When I first started smoking a pipe one of my biggest challenges was learning to keep it lit. I would puff on it like a wild animal trying to catch its breath. One time I had this corncob with a very small hole between the bowl and shank, and I burnt that thing to a crisp in a day trying to keep it lit. Since then I’ve learned through listening to more experienced smokers, and a little trial and error, how to keep my pipe lit for a consistent smoke. Let’s examine a few points.
The Pack
If you’re constantly puffing, constantly tamping, and constantly concerned with keeping your pipe lit, it’s not going to be an enjoyable smoking experience. Odds are you don’t have a great pack if you’re having issues. A bowl packed too firmly won’t allow for adequate airflow or a smooth draw. A bowl packed too loosely won’t allow for good contact between the leaves for heat transfer. So the first thing you want to master as a new pipe-smoker is the pack. In my intro to pipe-smoking article I discuss this process in more detail. The basic concept is you fill your chamber and pack very gently, fill again and pack a little firmer, and make your third pack the firmest. You’re packing your tobacco tightly enough to allow for heat transfer, but not so tight as to block the tiny air hole at the bottom of the bowl. Once you’ve mastered the art of packing it’ll greatly improve your experience.
The Cadence
The next thing you’ll want to master is your cadence. How frequently are you puffing? How long is your draw? My personal opinion is that you should use whatever cadence feels the most natural to you, but be cautious with smoking too quickly as this could cause your bowl to overheat and damage the pipe. If your bowl is consistently too hot to hold while smoking, you may want to change something.
Tobacco Moisture Content
Consider the moisture content of your tobacco. Are you smoking a brand new aromatic fresh out of the tin? Are you smoking an English you’ve had opened up for a few days? A good rule of thumb for blends with higher moisture content (aromatics in particular) is to separate the amount you’ll need to fill your bowl and let it air out for a while before you smoke. I personally think 10-15 minutes is often enough, but you could leave it out a little longer. This will reduce the moisture content and help give you a more consistent smoke.
The Main Point...
After learning how to manage your pack, your cadence, and the moisture in your tobacco, you now have a few techniques to help keep your pipe lit so you’re not constantly having to relight. But my favorite technique of all is to simply not worry about it. Smoking a pipe is largely about enjoying the process, taking your time and slowing down, and I think developing patience is a natural by-product of it. And if you’re lost in a good book or having a conversation, even as an experienced smoker, your pipe will go out, and that’s okay. I’ve come to appreciate having to relight my pipe because they’re designed for that. A pipe is not a cigar, it’s a unique experience. Your blend will taste just as good if you have to relight a couple of times over the course of the smoke. So, yes there are a few tips and tricks you can employ to keep your pipe lit, but if you’re talking with someone you’ll most certainly have to relight. And frankly I think a conversation with a good friend is well worth a few relights.
Daniel, Owner
Plymouth Rock Tobacco Co.
Soli Deo Gloria
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