The Dos and Don’ts of Smoking a Pipe

Pipe smoking is a unique experience that offers relaxation and a chance to unwind after a long day. By following the tips listed below, you can enjoy a stress-free smoking experience with your favorite blend of pipe tobacco.

Do Invest in Quality Products

The first rule about smoking a pipe is always to choose quality over quantity. Pipes come in different shapes and sizes from simple to ornate, but it’s important to remember that if you’re smoking regularly, your pipe will wear out over time. It’s better to invest in a good quality pipe than buying several cheaper pipes each year.

There are several types of pipe tobacco including aromatic blends that offer flavors like vanilla and cherry; non-aromatic blends that stay true to the tobacco taste; and latakia-blends that are ‘smokey’ tasting.

Don’t Inhale Your Pipe Smoke

When smoking, try not to inhale your pipe smoke. The nicotine found in tobacco is harmful to your lungs and can cause dizziness or nausea if you breathe it in. Instead, after taking a puff on your pipe, blow the smoke out as you would with a cigar.

Do Clean Your Pipe

You can test your pipe to see if it needs further cleaning or if it’s time for a new wick. Dump the tobacco from the bowl of your pipe and hold a finger over the opening. Then, lift up the pipe and light another candle on your table that is directly underneath the bowl of your pipe. If the candle flickers while your finger is covering the bowl, then it’s time to clean your pipe or change out the wick.

Do Smoke in One Specific Area

If you have an expensive pipe collection, be sure that you only smoke in one specific area of your home. This will help keep your collection’s value intact if there are ever any damages to your pipes.

Do Choose the Best Time to Smoke

The best time to start smoking a pipe is in the late afternoon or early evening when you will have enough time after work to relax and savor your smoke before dinner. This ensures that you won’t be rushing to finish your pipe and it will give you a chance to enjoy your tobacco and admire your smoking equipment.

Don’t Pack Your Tobacco Too Tightly or Too Loose

When packing the tobacco in the bowl of your pipe, don’t pack it too tightly or too loose. To test what’s best for you, try packing one bowl of tobacco that is tight and another that is loose and compare the results.

Do Smoke With Friends

The benefits of smoking a pipe include relaxation, stress relief, learning about different types of tobacco blends, and learning how to keep the bowl lit while you smoke. It’s also fun to enjoy a pipe with friends or family members.

Don’t Forget to Wrap Your Pipe

Be sure that you wrap up your pipe when you’re finished smoking to prevent the bowl from drying out. In addition, keep your pipe in a cool and dry environment to prevent the finish from chipping away.

Don’t Forget to Use an Ashtray

Smoking a pipe doesn’t take as much effort as smoking cigarettes, cigars, or even certain types of tobacco used for hand-rolled cigarettes. Make sure to keep an ashtray and a pencil near you while you’re smoking for quick note-taking.

If you’re sharing your pipe with friends, try to start on the same level as everyone else. This will allow each person to enjoy their respective blend and help prevent any bad tastes leftover from previous smokers of the bowl.

Don’t go for Something Too Strong

Lastly, if you’re a beginner, try to pick a light tasting blend to start with. Don’t go for something too strong on your first smoke because it may leave you feeling nauseous.