Let’s talk about Meerschaum Pipes | Advantages over Briar | After care & much more

[@EJGentleman]

Outstanding video and very complete. You have gotten me back into meerschaum pipes. I only had 2, now I have 2 more. I still enjoy my briars and corn cobbs. I am finding it is all apart of the pipe smoking pleasure.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Yes I agree with your comment. Thanks for your feedback

[@JohnsPipeJourney]

Great video Nathan. Thank you for all the effort you took to produce this. I agree with you about liking the smooth ones better than the ornate ones. My ornate ones are subject to getting bits of ash and bits of tobacco embedded in the intricate design. I handle mine all over the pipe as well. It might be more critical if you’ve got a really fancy carved one. I think the smooth ones have no effect at all from handling. I do make sure my hands are clean before I smoke any of my pipes. The maintenance is also why I like Meerschaum and corn cobs even require less maintenance.you have a blessed week, my friend.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thank you John for your usual expert's advice & knowledge it is always appreciated 😊 Take care

[@adamcook5940]

Nadolig Llawen to you! (Happy Christmas in Welsh). Your videos are great and I'm looking forward to more in 2025. My pipe smoking is still in its infancy but thanks to you and others, I'm enjoying it more and more x

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thank you Adam. I appreciate your comments🙏 with time your taste buds will accustom to the taste of tobacco and you would be able to pick up the finer nuances to fully enjoy your smoking sessions. Cyfarchion y Tymor😊

[@RobertoDohnert]

I have 2 pressed meers and they smoke just fine and even have colored some. Pressed meerschaum is actually used on meerschaum lined briar pipes. Pressed vs block really matters when you are a collector and worried about resale value. Obviously block meerschaum will fetch more than pressed. As for just smoking, block does color quicker and has more of the filtration properties but pressed smokes very well. Good video.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks Roberto for your valuable feedback

[@briarpatch63]

@@RobertoDohnert thanks Robert for input was wondering weather to buy one seen them for £ 40 pounds is that about average price and hesitated on buying one.

[@reallivebluescat]

The thing about pressed is that you are taking a risk, because you cant really tell the quality of it. I have had few pressed (cheap) meers that cracked from smoking after a few bowls. Never had that problem with block.

[@curiousassortment]

Excellent vid. Am expecting a Meersh in the mail today, used. I was planning to coat the bowl with bees wax or something similar by a guy named Burt, but your explanation warned me against that sort of activity. Thank you.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thank you for your comment. Wise decision regarding not adding bees wax. Any good quality meerschaum has more than enough wax already absorbed in its porous substance so when the bowl heats up the wax surfaces and when cooled it retracts absorbing the tar & oils of the tobacco hence the beautiful colouring. If the meerschaum has too much wax that cycle would not work properly and in fact block the fine porous nature of the meerschaum. Enjoy it

[@iSpike]

🏆Well done to you good sir. I am now well educated from your video and will one day buy one of these pipes to add to my small collection. New subscriber here. Cheers from Western Australia 🎄

[@TheVapingPiper]

I am happy this video was educational to you😊 & welcome to the channel

[@gmp6045]

I was looking forward to this subject that i must compliment you for a comprehensive over-review explained clearly and accurately. Well done Nathan 👍 I too enjoy good quality block meer pipes for the very same advantages you so clearly explained. I solely smoke aromatics on my meerschaums and any other blend on briar. I am happy the Levent meerschaum took centre stage in the video😜 enjoy them all

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks Gary. I very much enjoy the Levent meerschaum😊

[@danielmanor9342]

Bravo Nathan for covering the subject well. I own a few meerschaum pipe that i smoke mainly straight Virginia & VaPers as they tend to keep the heat of those blends to a minimum. Reading some comment i must add that i too hardly ever remove my meerschaum stems. For cleaning the stem & shank i insert pipe cleaners through the stem and clean the gunk out of the stem & shank as you mentioned. On occasion i wash the stem under warm tap water and dry with pipe cleaner. I also use paper towel to clean the bowl by holding the towel firmly with my finger & turning the bowl in a circular motion so all the ash is properly removed from the bowl walls to avoid any carbon build up. This method works perfectly as you rightly explained. Thanks for your informative meerschaum review. Regards Daniel

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks Daniel. I find it interesting to read what blends are smoked on Meerschaum as it varies according to one’s personal tastes & preferences. Take care.

[@jespiping]

Fantastic video! A lot of very useful information to me. This is the year ill be purchasing a Meerschaum pipe and your video is helpful. Thanks!😊 take care

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thank you Jes. I look forward watching your experience in a future video when you will share your meerschaum experience😊

[@ryanbeer5262]

My first pipe was a mear. I wasn't overly careful with it & it colored very nicely. Unfortunately when i graduated from University it got losed when i moved. I really need to get another

[@TheVapingPiper]

Sham Ryan as it takes time to colour. Never mind I hope you can replace it one day and start the whole coloring stage again while you enjoy the meerschaum smoking experience in the process.

[@mikereese15]

Absolutely fascinating and thorough discussion. Definitely going to have to pick one up. Thanks

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks Mike.

[@carolinarose704]

Thank you for all the helpful information. I appreciate it! I just watched this the second time to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

[@TheVapingPiper]

My pleasure Carolina. Glad it is helpful

[@motrance42]

Thank you so much for a fantastic video. I’m greatfull and appreciates your research and all the work you put in to it. Well done.

[@TheVapingPiper]

My pleasure😊

[@LawrenceCaldwellAuthor]

Been smoking pipes for about a year now, and I'm still learning new things about them, about spoking them, etc. I haven't heard about putting some honey in the bowl to encourage caking. I'm going to try that next time I get a new pipe. I love honey, so if it gives a note to the smoke, that might be really nice, too. Thanks for the tip! Oh, I just bought a Meerschaum calabash. It's my fourth pipe. Waiting for it in the mail.

[@TheVapingPiper]

You know what Lawrence we all learn, there is always something new and exciting about pipe smoking that you discover. As for the honey I believe the main advantages are that it does protect a new briar pipe also it traps the ash to the walls of the bowl speeding up the cake layer. Enjoy your new meerschaum when it arrives.

[@LawrenceCaldwellAuthor]

@@TheVapingPiper Thank you, sir!

[@Philip_Taylor]

I just ordered my meerchaum pipe, similar shape to yours. It will be great to see how it ages and turns that lovely brown colour over time. I enjoyed hearing these things, thanks.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Good choice Philip👍 enjoy it & let me know how you get on😊

[@Philip_Taylor]

@@TheVapingPiper Thanks. Do you happen to know about how the acrylic handles change in colour over time? Mine has a smoked orange one similar to yours, I wonder if it will go darker. Happy smoking.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Acrylic stems do not oxidise, meaning change colours to rather ugly green /grey. Only Vulcanite / Ebonite stems oxidise overtime. I actually spoke about stem oxidation. link here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIDSlJamhrCLhNksi=iFgN3mqPXb0zs0xl

[@briarpatch63]

I think it depennds on how much of a pipe smoker you are. The point I'm trying to make is we all smoke pipes in a different ways. I can only say you'll sit down one day after listening to all the people who give very good advice on this subject you will decide which is best for you. I don't get to try very many different types of tobacco very often but enjoy watching you guys talking about this wonderful subject thanks for your input gents 😊

[@TheVapingPiper]

Indeed Allan your opinion makes a lot of sense😊

[@briarpatch63]

@@TheVapingPiper Have you ever tried Wingate by Fribourg and Treyer would love to know your opinion on this tobacco I buy mine from mysmokingshopLtd Penwortham Preston PRQ ODQ these guys are really good 👍

[@briarpatch63]

@@TheVapingPiper I would also like to thank you for your posts on this subject I was seriously depressed and trying to stop drinking alcohol. One day I came across your channel and started watching you talk about pipes and smoking the many different blends of tobacco you enjoy. I would like to say thank you for inspiring me to take up the pipe again. I sat there watching your videos and remembered I had a small collection of pipes on top of my wardrobe. So I took them down dusted them off and rekindled my love with pipe tobacco. I have eight pipes six I've had for thirty years. three are near done but you inspired me to put down the bottle and pick up the pipe again thank you

[@nicford]

Like you, @VapingPiper, I hold my Meerschaums just as I would a briar, and they have never discoloured. In any case, one smokes a Meerschaum for the quality of the smoke, not the aesthetics of the pipe. I have re-waxed a Meerschaum, but only an old estate pipe which had been knocked about a bit and had a few little chips and scratches on the bowl. These I sanded off with 800 gauge sandpaper and re-waxed to protect the white areas I had rubbed. Hopefully, in time, these spots will recolour and blend with the rest of the bowl - but as said, the main reason for smoking a Meer is the quality of the smoke. One other thing: I wish you had also explained a little about the differences between Turkish and African Meerschaum.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks for sharing your experience with Meerschaum’s. I didn’t want to lengthen the video maybe I would one day discuss the difference between Turkish and African meerschaum in more detail

[@nicford]

@@TheVapingPiper Please do 🙂

[@debajyotirakshit2174]

That was a wonderful educative video about meerschaum pipes...thank you very much...

[@TheVapingPiper]

My pleasure😊 thanks 🙏

[@chipc4936]

I really enjoyed this video. Very well done. I have one Meerschaum pipe that I quite enjoy. I may need another... and another... Cheers!

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thank you. You don’t really need too many meerschaum’s as they don’t need rest periods. In fact the more you smoke it the quicker the rich colours start to show.

[@callum4863]

Fantastic and thorough video Nathan. I would add a note on ghosting of meerschaum. I have only one meerschaum that was an estate pipe but in very good condition, when I got it though it definitely had a ghost of some sort of vanilla. Perhaps that was an aromatic that they smoked in it exclusively but it didn't take long to disappear and it's a great smoke. I should add the pipe is stamped with Genuine Block Meerschaum and is made by Taganiyika i believe from the marking on the stem.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks Callum. Reading your comment about the vanilla ghost probably the previous owner smoked solely that blend but with meerschaum soon after you change the blend that ghosting flavour will disappear as you experienced. I never heard of Tanganyika meerschaum up to you mentioning it I did a bit of a search on it apparently they were originally made in Kenya Africa. Enjoy it

[@callum4863]

@@TheVapingPiper Perhaps that's why it ghosted as it's less porous that the Turkish variety, but nevertheless it's been a reliable companion.

[@Godard92]

Thanks Nathan, a mine of good info here - much appreciated.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thank you Mark😊

[@patrickkainer5725]

Very informative discussion.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thank you Patrick

[@Prince_VaPer]

Great video! I’ve been considering buying a meer off and on. I’ve only smoked briars. I think I’ll pick one up!

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks Justin. Well worth a consideration if only for the cooler & dryer smoking experience

[@toddm6999]

Ok thats it sold ...gotta get a Meerschaum..I am also wondering about Porcelains...great video.

[@TheVapingPiper]

😊 Now all the you need is to choose the right carver & shape.

[@mobile144]

Thank you for all the valuable information. Can anyone tell me if their is any differences in taking care of a dyed meerschaum pipe. I purchased a dyed pipe from IMP Meerschaums pipes.

[@TheVapingPiper]

@Mobile144. My pleasure. As for dyed Meerschaum I am not sure but based on what I read, IMP use high grade Turkish block meerschaum, so I assume your meerschaum is no different to any other non dyed meerschaum in regards to after care. You could email IMP to confirm. Btw Interesting to know how it would look like when the colouring start to show after a while smoking the pipe. It might look amazing with dye colours.

[@mobile144]

That’s what I’m hoping for. It’s a dark green/blue think tie-dye with a few of the edges left natural. I’m thinking over time those accent areas should turn that tan color which would look amazing. I sent them an email asking if the dye will darken or fade and blend. Not much information out there. Happy Holidays and best wishes!

[@howardberger2226]

Can you please show it in a future video. Thank you

[@TheVapingPiper]

Show what Howard🤔 you are probably replying to someone else’s comment. I suggest you check the comment you replaying too and reply to him😊

[@hansformat]

Another way to get rid of the cake is mild sandpaper. About 500 grit give or take.

[@TheVapingPiper]

@hansformat. That is useful info 👍 thanks

[@Sir_Lionheart]

Excellent presentation on Meerschaum pipes. Thank you for taking the time. May I ask what pipe implements you use, especially the pipe lighter? I am a cigar smoker but not currently a pipe smoker but I’m very interested in getting started.

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thank you. From a ex cigar smoker it is well worth getting to know the rich & varied world of pipes & pipe tobacco. I discussed pipe lighters in this video might be interesting to you. I left the link for your convenience.kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWKXg2OJr818fdEsi=IDjlpR0FLcaf-OV7

[@freddyb2098]

Great video!! Thank you so much.

[@TheVapingPiper]

My pleasure Freddy

[@CactusPiper]

Do you have any suggestions on good carvers, or places to purchase a quality meerschaum?

[@TheVapingPiper]

Yes Jaroth. If you live in the UK or Europe I recommend Altinay in Turkey. Also Star Meerschaum pipes both ship to the UK. If you live in the US smoking pipes stock AKB & IMP meerschaum both are top quality. Btw there is a European smoking pipes website that stocks the same. Edit. May I add that GQ tobacco & the Black Swan in the uk sometimes stock Star meerschaum pipes. In fact I will review one of those in the coming weeks.

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Morning 😊 Beauty of a pipe 😍 Thanks for sharing and a good review 👏🏼 I don't own one because of the price in S A 😢 Have a fabulous day 🤗 Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks Yusuf. Shame you are priced out in SA. I wonder if there is a way round it

[@howardberger2226]

I'm curious to see what your meerschaum pipes look like from 20 years ago

[@gmp6045]

@howardberger2226. Apart from a few knocks & well earned age markings😁 it glows with vibrant colours of amber / yellow, brown reddish, exactly as a well smoked meerschaum should look like and it smokes like a champ👌

[@howardberger2226]

You're not supposed to unscrew the stem from the shank. You're supposed to turn the stem to the right to remove it from the shank

[@TheVapingPiper]

Thanks Howard for the useful tip👍

[@youtubechannel4760]

The value of Meerschaum is only going to go up because the majority of Meerschaum that comes from Turkey had been under attack by the country's smoking ban. On KZbin I've been following Erdogan's policy changes that target the tobacco industry, and now the additional taxes are directly impacting Turkey's craftsmen at their local pipe shops. Meerschaum pipes probably aren't going to be around forever and I'd recommend holding onto them for a while.

[@TheVapingPiper]

I agree with you. Now is the best time to buy an authentic Turkish Block Meerschaum for the very same reason you said. Also the tedious and skilled job of a carver is becoming more difficult as no new carvers are entering this niche skill.

[@howardberger2226]

Well I hope that you will try it and mention what I said. Because that portion of your video was misleading and those who don't know about meerschaum will keep unscrewing their pipes, which will eventually ruin that part of their pipes. You might want to watch other channels on meerschaum pipes by meerschaum pipes smokers that have much more experience than you or I have.

[@TheVapingPiper]

I appreciate your input but respectfully I did mentioned clearly (at 26:16 & at 33:51 in the video) that there is no need to remove a meerschaum stem at all especially when the pipe is still hot, in fact I hardly remove my stem, I just insert a pipe cleaner through the stem up to the entry point to the bowl without removing the stem. Btw all what I explained in this video was my personal experience and I most importantly was advised by experience meerschaum pipe smokers that I spoke to them in length before proceeding with this video. What I suggest (no offence intended) you watch again the entire video so you don’t miss out info before you make judgment😊

[@robertcornelius3514]

Good video. You shouldn't be a car mechanic and smoke a Meerschaum pipe. Oily hands would ruin the pipe.

[@TheVapingPiper]

I agree Robert best 3 solution for car mechanics who want to keep their meerschaum’s in pristine condition 1) wear a glove 2) wash hands thoroughly 3) hold the pipe by the stem. The main objective is to enjoy your meerschaum whichever way you see fit😊

[@howardberger2226]

Sorry. Someone sent me a reply with the title of your video and I thought it was you

[@TheVapingPiper]

No problem 😌

[@howardberger2226]

Respectfully it appears that you didn't speak to enough experienced smokers. And from my own experience and others, there's a need to take off the stem, because at the tip of the tenon there's always an accumulation of gunk. Besides if there was no need to remove the stem they wouldn't make the stem removable.

[@TheVapingPiper]

I already replied to your previous comment please read my reply. Thanks

[@gmp6045]

@howardberger2226 If you watch the entire video my friend, you will hear Nathan clearly explain that you can remove the stem by turning clockwise gently when the pipe is cool as the plastic insert in the mortise is protecting the meerschaum. So no need to be sarcastic about it. He also mentioned that he personally doesn't bother to remove the stem on a regular basis as the pipe cleaner reaches the tip of the tenon as well. And that is my method as well and i smoke meerschaums for over 20 years!! If you got another method you can simply state your method without being offensive or you got the wrong end of the stick as you did not have the patience to watch the entire video.

[@danielmanor9342]

@@gmp6045 I fully agree with you Gary👍 I use the same method as Nathan for many meerschaum smoking years

[@tonyconnolly5385]

Are you drinking out of a plant pot 😂

[@TheVapingPiper]

😂 it saves me time to refill often

[@tonyconnolly5385]

@@TheVapingPiper sure why not 😀

[@space.cowboyyyyy]

Meerschaum pipes are the best, better than briar and they color nicely 👌👌

[@TheVapingPiper]

It would be interesting to see how this one would look like when smoked for a while. I bet the colouring would be impressive