Are Your Tobacco Pipes Rugged Tools or Precious Gems?

[@silverjinglebobspur1]

There was a time when smoking in the hospital was no problem. I remember several of the doctors who smoked pipes. Sitting at the nurses station, writing into the charts of their patience, and puffing a pipe. Then, still puffing, walking to Hall to visit another patient. The door was knocked on, and the pipe was dropped into the lab coat pocket. The physician gave a physical exam of the progress, took the time to answer questions, often, repulling the pipe from pocket, taking a puff or two, then answering the question. Then back to the charting desk, it was. I learned from my master professor, that it's not uncommon to not know the answer, but it is important to know where to get the answer. And for a few very fortunate patience, the answers came to their phyisicisn, through the pipe. Interesting, there was never once an incident of in house staph infection. I think that that particular infection realized, why bother? A pipe smoker will know what to do.

[@survivingchicago5797]

I’ve got 99 problems but my pipes ain't one 👍

[@PipesAndChores]

lol, well said, sir! Have a great night and week.

[@thepipesmoker5803]

I keep them in excellent shape always. After each use I use several pipe cleaners and my pipe shield cloth and then stored in their cloth bag. All of my pipes are Charles Rattrays 9mm filter pipes in briar. And yes I smoke them with a 9mm filter in place. For me filters collect most moisture, keep tobacco out of my mouth and do not change the strength or flavor in any blend. From time to time I have tried different blends in my one unfiltered Rattray pipe and the strength and flavor is not stronger or different in that pipe in my opinion. There is my rabbit hole comment about that. I hope you will continue doing your videos they are respected.

[@PipesAndChores]

Thanks for the comment about your approach! Everyone has their own way of doing things, so just keep on enjoying it and having fun.

[@skipton9511]

You've asked the 'big' question. I've seen the argument that all pipes should be kept as pristine as possible - no chatter, shiny stems, brightly polished bowls, no charred rims. I've also seen the argument to the contrary. My guess is that many of us fall into some middle ground. Unless you like a 'sour' pipe, regular cleaning is standard. After knocking out the ash, I'll wipe the bowl and stem with a soft cloth while they are still warm. I always run a pipe cleaner or two through the stem and shank after the pipe has cooled. A few need a wipe of the tenon as well. Essentially, I clean as I go. A more frequently smoked pipe will periodically get a more thorough cleaning using a solvent or sweetener through the stem. Oxidized stems require some additional care. (For the record - softy bits are an abomination 😉) I prefer the patina of a well-used pipe and, not being a collector, my pipes are all smoked regularly. If a bowl's finish becomes particularly dull a little carnuba wax is in order. There are a couple of pipes that have seen a lot of wear and tear, not because of careless abuse, but because they have accompanied me on tasks and jobs where they were tucked (or shoved) into a pocket with other every day carry. My pipes are racked, bowls down, because that allows them to dry out completely. Nice video, sir, and another good question. Be well, stay well and safe, and keep it awesome - peace

[@PipesAndChores]

Thanks again, Skip! I always look forward to seeing your responses, and this one was definitely fun to read. The softy bit comment made me smirk (I don’t use them either). I usually run a pipe cleaner through the stem after about 3-4 smokes. Other than that, I barely do anything to maintain them as mentioned in the video. Nothing to brag about, but I also don’t feel bad about it. Just the way I approach the activity! Take care and have a great evening.

[@13pipes]

Yet another great question! I smoke them... and do the basic care after smoke (passing pipe cleaner and wipe the moisture) occasional scrape with a chech tool’s spoon bit... and that’s all. Have never reamed or done salt treatment... they are decently covered with little scratches and fairly charred. I do not even have a pipe stand! I guess they could look better and I could improve that in couple of hours, but I don’t care that much... the thing is - they could hardly smoke any better then how they smoke now! Wish you many satisfying smokes!

[@PipesAndChores]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Mine are definitely charred up as well. I don’t aim too carefully when I’m lighting. Have a great day!

[@BenCase88]

I'm also middle of the road. I use a pipe cleaner after every use to keep clean and make last long as possible. I absolutely hate the feel of softy bits so won't even use on my higher end pipes because I care more about the enjoyment of the smoke. I usually only use cobs for outside work and chores.

[@PipesAndChores]

Thanks for the comment, Ben! I usually run a pipe cleaner through a stem after 3-4 smokes unless the pipe is tasting fine. Then I just carry on until it does taste off. Have a great evening!

[@smokeswag1019]

As always, another thought-provoking vid. Great job! I'm a middle-of-the-road smoker. Never polished a pipe, but run a pipe cleaner through the stem and the bowl; never built a cake in any pipe. Keep up the good work bro and have a good one.✌🏽🙂

[@PipesAndChores]

Thanks, Glass! Always appreciate you stopping by. Your approach sounds practical to me. Are you intentionally trying to avoid having bowl cake for any reason?

[@smokeswag1019]

@@PipesAndChores No real reason. I know having a cake is a good thing, but I'm a neat freak and something about leaving a bowl unclean irks me.😬

[@PipesAndChores]

Hey man, no judgment here. You’re the only person using your pipes, so your way is the right way!

[@4one6Piper]

Somewhere in thw middle for me. Still want them to look good, but they're meant to be enjoyed not coddled, in my opinion. Thanks for chat.

[@PipesAndChores]

Sounds like you’ve got a logical approach to it! These little things cost money, so I definitely see the appeal of keeping them in good condition.

[@4one6Piper]

@@PipesAndChores so do I, it would help if I smoked them all

[@tastymouse]

I like to keep my pipes clean and reamed. Don't like hardly any cake. I'm particular about keeping the bowl rim as pristine as possible. I use spit and elbow grease on these rims after every smoke. At least two cleaners each smoke. A major cleaning after ten or twelve bowls. They immediately go back to their place on the rack. I have many pipes approaching 50 years of age, and they are better than ever! Thanks for the video and the topic!

[@PipesAndChores]

Damn, you have a disciplined approach to it! Kudos to you, I couldn’t stick with a regimen like that. Thanks for commenting!

[@cortez0331]

Cool channel man. Short vids and good smoking content. I take the "tool" approach. I use my pipes up and I don't really baby them. I enjoy seeing my smoke as well as the feeling the full body of the smoke when smoking, so I don't coddle the pipe when smoking it and I puff away as I see fit (Matches860 chug style). I do however run a pipe cleaner through the stem and clear out any stuck tobacco from the bowl after every use but this is simply for taste purposes and not necessarily for "caution" of misuse.

[@PipesAndChores]

Thanks a lot for the kind words. Sounds like your approach is similar to mine. They’re pipes, ultimately their main purpose is to be smoked. Take care and have a great day!

[@41DegreesSouth]

For me I have a couple of "Yard Pipes" (can't remember who I stole that phrase from, sorry), that that get chucked in backpacks, dropped on the ground and neglected whilst I'm out and about doing stuff. They still get a pipe cleaner put through them and a quick wipe round the inside of the bowl. I have others with more sentimental value, and when I'm smoking them, that's pretty much the only thing I'm doing. They get wiped down, put back in the rack and polished properly without fail. I enjoy both types, for different reasons.

[@PipesAndChores]

Sounds like we’re on a similar wavelength! Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it. Have a great week!

[@midwestpipesmoker4024]

I baby my pipes. They are all in immaculate condition. But maybe that would change if I were a daily multiple bowl smoker but given that my wife only just barely tollerates my hobby, I don't push my luck so it's not too difficult to keep up with my pipe cleaning.

[@smokeswag1019]

I'm with you Midwest. I know where line with my wife and pipe smoking. I dare not cross it.😬

[@PipesAndChores]

You guys are both smart to not upset the ladies! I used to think “happy wife, happy life” was a cliche. Nope, just true haha.

[@mrscripto8286]

Well, I'd have to say that I'm in the middle some where. I don't always run a cleaner through the bit after every smoke. Now, if I get even a hint of bitter taste then I'll get out all the cleaning supplies and go to town cleaning all of my rotation pipes at one time. I do keep a polishing rag close by and usually wipe the pipe off after it gets smoked.

[@PipesAndChores]

Thanks for the input, John! What cleaning supplies do you use? I’ve mentioned this in a video before, but the most I’ll do is dip the pipes in everclear. However, that’s a very rare occurrence. I’ve probably only done that once in the last 6 months.

[@mrscripto8286]

@@PipesAndChores I use everclear mixed with a small amount of rubbing alcohol (the strong stuff) on the tip of a pipe cleaner to do the bit and stem. After I've got everything good and clean then I have some everclear mixed with mint Listerine that I very sparingly dip a clean pipe cleaner in and run that through both bit and stem. I have also used bourbon on the tip of a pipe cleaner also😁

[@ParsimoniousPiper]

I have ~30 pipes in my regular rotation, all 50-75 years old. I’m careful of the rims when lighting, but otherwise just run a pipe cleaner then double it up and clean the bowl. No extensive cleaning.

[@PipesAndChores]

Thank you for the comment. Sounds like a common sense approach to me!

[@PaladinPiper]

Loved this video!!!!! I have done both in my piping career. In the beginning man, I cleaned, buffed, waxed etc. I wanted my pipes to be pristine. And while I found that did get me a bit more money when I sold them.....lol (did you catch that?)....I found that what I do now...which is only do a light cleaning every 5-6 bowls or so, has produced so much sweeter more enjoyable smokes. I have to admit, I am pretty hard on some pipes. IE the ones I have taken backpacking etc...and even my Paladin pipe...but I have found that these produce the sweetest smoke...just as the old saying goes. Probably won't get as good money when I go to sell them , as I also have done away with softy bits because my mouth was having some crazy reaction to the rubber, and now all my stems have chatter... but ya know..I finally said..I do this hobby to RELAX! Not have one more thing in my life to be anal about. GREAT video buddy!

[@PipesAndChores]

Man, your comment put a smile on my face. Very upbeat and I appreciate it! I’m glad to hear that you’re intent on enjoying the moment and relaxing with your pipes. That’s what it’s all about! But I agree, the pipes you smoke the most tend to taste the best. Take care and have an awesome week, buddy! I appreciate your comment.

[@j.b.1313]

Hey brother.... My pipe are like my babys. I take care of them. 👍

[@PipesAndChores]

Thanks for the comment, man! You’re definitely not alone there. A good number of people also said they keep their pipes in pristine condition. Have a good one!

[@theurbanhermit9879]

I have a seven day set for home that I use every day I give my pipes a good cleaning once a month! I have cobs for work so I don't ruin a briar I also use my cobs on windy days! I will clean out a pipe after a couple of smokes but I smoke nine bowls a day. If you take care of your pipes they will last a long time. I hate softy bits so my stems are yellow and are chattered.

[@PipesAndChores]

Thanks for the comment, Everett! You’ve got a great system. Are those nine bowls each a different tobacco or do you smoke the same one most of the time? For example, I had three bowls yesterday and one today so far, all of them were Carter Hall. I just find it easier and it’s nice to have the consistency.

[@theurbanhermit9879]

@@PipesAndChores usually it's just one tobacco but sometimes I'll switch it up! Yesterday I was smoking St.Bruno then Switched to Bob's Chocolate flake. I usually smoke the Same pipe all day if it gets soggy I switch to different one that's why I have spares kicking about lol!

[@briarwoodbandit5578]

When I started smoking pipes I was much more careful. I'd have a softy bit on each pipe and thoroughly clean each one after one or two smokes. Now I can't stand softy bits and only really clean my pipes if they start to get sour.

[@PipesAndChores]

Cool! It’s interesting how much things change over time the more familiar you get with an activity. What’s made you shift away from softy bits? I’ve never used them so I have no idea what they’re like.

[@briarwoodbandit5578]

@@PipesAndChores I chucked the softy bits mostly for aesthetic value, also because the rubber would be kind of "sharp" at the edges which would irritate the corner of my mouth. I also found the clench with the softy bits wore my jaw out more than just clenching the raw stem.

[@scottstewart1267]

Pristine, my pipes, my vintage watches, my antique Zippos, all showroom condition

[@PipesAndChores]

Very nice! Do you collect specific designs or colors of Zippos or just any antique ones?

[@scottstewart1267]

@@PipesAndChores 1960's-1979 Those are the ones with the "Zippo" written in italics.