Pipe filters

[@thecuriousquest]

Revisiting this video after some years. It's a shame your life was cut short, John. You're missed!

[@CHS_SC]

Probably my favorite video of John’s…vulnerable, insightful and heroic to address a topic most men battle with every day. You were good people Marches860. We miss you.

[@jonathanbakalarz7786]

I love your videos, John. Still watching. I'm so sorry you had to go.

[@frankiegee6135]

I'm a new smoker and I just invested in a beautiful blue Savenelli billiard straight stem rustic briar wood. I love it so quality it smokes real nice and I'm even thinking of ordering another savenelli for a spare. They are works of art and I think for the money these handmade Italian beauties are well worth the buck!

[@Matches860]

+Frank Gee Oh, I remember the first Savinelli too! I went back and bought more!

[@joeyank2451]

We Miss you so much RIP Matches

[@LeeLocke]

Thank you kind Sir. Rest In Peace and I'll see you on the other side.

[@TheMagicianPiper]

That rain in the background sounds amazing.

[@Matches860]

Ahhhh, this year I'll have to find a nice dry spot during a downpour...nothing like a summer rain in New England!

[@jackhendricks6768]

Not to mention that chatty House Wren in the trees. ha!

[@Matches860]

The balsa filters are by far my favorite if I'm going to use such. Very absorbent without degrading after a few smokes like paper.

[@EastEndPipes]

I only have one filtered pipe, my Ser Jacopo. I've used the Savinelli balsa filters but I've found them to not easily slide into the pipe bit. I think the problem lies with the bore inside the bit not being open enough because I can't get the plastic plug to go in there at all. You definitely get a dryer smoke when using the filters. Good and informative video John. Cheers, Ron

[@Flieger671]

A very clear and informative take as usual, John. I try to look att filters, not as 'better or worse', but as something different. The same way as smoking a corncob or a clay pipe is different to smoking a meerschaum or a briar pipe. When all is said and done, we all want a plesurable smoke... how we get there is up to ourselves. Best, - Mike

[@PipingAintEasy]

I think I echo most all of your sentiments toward the use or non-use of the Medico/Grabow and the Balsa Savinelli filters in my 'filter optional' pipes. I like your pleasant delivery and cadence. Very Mr. Rodgers -I mean that in the most flattering way. ;)

[@geoffsager]

Thanks for this post. And thanks for helping to take the stigma out of pipe filters. (Eddie Gray did a nice post on filters also). I very much appreciate your opinions and your videos. I smoke filtered pipes almost exclusively, and I enjoy a wide variety of tobacco's. I don't feel it diminishes the taste at all and they certainly cut down on tongue bite. And another thank you for the shout out on Dr. Grabow. I still smoke Grabow pipes as did my father and grandfather. Many pipe smokers look down on them, but I think of them as our roots. Thanks again.

[@Matches860]

So much of pipe smoking is personal preference and I don't believe it helps anyone to trash brand names, tobaccos, or ones other preferences. Filters are an interesting subject for sure. Art (Arties Place) did some really cool experiments with filters in some past videos. As one who doesn't use them, I still respect one's choice in the matter. Grabow's? My goodness, they are part of the heritage!

[@DIYVanLifer]

Hands down..this is the most relaxing video on KZbin! I am new to tobacco pipe smoking and I thank you for the information :-)

[@thebigo77creeker]

This was the first video of yours I watched 2 years ago when I first got into Pipe Smoking and I had no idea about filters. I didn't have an idea about a lot of stuff on Pipe Smoking at that time . I've got my act together over the last couple of years and your videos are a big part of why I kept on going and learned to smoke a Pipe. Thanks Matches 860 for your stories,advice and videos! BOOYAH!!!!

[@Matches860]

Many thanks Jason! Sweet smokes my friend!

[@Matches860]

Thanks for the nice comment and for stopping by my channel! Welcome to pipe smoking as well. As far as I can tell, there are a couple thousand of us here on YT...you'll find some fantastic folks here.

[@williambaker3112]

Thank you for your Pipe Vids! I often roll up a small, somewhat loose cottonball from a dollar store for filters, and they have worked fine so far. Of course I throw them out after each smoke.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

A FINE idea!!!

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

The horsey pipeholder was hideous, LOL!

[@glenm5034]

You were ahead of your time with the wood insert instead of a paper filter. Thanks for the recommendation for Savinelli balsa wood filter pipes.

[@2Brento]

To my amazement, I recently discovered that almost all pipes sold in Germany are filtered pipes. Vauen has great 9 and 6mm filters. I have really enjoyed the activated charcoal filters a bit more than the balsa system with Savanelli's . Peterson even puts out a line of filter pipes (9mm). At any rate, my experience is that the filters do offer me a cooler smoke, and you are right that what is best is what makes for a good smoking experience--with or without filters. Thanks for covering this topic so well!

[@Matches860]

You said it! There's no way anyone can say that filter or filter less is always the way to go.

[@KevinTwiner]

This was awesome, so much info without having to do all the leg work. Enjoyed John thank you Brother ✌️❤️

[@Matches860]

Glad you liked it, Kevin! Thanks!

[@CipsterX1978]

I have a couple Butz pipes and they are great for the money very "French" I never use filters I like to smoke my Sav's wide open it's the best! Great video as always!

[@Flieger671]

@DailyPuffer Well said Bruno. I could not agree more. Filter pipes are being treated with disdain over here in Sweden as well.

[@ricksellars6384]

Thank you Matches860, I found the perfect pocket knife for the job - not to rough or not to sharp just the right kind of pocket knife to do the job. And I just ordered the sweet cleaner for that fresh high proof liquor like whiskey, my pipe will thank me for sure.

[@Matches860]

I tend to forget to run liquid cleaner through my pipes, but boy, do they smoke better without that foul taste in them! Happy puffing!

[@GrabowDuke89]

Wow, sure takes me back to 89’ I remember everything he said here about drug stores. RIP

[@Matches860]

@EastEndPipes I like the balsa filters because they can be used in other pipes (some trimming required). Thanks for watching Ron!

[@Matches860]

@PipingAintEasy Thanks for the comments! Perhaps I should wear a button down sweater too!

[@Timmorrisjr]

I don’t use the filters, but I do use the filter adapters. I feel like it creates a perfect draw; looser than with a filter, but not as open or airy as having nothing inserted. It also helps with some of the moisture.

[@paulthescandinavian4992]

Well,as for savinelli pipes and them balsa filters ,I do find filters usable and handy when I'm breking a brand new pipe in,after when I'm done with the initial breaking in process, then I'm preffering these pipes without inserts or filters whatsoever, and Yes These filters maybe a good solution too If one is smoking strong or puchy tasting tobacco wheter if you're finding the tobacco being a hair too moist.

[@Flieger671]

@Matches860 I concur with that observation. My experience with 9mm charcoal filters is that the tobaccos that I consider harsh, becomes smoother when smoked with filter. But the flavour/taste stay the same.

[@Matches860]

Thank you for taking the time to watch & comment!

[@Matches860]

@Flieger671 Very well put my friend! Thanks for your input!

[@Matches860]

@MartyWeller If you're refering to what a filter does to alter the taste/strength, I don't think there is a detectable loss of flavor using a filter. As I tried to describle, the smoke seems lighter in the mouth due to drier air. I actually, went back & forth tasting last evening and testing for flavor differences, but came up with nothing.

[@Matches860]

@DailyPuffer Well, there are those who feel that Dr. Grabow pipes are "training" pipes also, so my guess is that the whole filter misunderstanding spawned from that.

[@DailyPuffer]

@Matches860 I suppose it has to do with how the manner in which filters were introduced to the US markets and, indeed, you may be right: Dr Grabow are starter pipes, of course, and their use of filters tends to compensate the deficiencies of low quality briar. There are advantages to smoking with and without filters, in my view. What I don't agree with is this notion that a filter is sort of a "beginner's aid" to pipe smokers when in fact it's a viable, legitimate option for any smoker. Cheers!

[@Matches860]

@Jamesieboy123 I have maybe 2 pipes that are in danger of burning through, but I can't take all the credit as I got them used. I ran into a guy that buys a Grabow and smokes it till it burns up, then he tosses it and buys another...has no pipe collection!

[@vincesun3463]

I liked this video, its something a lot of pipe smokers dont talk about. Do you remember the Grabow charcoal filters in the black box ? They pretty much took all the flavor out of a smoke. As far as savinelli pipes are concerned i too smoke them with no filter or adapter. The trick with a corn cob with no filter is to pack the bowl tighter to create a tighter airflow, then it will smoke like a champ. Peace.

[@Matches860]

Yeah, filters are not my thing. I keep the Grabow and balsa filters around in case I want to do an experiment but that's it.

[@nickedwards212]

He was a good living man It's such a shame. R.I.P my friend.

[@MadameM.]

Rest in peace, good Sir.

[@Matches860]

Thanks for watching MooseGS!

[@Matches860]

Now there's an idea too! Thanks for watching the video!

[@markbrayton8693]

Not sure if i really know how to overhaul a pipe im a newbie mostly aromatics for now, Admiral Choice Cherry and Vanilla, Lane 1Q, Capt Black. Whats gurgle and ghost mean?

[@Matches860]

Sorry, I always assume people know what I'm talking about...bad habit! Depending on your smoking, you'll want to ream the bowl on occaision,run sweetener through the stem and shank, and ream the airway for build up. Gurgle is excessive moisture in the shank and/or stem resulting in a "mouthful" of nasty tasting tobacco juice. Ghosts are flavors left behind in the pipe usually from aromatics.

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@MartyWeller]

What about the strength of the tobacco Matches ??

[@timroot4207]

We miss you !

[@Flieger671]

@DailyPuffer I'm not 100% sure, but I think it boils down to pure and simple 'pipe snobbery'.

[@KJ4RKB]

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking time to make them. also I seldom ever use filters.

[@Matches860]

+Red Hinkle Thank you Red! I look forward to making them.

[@markbrayton8693]

Thanks, Matches860 how many smokes with the balsa wood filters can you smoke after drying and reuseing do they go bad or can you just keep drying and using and saving money.

[@Matches860]

I'm really cheap and believe a used filter adds more flavor so I just keep reusing the same one. I guess if you overhaul the pipe, you might want a fresh one.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

In my experience, up to a dozen times

[@Coffeebourne]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@adestradoronline]

Nice video! Best regards.

[@Matches860]

Thank you!

[@steve2k82sk]

Hey matches860, I recently bought a savinelli 320 Author, I really love it. However, whether I use a filter or just use the plastic insert I seem to get a lot of moisture. I smoke frog Morton's cellar, boswells best, boswells countryside and boswells sweet tea. Usually I let the tobacco sit and dry for about twenty minutes or so before smoking a bowl. I use the three step method for packing. I've managed to be able to keep my pipe lit for longer periods of time (I'll use matches or my Zippo), but I never manage to get through an entire bowl before the moisture keeps it from staying lit till the end. Should there be very much tobacco that is unsmoked at the bottom of the bowl? Any advise will be greatly appreciated. By the way you have a beautiful collection of savinelli.

[@markbrayton8693]

Can Dr. Grabow brand filters go in corn cobs or do they have to be medico filters

[@Matches860]

Great question! Medico & Grabow filters are the same size and will both fit a cob. Savinelli balsa filters also work and I prefer them since you can wipe them off and dry them for reuse.

[@Matches860]

@oldpipepops Thank you Pops!

[@grapesodapopinski571]

Is the black insert you refer to used as an adapter when going without a filter? Or is there a different style of adapter that can be used?

[@Matches860]

The adapter results in no obvious difference when going filterless. I'm sure some engineer has worked the numbers and suggests using the adapter.Try it without and see what you decide.

[@dragon21a]

That's odd because with my Grabows if I leave the filter in i can't keep it lit or get a decent draw.

[@Matches860]

They certainly can!

[@ricksellars6384]

Hi Matches860, I was wondering if the reamer tool you picked up to trim the bowl was still available on the market if not then could you direct me to a good reamer to use on my Italian CAPITELLO DONNA11 pipe , i I don't want to do the bowl damage. All so is it a good idea to use the pipe sweetener for cleaning?? Thanks Matches I appreciate the info and your presents on You Tube......shipscove

[@Matches860]

Hi Rick! You can find Senior pipe reamers on many of the online tobacco sites or certainly you can pick any of the variety offered on EBay. I normally use a dull pocket knife which won't damage the briar if you happen to ream too deep. Pipe Sweetener is very good and will improve the taste of your smoke by removing stale and foul junk in the shank and stem. Suitable alternative cleaners are mouthwash or high proof liquor like whiskey.

[@3dDuke]

Hey, ever tried the 9mm Vauen filters? I like them for aromatics lol Cheers!

[@Matches860]

I really don't use filters, except to remember what a pipe smokes like with them. I have a large number of balsa's I use for that.

[@snuffman5497]

do you find that using a filter weakens the flavor of the tobacco? im trying to figure out ways to optimise my smoking experience and get the best flavor i can out of a smoke

[@Matches860]

I've done many experiments with filters and I would not say it effects the flavor, but it does remove some moisture. You really need to try it yourself and decide which you prefer.

[@teakey]

relaxing video

[@Matches860]

Thank you for relaxing with me!

[@MartyWeller]

@Matches860 Thanks matches....

[@LOLworldofwarcrafLOL]

I've been watching some of your videoes lately, and it's just something about watching / listening to you that is so relaxing and calming... Keep doing what you're doing :) Allso, something tells me you had looong hair and beard back in the day, true? Haha, just wondering :P

[@Matches860]

Many thanks for watching! I grew up hyperactive and could never sit still until I hit 54 LOL. Truth be told, I had a butch haircut till age 13...never grew a beard, sorry!

[@challengerdart3731]

Nice vid. Thanks alot.

[@Matches860]

+Challenger Dart You are very welcome!

[@Matches860]

Very well put!

[@markbrayton8693]

With CVS going tobacco less i hope someone distributes that Admiral choice its pretty good for the price. I also should try some more high end but im cheap like you also. Lol

[@Matches860]

I smoked Admirals Choice a number of years. I don't mind opening the wallet for better tobacco, but I'm still cheap overall!

[@frankiegee6135]

I only smoke Penzance. ;)

[@frankiegee6135]

I only smoke Penzance. ;)

[@MooseGS]

Good to know! Thx

[@DailyPuffer]

@Flieger671 Unbelievable. Any ideas as to why? - now I'm curious.

[@MrXarisdim]

is 9mm paper filter considered ''safer'' than 6mm or 3mm??

[@Matches860]

I couldn't really tell you...good question though!

[@Matches860]

I didn't read this, but you may find an answer... www.talkingtobacco.com/2012/03/tobacco-pipe-filters-explained/

[@MrXarisdim]

thank you nevertheless for your quick answer

[@PipingAintEasy]

Oops, I meant Mister Rogers. (thought it looked kinda funny when I first typed it)

[@dippster357]

matches860 iasked about filter on another one of your videos that was before i seen this one, how bad should the filters look before replacing it?

[@Matches860]

Again, it's really up to you because the filter will show blacks/browns after one smoke. I once bought a pipe as a newbie and didn't realize it had a filter till after about ten smokes. I found the filter because there was no draw left on the pipe LOL.

[@dippster357]

Thanks I'm satisfied with that answer.

[@wisconsinwoodsman1987]

@@dippster357 After 3 rounds, the filter tends to affect the taste. Just my experience.

[@Matches860]

Yeah, I prefer as much smoke as possible myself. A Savinelli smokes just fine without a filter in my opinion. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffreyhaskew2188]

I’m new to pipe smoking, I just got Savinelli, the pull is so hard with the filter in it that I can’t even get it lit. Is this normal? I needed up just taking out, but I’d like to use it.

[@jeffreyhaskew2188]

*ended up, not Needed up.

[@Matches860]

No, somethings not right there. The draw with the filter or without, should almost be the same. All I can think of is that maybe you left the small plastic reducer in the stem, but even that shouldn't cut the draw all that much. Balsa filter or something else?

[@jeffreyhaskew2188]

It’s a balsa filter. I checked that but it’s in the box with the other filters that came with it. Maybe it’s just that filter. I’ll put another one in when I get home from work in the morning. I’ll let you know. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@dragon21a]

Yeah I try to avoid them, I'm slowly building the courage to make a video.

[@RichardT2112]

Kinda miss the clean shaven Matches ;)

[@Matches860]

+Richard T LOL, give it time...it'll probably make a comeback.

[@alvinkoh5556]

Ugly? No, I think the pipe holder looks classic and vintage, which is a good thing.

[@TallCommander]

There is only one way to smoke a pipe: your own way. Unless your way doesn't work, then get some advice from someone who's way works, and use that until you make it your own.

[@JamesBond-lj6ms]

What state are you from? I'm from nc and all tobacco products are behind counters. But when I was on a trip and in Illinois, i stopped at a gas station and they had it out for you to just walk up to. And on the dr grabow thing, I don't see why people say it's not a real pipe or real pipe smoking. I got started smoking pipes doing civil war reenactments, and my first pipe was a dr grabow. Most other people I know that use a pipe were the same. And weren't they considered pretty nice pipes back in their day? (Not saying they aren't nice now, but you know what I mean)

[@markbrayton8693]

ok . Im sorry ream the bowl not sure, and run a sweetener with the stem and shank whats that? is a sweetner a pipe cleaner. im dumb to this

[@Matches860]

The bowl will build a cake of burned up tobacco,tars,and oils. You need to keep that down to the thickness of a dime. Pipe sweetener,mouth wash,booze, are often used on the pipe cleaner to freshen the airway,shank, and stem. You'll find many how to videos here.

[@KevinTwiner]

Enjoyed..Do you still feel the same about filters? And are the Balsa still your favorite filter? Thank you for your time

[@KevinTwiner]

Love that pipe holder would be perfect for some LongChamps

[@Matches860]

Yes, and I still use a filter once in a while to make sure I'm still on the same page.

[@DailyPuffer]

I don't understand why is it that, in the US, there is this idea that a pipe filter is analogous to a bike's training wheels. Smoking a pipe without filter is almost intolerable when it comes to certain tobaccos, especially full bodied ones. It's simply a means to compensate for any eventual shortcomings of the pipe itself; its inability to regulate smoke temperature, filter tobacco impurities and regulate the nicotine intake.

[@markbrayton8693]

ok thanks Matchs860

[@johnnylongfeather3086]

So young.

[@cloudbearcustomblends]

you are truley missed

[@Matches860]

Too many issues, that's why I prefer not to use them.

[@Matches860]

Thank you for taking the time to watch & comment!