The pipe is being used for smoking tobacco since centuries. Infact, it is the first known means of smoking tobacco.
Structure of a pipe
A pipe consists of two parts – a bowl shaped structure used to burn tobacco and a long hollow stem that ends in a mouth piece.
Materials used for pipes
Pipes can be made from a variety of materials. Some of the materials are briar, corncob, meerschaum, clay, cherrywood, olivewood, maple, mesquite and oak. Minerals like soapstone and catlinite have also been used.
Pipes are made by machines and also by hand. Handcrafted pipes are much more expensive than machine made pipes.
Tobacco for pipes
Tobacco used in pipes is specially made. It is carefully treated and blended tomake it suitable for pipe smoking. It is also cut more coarsely than cigarette tobacco.
Blends of various sweet and spice tobaccos, oriental and Virginia tobaccos are used in pipes.
Using a pipe
Smoking a pipe requires apparatus, work and technique. The pipe, matches or a lighter, a pipe tool and a supply of pipe cleaners are needed.
Packing involves adding tobacco to the pipe in such a way that it optimizes air flow. The tobacco needs to burn slowly. Experience is needed to get it right.
Lighting involves putting fire to the tobacco. It is easier done with matches than a lighter. Relights may be required to get it right.
The smoke of a pipe is not inhales. It is brought into the mouth and released. The pipe is held by the stem, as the bowl is hot.
The pipe should be cleaned regularly by using a cleaner. A layer of ash may also settle in the bowl, which needs to be scraped from time to time.
