The most common mistakes pipe smokers make

Having smoked a pipe for a while does not mean you no longer make mistakes. You may even run into difficulties from time to time while smoking. Here are the most common mistakes pipe smokers make.

Breaking in a pipe badly

Some smokers break in their pipe with alcohol, oils or even honey. Specialists advise against these methods altogether, as they burn the pipe from the inside. Breaking in should be gentle and slow. If you are afraid of getting it wrong, pre-broken-in pipes exist, or you can opt for briar models lined with meerschaum, which need no breaking in at all.

Filling the pipe too much, or not enough

More does not mean better. Filling a pipe has to be done carefully. If you pack the tobacco too tightly, the air will not circulate and your pipe will keep going out. It is better to fill the pipe gently and to use a tamper during the session.

Lighting a pipe with any old lighter

You have the choice between a pipe lighter and a match. Everything else should be ruled out, as it will not light the pipe properly. Storm lighters have a very powerful flame that will burn the bowl and scorch the tobacco. Petrol lighters are also to be avoided, so as not to leave that characteristic taste in the mouth.

Drawing on the pipe too hard

Here again, the idea is not to draw the smoke in too hard, as you might with a cigar or a cigarette. With a pipe you have to be patient and take your time. Bear in mind, too, that drawing too hard makes the pipe overheat, which can damage the bowl.

Cleaning it badly

A pipe should be cleaned after every session. That keeps it from deteriorating too quickly. But cleaning means taking it apart. Many people do so straight after smoking, while the pipe is still hot, and that mistake risks breaking the threaded tenon of the shank.