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Hey all, I'm new to pipes and have a Missouri meerschaum Ozark mountain bent on it's was with a variety of different tobaccos to try in it and am wondering what you all do with a new pipe for breaking in. I've read a variety of answers on a few different forums, everything from nothing at all to coating the inside with honey and smoking half / three quarter bowls. Thanks
I have 2 new pipes I am waiting to break in. Guess I need to start the process.
really no break in for a Missouri meerschaum other than smoke it to the very bottom. When you get to the bottom of the bowl it will start to taste bad. This is because the wood from the shank inside the cob will start to burn. Take a few extra puffs at this point to help char the wood. Also when cleaning leave the ash around the shank to make a natural pipe mud
I just like to smoke an easy burning mixture that is fairly quick burning and neutral in flavor. Always makes sure to smoke that sucker all the way to the bottom to build a nice even cake.
I like to use either PA, CH, Dark Birdseye, or my new found favorite, Storm Front.
Branzig is that general pattons storm front? Good stuff there.
I would recommend partial bowls, particularly if you are just starting out with pipes. It can take a couple times fussing with the packing and the tamping and all that before you get an enjoyable smoke all the way to the bottom. You may get a wet, goopy, fireproof mess in the heel that just won't burn. Partial bowls ensures that doesn't happen, and I think can also help new pipers improve their technique quicker. Also, like Branzig said, something that burns easy.
I just pack it like I always do and smoke it down. I think one of the reasons it is best for newer guys to use a partial fill method is because many are still smoking their tobacco pretty wet. I am somewhat anal about how dry I like my leaf to be, and so I don't have trouble smoking it down and forming even cake. YMMV
I'm in the fill 'er all the way for a new pipe and always use Prince Albert for breaking them in.
I don't take any special precautions breaking in a new cob because at the cost of less than a tin of decent tobacco I consider them disposable. With a briar, it's a different story altogether. The most important thing is to smoke slowly and keep it cool. You don't know the meaning of the word heartbreak until you've had a new briar crack from overheating. Take it slow, build that cake, and a briar pipe can last a lifetime.