's ability to accept a filter? I've never purchased a "filter" pipe before. Should I pass it by?

Thanks!

Ol'Dawg · Feb 24, 2011

Using filters is a personal preference and not particularly related to certain areas, though many German pipe makers craft their pipes for 9mm filters. As for 6mm filter pipes, there are plastic adapters available to put in the pipe stem. And some folks just smoke them without the filter not using an adapter. There are two types of 6mm filters commonly used, a paper filter made by Medico or Dr. Grabow and a balsa wood triangular shaped filter made by Savinelli though it's more of an moisture absorption device. About half my pipes are filter pipes and I can't tell any difference in their smoking qualities.

Jim...my ha'pence

MisterE · Feb 24, 2011

Yes, just leave the filter out and it´ll smoke like any other pipe.

If you want, there are 6mm tube inserts which you can buy that fit where the filter would go . It is an adapter so the bore size will be consistent to the end of the tenon. I used these inserts in my filter pipes for a while but have since forsaken them. They don´t make that much difference to the smoking quality, and they´re a huge pain to take out and clean.

They are generally available in the accessories section of etailers, and perhaps at your local B&M. I seem to remember Savinelli selling them individually. If you get your filter pipe new, they will usually include one...

Wet Dottle · Feb 24, 2011

There have been other threads about this subject with a lot of useful input...

SpeedyPete · Feb 24, 2011

forsooth":dib0v97o said:
Hello, brothers --

I have learned from this forum that filter pipes are the "norm" in certain parts of Europe.

I'm looking at buying an estate pipe that accepts a 6mm filter.

My question is this: To "Americanize" the pipe, do I simply remove the filter and then the pipe is "normal?" Or, are there other issues associated with the pipe's ability to accept a filter? I've never purchased a "filter" pipe before. Should I pass it by?

Thanks!

I smoke all my cobs with balsawood filters. They are the 6mm size and I replace them after a day's use. I don't like filters in a briar. I do have two 9mm filtered briars but I do not smoke them very often. THe "paper" filters get soggy after a few smokes and are a mess to handle. I've never tried the 9mm balsawood filters and they might be better. But, of course, to each his own. Thanks to the Maker, we are all different from each other. :cheers:

PipePuffer · Feb 24, 2011

I have a couple of Savinellis with 6mm balsa filters. I have smoked the pipe with filter, without filter and with filter-replacement inserts (which I got for free at my B&M). It's all good.