Tsuge Bowl Coating

[Northern Neil]

Does anyone know what Tsuge Pipes manufactured in Japan uses for their Bowl Coating?

 

[Kelhammer]

Sushi wraps?

 

[CACooper]

I have no idea, but it's truly AWFUL! I have an Ikebana C that was the worst smoking pipe I've ever owned. I must have smoked at least 50 bowls through it and it tasted horrible for about 45 of them. It still isn't "right".

I really wish pipe makers would refrain from using ANY bowl coating. Personally, I don't use any coating on the pipes I make and have never had a problem with break-in. I finish the inside at about an 80 grit to leave a little "tooth" for the carbon to adhere to. Just go slow and gentle for the first dozen or so bowls. You might taste a little "burnt briar" in the beginning, but the cake builds quickly.

It seems to me coatings are hiding something, from stain bleed-through to small sand pits. The coating keeps an otherwise flawless pipe sellable. I'll tell you from experience, small pits will not burn out. They cake over rapidly, usually with the first full bowl. It's the invisible cavity just below the surface, or more likely, soft, pithy wood that burns through and bowl coatings won't stop this. Coatings just make the new pipe, with minor flaws inside the bowl, more aesthetically pleasing.

CACooper

 

[Harlock999]

I have no idea, but it's truly AWFUL! I have an Ikebana C that was the worst smoking pipe I've ever owned. I must have smoked at least 50 bowls through it and it tasted horrible for about 45 of them. It still isn't "right".

Interesting...
I was surprised that an Ikebana D that I looked at had what appeared to be a rather thick, and somewhat lumpy bowl coating, not in keeping with the otherwise excellent appearance of the pipe.

 

[Zeno Marx]

I really wish pipe makers would refrain from using ANY bowl coating.

COSIGNED. DOUBLE COSIGNED. I don't know if they're hiding something or not. Doesn't really cross my mind. As silly as it might sound, that's a non-issue to me. The fact that I've NEVER had a coated bowl become one of my trusted, reliable 100% of the time great smokers is all the reason I need to despise the practice. (and they all taste like ass to start). I'm sorry, but if I'm buying new and spending 3-digits, if I want that coating removed, then it best not be a problem to do so. Most makers will remove it, but I've also crossed those who mumble and grumble about it. Rather than it become an issue, I stop the transaction right there. Lots of pipes out there. I can live without that one.

 

[Northern Neil]

Sushi wraps?

I knew I recognized that flavor from somewhere

 

[Kyle Weiss]

*shrug*

My humble Kaga had a bit of the bowl coating left intact, as I got it used, and a quick alcohol soak and a paper towel made quick work of it. Far easier than the spackle Peterson uses.

I don't like bowl coatings, but if I can remove them, meh.

Some panties were made for twistin' (and that's just what they'll do), but one of these days more carvers bowl-coatings they'll not do. :guitarpluck:

8)