My Fold-n-Stuff Method

[Branzig]

Flake just doesn't fire up the way ribbon, shag or crimp-cut does. While slow and gently puffing works once it is lit, a flake needs a vigorous, thorough first light, a tamp and relight or two (once again pretty strong) just to get that top ash smoothed out and an ember started. That top layer of ash, gently leveled, allows the flame to light the entire surface more easily. I really fire it up at first. Once the ember is established, you can back way down and it will stay lit for a long time even without puffing on it. I've set a pipe full of flake down for possibly ten minutes, and with a little damping and soft tamping, brought it back to life again. I think new flake smokers are a bit shy and gentle with that first few lights. Even rubbed out, a flake is a bit lumpier than ribbon or shag, and doesn't flash-burn. It's like kindling compared to wood shavings.

You bring up a great point Jim.

When I light up a loose cut blend, I always draw light and think, "I am lighting a pipe here" but when I light flake I try to think of it more as lighting up a cigar. Big, full draws and trying to get a nice even char and burn going.

Initially, my mind set with a flake is to treat it more like a cigar.

[Nature]

I had an opportunity to try this method with ODF. I used one flake, folded it in half, then layed my pipe by the side to estimate the bowl depth. I determined that I needed to fold the doubled over flake into thirds again in order to get it to fit as it was somewhat of a shallow bowl. I used the bits that fell away during the folding process to sprinkle on the top, but did not rub out further.

I initially had problems getting it to stay lit. I thought I had it going, then within only a few puffs, it went out. The flake didn't seem overly moist at all. The draw seemed very loose. After a couple of tries, I gave the tobacco a tamp, then tried again. Third time was the charm! Maybe these were the false lights Jeff referred to. Once I got it going though, it burned like a champ with only light sipping draws. I didn't feel the need to tamp it again until more than halfway through. I had very few relights the rest of the way.

Thanks for sharing your method Jeff. I will certainly repeat this again to get it down.

[commonsenseman]

I had an opportunity to try this method with ODF. I used one flake, folded it in half, then layed my pipe by the side to estimate the bowl depth. I determined that I needed to fold the doubled over flake into thirds again in order to get it to fit as it was somewhat of a shallow bowl. I used the bits that fell away during the folding process to sprinkle on the top, but did not rub out further.

I initially had problems getting it to stay lit. I thought I had it going, then within only a few puffs, it went out. The flake didn't seem overly moist at all. The draw seemed very loose. After a couple of tries, I gave the tobacco a tamp, then tried again. Third time was the charm! Maybe these were the false lights Jeff referred to. Once I got it going though, it burned like a champ with only light sipping draws. I didn't feel the need to tamp it again until more than halfway through. I had very few relights the rest of the way.

Thanks for sharing your method Jeff. I will certainly repeat this again to get it down.

Sounds like a success to me. Getting it started certainly can be the hardest part!