If you use your pipe for a relatively short period, you will notice a black layer forming on the inside. What is this layer, and what should you do about it?
Should you scrape off this layer or let it remain inside the chamber?
I had many questions and was looking for a definitive answer.
On various websites, you can find numerous articles where smokers share their experiences, but hearing it from one of the most reputable Italian pipe makers is certainly more valuable.
A maker has a better understanding of the product they manufacture, and their professional experience can be more helpful.
I asked Luciano Buzzi (designer, maker, and owner of the Brebbia brand) about this matter and, with some reasoning, explained why I believe his answer to be complete, including some fine details.
He says that when smoking a pipe begins, the body of the pipe develops a black layer, which is carbon from the burning tobacco. This layer thickens over time, and the more aromatic (flavored) the tobacco used, the thicker the carbon cake becomes.
In a 20 to 30-minute smoke, your pipe can reach a total temperature of up to 600 degrees. This high temperature causes the tobacco to adhere to the body. Contrary to what some smokers believe, this layer should not be entirely scraped off, but trimming and narrowing it with a special tool (reamer) is acceptable and will give the pipe a better taste.
The Bitter Taste and Tongue Bite
My questions were not yet fully answered, and I needed more insights, so I asked what happens to the bitter taste that might lead to tongue bite. He explained that a pipe absorbs before it gives! So, if you change your tobacco daily, you shouldn’t expect an exceptional smoke either. When your pipe experiences a particular tobacco, it absorbs the smoke from the burning and then transfers it to you. So, if you constantly change the flavors, it’s like cooking different dishes in a pot every day without washing it.
If you change your tobacco several times in a row, your smoke will suffer from flavor disruption, so it is best to take your pipe to a specialist to have it reamed and some of the carbon layer evenly scraped. Do not use the sharp edge of a scoop to scratch the body, as it will create deep grooves. Instead, seek help from skilled vendors in this field.
After reaming, you can clean it with a special spray to achieve the best results. Diffuser sprays remove the previous tobacco flavor and its odor. Using salt, boiling, or baking powder won’t be much help and will waste your time.
The Importance of the Carbon Layer
Why is this carbon layer so important that it shouldn’t be completely scraped off? Does it provide any particular benefit to the pipe? Yes, having carbon in the body helps to cool the smoke, and even the outer surface is cooler during smoking. Additionally, it creates an even heat distribution and reduces damage to the pipe.
Recommendations for New Pipes
Another important recommendation is that when you buy a new pipe, avoid long and high-temperature smokes during the first two or three uses. This could cause the exterior finish to burn, known as pipe burnout, due to the high thermal shock imposed by the smoker. For the first few uses, allow light smokes so the carbon layer forms evenly in the pipe, then you can heat your pipe. To create a suitable carbon layer, you can also use honey for better results.
Do You Need a Different Pipe for Each Tobacco?
Typically, a pipe that has been used during the day needs two to three days of rest outside the bag to dry properly and provide a good smoke the next time it’s used. That’s why your pipe stands fill up every day. This is a recommendation that smokers need, but the result is the same: if you use it daily, you should increase the number of pipes and try to use tobaccos with less essence. Do not smoke every type of tobacco with one pipe.
Can Alcohol Clean the Chamber?
High-purity alcohol can cause the carbon cake to crack and seriously damage it. It’s better to use a special spray and pipe cleaners.
Reducing the Chamber Temperature
If you use your pipe several times a day, you must take rest your pipe to reach the best taste.
