When it comes to pipe smoking the obvious stars of the show are the pipe and tobacco, but there are many other elements you need for enjoying your smoke. Accessories are specifically made to help you enjoy pipe smoking even more than you thought!
Why spend time and energy struggling to light your pipe with matches when you can use a pipe lighter - They are designed to make it no trouble at all to light your tobacco. Usually made with a tip to go down inside your bowl and a soft flame, the design allows you to light the tobacco as you inhale. You can use jet flames to light your pipe, however it can cause the heat to be very high going through the pipe, giving a harsh burn in your mouth.
An absolute necessity for pipe smoking. Pipe cleaners will make your life easier as they allow you to get into those hard to reach places to keep your pipe clean for the best smoking experience. These are usually sold in a bundle as its always best to have some on hand.
A pipe tamper is a very important tool. It allows you to pack in the tobacco, loosen up a light bowl and clean out some of the carbon that is left over. There are many different types you can get, some have all 3 tools built in while some just tamp and loosen. You can even get pipe lighters that have a built-in tamper.
These are designed for you to take your tobacco on the go, some can fit in your pocket while others are much bigger and can hold your pipe too. They are a great addition to have as tins can be quite bulky and potentially could damage and spill out in your bag or pocket.
As your passion for pipe smoking grows as will your pipe collection, so it is important to store them safely and display them beautifully. Pipes are fragile and should be stored in a safe place. One of the best ways is a pipe stand - there are many designs available in various styles and some you can use while the tobacco is still inside. All stands support the bowl of the pipe whilst keeping the stem upright and others are even built into an ashtray.
People forget you need an ashtray when it comes to pipe smoking. A good quality ashtray can last a lifetime, there are many to choose from but I suggest having one with a cork knocker which helps clear out your bowl when you are done smoking and comes in handy when some tobaccos are feeling stubborn.
Once you have all these accessories you are in pipe smoking heaven enjoying the bliss that comes with it.
Written by Oliver Partington