Discovering the accessories every pipe smoker needs

Smoking a pipe is not simply a matter of sitting down with the bowl in hand and getting through some tobacco. A whole ritual surrounds it, one that pipe smokers describe as a moment to themselves. Smoking takes you through the accessories every pipe smoker needs.

The essential pipe accessories

To smoke a pipe you obviously need a pipe and tobacco. But a few extra tools are called for as well. Here is what they are.

The tamper, or pipe tool

The tamper, also known as a pipe tool, is the accessory used to pack the tobacco into the bowl. It matters, because tobacco packed too loosely or too tightly will not burn properly. Its double name also points to a double use: often shaped like a Swiss army knife, the tool also removes excess tobacco and ash so that the pipe can be cleaned as it should be.

The lighter or matches

It may sound obvious, but the pipe lighter is definitely one of the pipe accessories no smoker does without. Its flame is designed specifically to light the tobacco in the bowl safely. You can of course also use matches made for pipes.

Accessories to protect a pipe

The tobacco pouch and the carrying case

Do you travel often? Do you need to take your pipes away for a weekend or a business trip? Avoid your jacket pockets, which can damage them, quite apart from leaving them with the smell of stale tobacco. A tobacco pouch or a storage case remains the best way to carry a pipe.

The pipe stand

Whether you own a single pipe or several, a pipe stand removes the risk of a fall and of premature wear. They are also very elegant.

Other pipe accessories

Specific products exist for upkeep, to clean pipes without damaging them. Filters, meanwhile, have to be changed regularly: make the right choice among balsa, meerschaum, charcoal and many others.