I feel like an idiot, but I need help keeping my pipe lit...

[KevinM]

>>>It's turned into a Zen thing for me<<<

Good :rabbit: In unguarded moments I've said part of the appeal of pipes is that the controlled, rhythmic breathing needed to keep a cool smoke going is Yoga-like. (Or substitute the discipline of your choice.) I can't say that I get universal agreement. No matter, each to his own ...

 

[Kyle Weiss]

A Zen Buddhist should seek solace in the pipe and the moment, rather than the numbers.

Here's some Zen Piping for thought:

"If the pipe requires more fire, it is of the pipe's asking, not your failure. In kind, it is as natural to you to ask for water when you are thirsty, and you drink until you are quenched--the amount of water is not important."

8)

 

[kaiser83]

Before I started smoking a pipe I watched this video and then when I started I used his technique and it has done darn well for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGPlulm_tEc&feature=plcp
I don't so much worry any longer about the technique but the feel of it as I go along. It comes with time....and it doesn't take too long if you pay attention to the pack and try to repeat when you have a good one. Like others have said, pack looser than you think you need to. I also find the light to be of high importance and still use the technique in the video. Hope it helps.

 

[skaukatt]

The keys for me have been uniformity of the tobacco and tamping. By uniformity I mean that I rub between my palms the load of tobacco for a given smoke. This makes for uniform "pieces" of leaf which makes it easier to pack and makes for a good burn with few re-lights, not that there is anything wrong with re-lighting by any means.

Tamping often is the other component for a great smoke, for me.

Lou

 

[J Soshae]

kaiser83

Before I started smoking a pipe I watched this video and then when I started I used his technique and it has done darn well for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGPlulm_tEc&feature=plcp

OHHH NOOO!!! He shredded the beautiful flake. He should stick with the bulk tobacco until he gets his act together.

 

[kaiser83]

kaiser83

Before I started smoking a pipe I watched this video and then when I started I used his technique and it has done darn well for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGPlulm_tEc&feature=plcp

OHHH NOOO!!! He shredded the beautiful flake. He should stick with the bulk tobacco until he gets his act together.

I shred my flake too most of the time. I tried the folding and stuffing but still prefer to shred...partially at least. Different stokes, as long as the flavor is the same.

 

[Rob_In_MO]

Darn he's messy. No finesse, just grab and go...

 

[kaiser83]

Darn he's messy. No finesse, just grab and go...

I doubt he is that messy normally, I assume he did it like that purely to help noobs.

 

[J Soshae]

Flakes get folded and stuffed with loose crumbs on top. Loose tobacco gets dipped out of the pouch like I always saw my great-grandfather do. I never find myself using a piece of paper.

 

[kaiser83]

Flakes get folded and stuffed with loose crumbs on top. Loose tobacco gets dipped out of the pouch like I always saw my great-grandfather do. I never find myself using a piece of paper.

Different strokes. I dislike the way flake smokes when I fold and stuff. The paper was for cleanliness for the video, I highly doubt the guy does it normally. The entire point is to help someone having issues staying lit to stay lit. I break up my flake, not so much as he did, but I break it up. You find what works for you for the best personal smoke and you do it. The point was a generalized way of packing for the person who asked for help and when I started out that video helped me to achieve a good pack....with my ribbon cut....that would remain lit.

 

[J Soshae]

It was a good video. I just like the structure of a piece of flake tobacco.

Not too sure if you will ever see me wearing that mustache.

 

[kaiser83]

It was a good video. I just like the structure of a piece of flake tobacco.

Not too sure if you will ever see me wearing that mustache.

Lol, I am actually working on a mustache like his now, but mine will be accompanied by a crazy long goatee when I get done. It is going to be epic. Even have the wax on the way to start attempting the curl. :cheers:

 

[asmoke]

A Zen Buddhist should seek solace in the pipe and the moment, rather than the numbers.

Here's some Zen Piping for thought:

"If the pipe requires more fire, it is of the pipe's asking, not your failure. In kind, it is as natural to you to ask for water when you are thirsty, and you drink until you are quenched--the amount of water is not important."

8)

Strangely enough, this is the lighting philosophy I live (or light ) by.

 

[asmoke]

Ok that was really corny, even for me....

 

[asmoke]

It was a good video. I just like the structure of a piece of flake tobacco.

Not too sure if you will ever see me wearing that mustache.

Lol, I am actually working on a mustache like his now, but mine will be accompanied by a crazy long goatee when I get done. It is going to be epic. Even have the wax on the way to start attempting the curl. :cheers:

Excellent. I'm growing a full beard out now. I've had a chin strap for years, but now it's finally time for the full meal deal.

 

[J Soshae]

kaiser83 wrote:
J Soshae wrote:
It was a good video. I just like the structure of a piece of flake tobacco.

Not too sure if you will ever see me wearing that mustache.


Lol, I am actually working on a mustache like his now, but mine will be accompanied by a crazy long goatee when I get done. It is going to be epic. Even have the wax on the way to start attempting the curl.

Kaiser, my wife might would cut mine while I sleep. She has complained about the beard I have kept this year. She would rather I go back to just a goatee.

Post us some pictures when you start getting it out there.

 

[kaiser83]

Yeah, mine will be while I am not home, once I get back in the states for good I will go back to clean shaving. But "while I'm away she has no say" in the facial hair at least lol.

 

[J Soshae]

That works like my extended backpacking trips. I am allowed to pretend I am a "mountain man" a week at a time.

 

[Anonymous]

Paper.

Every time.

Allows me to select & arrange the longer clumps for the main pack, & bits & pieces for the top dressing, while losing nothing.

:face:

 

[Doc Manhattan]

Paper.

Every time.

Allows me to select & arrange the longer clumps for the main pack, & bits & pieces for the top dressing, while losing nothing.

:face:

I second that heartily!

I have paper-pad desk blotter--I can take notes and sort tobacco all in the same place. When there's too many coffee rings, doodles, and tobacco oils on the topsheet, I just tear it off and start afresh.