|
|
If you smoke a pipe, you already know the basics of what a pipe tool or tamper is, but there are a few different types, ranging from the basic to the ornate, so here's a quick guide to supplement your knowledge.
There are three basic parts to a pipe tool, and, depending on the tool, it will utilize any combination of these:
Tamper - Basically just a small surface used to "tamp" or gently pack down the ash and burning tobacco in a pipe. Some are completely flat, some are slightly concave so as to move unburnt tobacco into the middle of the bowl, and some even have aeration holes that allow air to flow into the ember while tamping.
Pick - A simple little pick used to aerate packed tobacco, especially if over packed, or to clear blocked airways.
Scraper/Reamer - Usually a little spoon or unsharpened blade with a rounded end used to remove the dottle from the chamber's heel and walls.
Though these can run gamut in terms of price, generally a pipe nail will be an inexpensive little tool, such as the Brebbia, with a tamper at one end and a spoon shaped reamer at the other. The biggest advantage here is the price: at a buck each, it doesn't matter if they get lost, and you can keep one everywhere — car, briefcase, hell keep a couple behind the bar of your local spot so you're not sitting there tamping your pipe with a finger the next time you inevitably forget to pack one.
Probably the most recognizable, versatile and classic of the pipe tools, the Czech tool features all three tools (tamper, pick, and reamer) and is as cheap as chips to boot.
Another variation on the classic Czech tool, a pipe knife generally contains a tamper, again usually in the form of a foot on the housing, a pick, and a reamer whose blade has been sharpened to allow for the cutting of plug and rope tobaccos. The edge of the blade is generally dull and rounded but care should still be taken not to damage the bowl or cake with the blade itself.
In the past, companies, such as Peterson, for example, have made elaborate tampers from horn, ivory, pewter and sterling silver, and some pipe carvers have been known to package pipes with a tamper specially made to complement the adornments or stain of a pipe. Some of the Radice sets, for example, feature their own corresponding tampers. Recently we've also seen something of an trend towards custom tampers from specialty carvers, ranging from simple wood rods within spent bullet casings, to more elaborate carvings in horn and briar.
In the end, the type of pipe tool you use will depend on your personality, specific circumstances, and budget, but there are plenty of options that will cater to most. Have a favourite style of pipe tool? Feel free to share in the comments below!
You may also enjoy:
Comments
The Brebbia tool is excellent, for all the reasons you mentioned. I wish bars still permitted pipe smoking.
. . . And then there's the tamper perfectly suited to the motoring piper -- the thimble! Just keep it on your index finger as you cruise along and apply deftly as needed. No muss, fuss, or distraction and only one hand needed. You're welcome:-)
That thimble idea is a great one! I often deftly use my finger tip if I'm stuck (very quickly and only if there's a buildup of ash on the ember).
If you're a golfer, you have no shortage of tampers in the form of golf tees. Even in the dead of a cold, snowy Canadian winter, I often have a golf tee in my pocket for just this purpose.
@Steve Me too, it does seem like even bars that allow smoking have a moratorium on pipes and cigars. A bit of a shame - I know which one smells better.
@KevinM A thimble, huh, what a neat idea, I'll have to give it a whirl. Thanks for the tip.
@Tony Hopefully it warms up soon so you'll have more traditional uses for golf tees.
@Adam That's what I'm here for! Always ready to help out! That's me! Except... er... it wasn't my idea. I was just complimenting KevinM's idea above. Look further up. My brilliant idea was the golf tee... which apparently you didn't care for. Pfffft. :)
@Tony That was my bad - it's early and my Lizard brain is still dominating ;)
You all have probably done a video of this but I would like to learn how to clean a pipe.
Thanks!
Like golfers, hunters also have an ample supply of tampers with empty rifle shells. Just be sure not to grab a loaded one!
@Stuart That could indeed be tragic!