Smoking is not an art. The following tips will help you get started in the world of pipe smoking and enable you to enjoy your pipe and tobacco more.
To start with, choose a straight or only slightly curved pipe. Beginners usually smoke too hastily and therefore too hotly. This causes the tobacco to produce more condensate. This becomes problematic with a strongly curved pipe when the condensate collects in the pipe.
For beginners, there are ready-made starter sets, e.g. the Vauen Starter Kit. Of course, everyone can put together their own desired set of pipe, tamper, lighter, cleaner and possibly filters and pipe bag. We are happy to help you with this.
And, of course, pipe tobacco is a must.
Smoke patiently and calmly. Take your time. A good pipe is not for quick enjoyment.
1. Take some tobacco, about a third of the amount you plan to smoke. Place the tobacco loosely in the pipe. Place the second third on top and press down lightly. Apply a little more pressure to the last third.
They say that with the first third, you should be as careful as when shaking a baby's hand, with the second third as careful as when shaking a lady's hand, and with the last third, you can press more firmly – like a gentleman's handshake.
2. Check the draw resistance. The right draw resistance results in a cool, pleasant smoking experience. If you pack too tightly, you will have to draw too hard, which can cause the pipe to overheat more quickly. The draw resistance should be similar to drinking a beverage through a straw.
3. Use a pipe lighter or matches to light the pipe. With normal lighters, you can quickly burn your fingers or the pipe.
Light the tobacco with circular movements and draw on the pipe continuously but carefully.
4.The first lighting causes the tobacco to rise. Press it down again with the tamper and light the pipe again.
5. Puff gently, slowly and moderately, leaving a pause between puffs. With the right rhythm, there should be very little smoke. Only when lighting the pipe may there be a little more smoke at the beginning.
With time, you will find the right balance. The pipe may also go out. Lighting a pipe several times with one filling is not a problem and is completely normal.
6. Do not try to smoke every last bit of tobacco. Do not torture yourself or the pipe; simply put the pipe away when it no longer tastes good, the tobacco is too moist or the bowl is too tightly packed.
7. Allow the pipe to cool down after smoking. Do not twist the stem while it is still hot. This can cause cracks. You can leave the ash in the pipe during this time. The ash absorbs moisture and condensation residue.
Only when the pipe is cool can you begin emptying and cleaning it.
8. After cleaning, it is time for the pipe to rest. Ideally, you should have a different pipe for each day of the week. However, it is sufficient to leave the pipe to rest for one day.
If you do not immediately achieve the desired enjoyment after following these instructions, please be patient. Over time, you will learn and gain your own experience.
