Pipe Smoking for Beginners

The Right Pipe

The journey into the "adventure of pipe smoking" begins with the careful selection of your first model. Beyond its appearance, there are numerous factors to consider, including size, capacity, and the shape of the pipe. Surface treatment and the mouthpiece should not be overlooked either. Ultimately, it’s also a matter of personal style: As amusing as it may sound, a pipe is like a piece of clothing that should visually suit its owner.

However, practicality should not be ignored either: Slightly curved or straight pipes are particularly suitable for beginners, as they are easier to smoke. Strongly curved pipes, on the other hand, require more practice to smoke properly. For those who are completely new to the subject, we have prepared a comprehensive buying guide.

If you’re starting from scratch in terms of equipment, you might consider a pipe starter kit. These are available in all price ranges and usually include everything a beginner needs. In addition to the essential pipe, they typically include a tamper, a basic supply of filters and cleaners, as well as matches or a lighter.

Packing the Pipe Requires Practice

Regardless of whether you buy your smoking accessories as a set or individually, packing the pipe works the same way: First, as a beginner, pay attention to the type of tobacco you want to smoke. The cut style is a crucial factor. Due to their fine and consistent cut, loose cut or wild cut tobaccos are best suited for beginners. Most pipe tobaccos come in these cuts.

Prepare your pipe by taking some tobacco from the tin and loosening it up. Tobacco is often tightly packed when it arrives, but it needs air between the fibers to burn well. Additionally, let the tobacco breathe for about 15 minutes. This can vary; some tobaccos are so moist they require hours to dry.

Next, place a small amount of loose tobacco into the pipe until it’s full. Then press the tobacco into the pipe using your index finger. Avoid using the pipe tamper at this stage, as you might pack it too tightly. This step requires a delicate touch, but with a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Apply just enough pressure so that no tobacco sticks out of the pipe. If any remains, simply remove it. Once the pipe is packed, you’re ready to light it. This is where the pipe tamper comes into play.

Lighting the Pipe

Begin by drawing on the pipe as if sipping through a straw. While doing this, move the match or lighter in a circular motion over the tobacco, then gently smooth it down with the pipe tamper. The heat will cause the tobacco to fluff up.

Light the tobacco again while taking deep draws. Avoid letting the match or lighter touch the pipe or tobacco directly. This will ensure a consistent burn.

If the smoke volume decreases, tamp it down with gentle pressure. If you need to relight the pipe, it’s not a beginner's mistake—it happens to experienced pipe smokers too. Additionally, some residue in the pipe is normal. The last bits of tobacco often burn poorly and don’t taste great.

Other cut styles, such as flake, require a different packing method and are not ideal for beginners. While packing a pipe can be turned into a science, it doesn’t have to be. However, some pipe enthusiasts enjoy delving into the finer details. If you’re interested, read more about different packing methods.