How to Smoke a Pipe Like a Pro
The Anatomy of a Pipe
Packing Your Pipe
To pack your pipe, start by sprinkling the tobacco into the chamber until it’s over the top of the bowl. Then, press it down to the halfway point. Repeat filling the chamber until it is over the bowl, and then press it down to the 3/4 point. Finally, fill the chamber one more time until it is over the top of the bowl, and press it down until it is just below the rim. This “3 layer” method will give you looser tobacco at the bottom to allow for airflow, but tighter tobacco at the top to help keep the pipe lit.
Test Your Draw
At this point, it’s time to test the draw of the pipe. If it feels like sucking through an empty straw, your draw is too loose. If it feels like a thick milkshake, your draw is too tight. If it feels like sucking soda through a straw, your draw is just right, and you can move on to the next step.
How to Light Your Pipe
To light your pipe, use a match or a soft butane lighter. Never use a torch lighter. Torch lighters burn entirely too hot and could destroy your pipe.
Circulate the flame above your tobacco, and take long, slow, even puffs. The tobacco will begin to rise up at this point. Tamp it down with your tamper and relight your pipe. When the draw starts to loosen up, use your tamper to lightly press the tobacco down to help keep it lit.
What Should You Do If Your Pipe Goes Out?
If your pipe goes out during the smoking process, you will need to stoke it or relight it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having to relight your pipe.
Stoking Your Pipe
Stoking your pipe is a very similar concept to stoking a fire in a fireplace. Take a matchbox, place it over the top of the bowl, and puff gently a few times. This will reignite the ember in the bowl and allow you to enjoy your pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to pack a pipe?
The best way to pack a pipe is using the “3 layer” method. Start by sprinkling tobacco into the chamber, pressing it down to the halfway point, then the 3/4 point, and finally just below the rim to ensure a consistent and even burn.
How do you properly light a pipe?
Use a match or a soft butane lighter to light your pipe. Avoid torch lighters as they burn too hot. Circulate the flame above the tobacco, taking long, slow puffs to ignite it evenly. Tamp down the tobacco as it rises and relight if necessary.
What should I do if my pipe goes out?
If your pipe goes out, you can stoke it or relight it. To stoke, cover the bowl with a matchbox and puff gently a few times to reignite the ember. There is no issue with having to relight your pipe during a session.
Why is the draw of my pipe too tight?
If the draw of your pipe feels like sucking a thick milkshake, it is too tight. This usually happens if the tobacco is packed too densely. Ensure a proper draw by packing the tobacco looser at the bottom and tighter at the top using the “3 layer” method.
