Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

[robwall1861]

Good Morning All,

For those who smoke a pipe in the field (like myself when I don't have any cigars handy) what type of pipe do you use? By that, I mean do you have a fancy pipe from Ken Latham or R. Ubben or do you have a simple clay pipe with a reed stem? I have the clay pipe with reed stem that my friend is repairing for me....I also have a wooden bowl pipe with a modern black plastic stem that I sneak and use when I can as I can't afford a fancier period pipe right now.

Tobacco wise, do you use modern granulated tobacco (and what do you carry it in)..my answer yes and in a cloth poke sack with my pipe:). Or, do you have a twist (on a side note, where is a good source to get tobacco twists? I live in NC). Finally, how do you clean your pipe after use? Do you pound it on the bottom of your shoe or have a fancy tool...I use the bottom of my shoe and a twig (I try to avoid banging it on the ground as I don't want to nick the bowl by hitting it on rocks, etc.

I guess this is more of an opinion/information gathering post....I got the idea after looking at some period pipes on Sykes Regulars website.

Have a good day!

Robin

[sodapop63]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

I use my clay bowl/reed stem a lot of the time, unless I want a bigger bowl/longer smoke. Then I'll use my Ken Latham "Buford" pipe. I use a nice Virginia flake tobacco and carry it in my poke sack with my pipe (until I can afford one of the silk ones offered by various vendors). I make sure not to take too much, as it's rather expensive to have dry out and turn bitter. I'm currently using a modern cleaning/tamping tool (I'm planning on carving several designs over this winter for use next year). I also smack my pipe against my brogans...that way the clay pipe will empty but not shatter. And that's my two-cents worth...

[reddcorp]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

Pard:

Try Turkey Foot Trading and Forge. They have a webpage. I got a couple of tobacco twists from them a few weeks back that were decent.
Andy Redd

[Jalaco]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

I have myself a small, black clay pipe (one piece) that I usually clean with the bottom of the shoe and the end of the match I used to light it. I also have a carved wooden bowl with some wooden stems, but I usually only bring it to static or 'garrison' type events, 'cause I would crush it on a campaign.
I don't use any unique tobacco's per say (I like to try new things, mostly modern ones), but as Mr. Brown had mentioned, the crown in my smoking kit is a hand sewn, silk tobacco bag. I got it from Ezra barnhoue goods, and I highly recommend it! Works very well and the tobacco itself keeps halfway decent in there.

[J. Donaldson]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

I'm a big fan of Peterson pipe tobacco. Their University Flake and Peterson's Perfect Plug are great smokes, though they can dry out quickly in the field.

[Calum]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

'morning,

As with many of the comments thus far, I use a modern tobacco (whatever blend I'm currently smoking, but normally either Gettysburg Cigar's George Arrowsmith or Tobacco Village Blend 10) in a poke sack that also holds my pipe. I tend towards a Peterson briar with black plastic or hard rubber stem (unsure which, but I tend to think it's more of the hard rubber based on how it's performed over the years).

For cleaning/tamping, I have a period mine nail (copper, rather than iron) that a blacksmith friend did a fancy flatten/twist on the end, which is perfect for scraping the bowl out.

Calum

[advanceguard]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

If you are looking for a good period briar, may I suggest Ken Latham Pipes. Mr. Latham is a stand-up fellow who makes incredible pipes, and may I say for being handmade they are an incredibly good deal. As I type this, I am awaiting a "Capt. Ellis" and cannot wait for it to arrive!!!

[BenjaminLDavis]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

If you want to go with a Sweetheart Tobacco Pouch, I got a real nice one from Corner Clothiers some years back that has served me very admirably in the field these many years . . . looks great too!

[pipthelimey]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

A few tips that have worked for me:
1) you can't beat a clay bowl with a Reed stem for a common soldier. I picked up an original about 6 years ago for 15 bucks. I cut the reed from a creek in Virginia. If your modern briar is a short term shortcut, try taking some fine steel wool to the stem. It will take away some of the shine. It's not going to look exactly like vulcanite, but it won't catch the eye.

2) Instead of a poke sack, try a small tin. If you don't have one, take a 8" by 12" piece of rubber cloth. Sew one 8" end up about 2". Put your tobacco in there then roll it up and tie it. You can make this fancy or quick, but by rolling it you're getting rid of the air, which dries out tobacco and ruins it. I've kept tobacco moist for a month doing this.

3) For a pipe tool, take a period nail. Next time you see a blacksmith, heat the point red and pound it flat for a scraper. The head works great as a tamp. OR, just use the nail as is and it will probably work.

[tenfed1861]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

It all depends on the impression.If I am doing an Irish soldier,I have a small clay one piece I use with harps and shamrocks on them.I picked it up at a flea market for $4,so it was a good deal.I also have a good briar carved pipe I use for when I do just a regular soldier,or a recruit.I do have another original clay I will pull out,especially if I am wishing to portray a soldier on the march,or a poorer soldier.
I smoke just whatever I can get.In SE KY,there are no good tobacco stores,so I just smoke Cap't Black.If I know there will be a sutler at an event selling tobacco,I carry a period tin that keeps the tobacco nice and fresh.If there isn't a sutler,or I just want to carry something basic,I carry it in a homemade tobacco wallet I made out of a peice of old painted cloth for a farmer/CS impression.I do also have a rubber tobacco wallet that I carry for my Federal impression.
To clean my pipe,I usually just use my finger (it's dirty),a stick,or match to scrape the bowl out.Nothing extra I have to carry,and there are sticks everywhere.

[Paul L Muller]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

I don't smoke...except when at an event,and I picked up an original briar long stemmed pipe last summer. It is way fancier that I need or deserve, but It is just a touch of safistication in an otherwise basic feild wore kit. I carry my tobacco in a small buckskin draw string pouch., and clean my pipe out with me folding jack knife. plm

[ccastellani]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

I was at Latham's website and did not see pipe prices. What's the price range for his pipe?

[Mark Choate]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

I was at Latham's website and did not see pipe prices. What's the price range for his pipe?

Mostly in the $45 - $65 range. Excellent quality and very much worth the money.

I have two and enjoy them a great deal.

Mark

[Cumpston1862]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

Gents-

What kind of lead time does Mr. Latham have? Anybody know?

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Pipes and Pipe Tobacco

I smoke a clay pipe (clay pipe/clay stem) that I have had for around ten to eleven years. I smoke whatever tobacco that I find cheep, and I just stick my pipe in the campfire to burn any extra crud out of it. I have a really nice tobacco pouch that I picked up from Corner Clothiers, and I cannot say enough about it.