WHY? Briar is a very hard, heat resistant material, but it is entirely possible to burn it just like any other wood. The damage this can cause is irreparable in many cases but can be easily avoided.
HOW: Every new pipe requires proper breaking in to avoid damage. With normal smoking, a layer of carbon gradually builds up in the tobacco chamber, protecting the briar against the heat of the burning tobacco like firebrick in a wood stove. Brigham pipes have a unique heat-resistant lining applied to the tobacco chamber to insulate the bowl which aids in the breaking-in process and adds a layer of protection, however, we suggest the following breaking in methods for all pipes including our own:
Before first filling your new pipe, apply a thin layer of honey to the entire tobacco chamber with your finger. Its high sugar content will hasten the desired build-up of carbon.
Fill your pipe half-way for the first 3 smokes to start building cake in the bottom portion of the bowl. Afterwards, alternate between full and half-full bowls until a layer of carbon the thickness of a dime has evenly developed throughout the inside of the bowl.
WHY: Improperly removing ashes is a leading cause of pipe breakage. Similarly, removing carbon is a common cause of burnout.
HOW: After finishing your bowl of tobacco, the temptation is to hold the pipe like a hammer and bang it on a hard surface. This strains both the stem and the shank of the pipe leading eventually to stress fractures and breakage on the weaker of the two. Proper removal can be achieved by holding the pipe bowl itself in one's hand and gently tapping it on a soft surface only. Also, using a pipe tool with no sharp points to gently loosen the remaining ash while holding the pipe upside down is effective and safe.
Removing excess carbon is only necessary after a layer has developed which is thicker than a dime. This amount of buildup is an essential layer of protection, but anything beyond the thickness of a nickel increases the likelihood of cracking the bowl. Removing excess carbon must be done evenly and without damaging the pipe bowl itself. A proper Reamer is designed to so just this. Do not use a knife as you are almost guaranteed of removing the carbon unevenly and/or causing trauma to the pipe bowl which may lead to burnout in the future.
CHANGE YOUR (BRIGHAM) FILTER REGULARLY
WHY: Our filters do not have an infinite capacity for holding moisture. Once a filter has become saturated, its effects are eliminated and the benefits lost. Additionally, as the filter reaches saturation, it expands in size to compromise the way it fits into the pipe. It is possible for a filter to become very firmly wedged in the tenon if left too long. This is not irreparable, but can lead to poor pipe performance and ineffective cleaning.
HOW: Simply discard a used filter and replace with a new one. Alternatively, our filters can be cleaned with water and left to dry before re-using for those who are concerned with cost (although our filters are not very expensive for most). Over time, this method does in fact reduce its effectiveness but is certainly more favourable than over-using a filter.
As part of the after-smoking cleaning process, remove the filter and inspect it. If it is a very dark brown colour, it is time for cleaning or replacing. Being diligent will ensure all the benefits of our system and a dry, clean taste!
FILLING THE PIPE
A bowl of tobacco that burns evenly without going out can only be obtained by careful packing. There are as many ways of doing so as there are people, however the following method is quite effective if you have difficulties keeping your pipe lit.
By filling the pipe in 3 even parts, you will find that keeping a pipe lit is fairly simple. First, fill the pipe by sprinkling loose tobacco into the bowl. Once full, tap the bowl to settle the tobacco a bit and if possible, sprinkle in more. Now, using your finger, press the tobacco down into the bottom third of the bowl. You should press it until it is about as firm as a half-compacted marshmallow - ensure that you maintain even firmness around the bowl. Check to make sure you haven't packed it too firmly by trying to draw air through the mouthpiece.
Repeat this procedure again, this time pressing the tobacco into the next third. You can press the tobacco a bit more firmly here, so long as you can still get air through the mouthpiece. The amount of draw should be about the same as sipping a milkshake through a straw.
Repeat again to fill the top third of the pipe. There should be some spring left when the bowl is full and the draw should be consistent and steady.
If at any stage it is difficult to draw, remove the tobacco and begin again.
The final verdict of your filling technique will be discovered as you smoke the pipe. If you find that it is difficult to draw on the pipe, remember to fill it less firmly next time. If you find the tobacco burns quick and hot with a very easy draw but requiring frequent lighting, remember to pack more firmly next time. If you find that the tobacco burns unevenly down the bowl, you may not be packing the tobacco evenly around the bowl.
Lighting:
Completely light the top portion of the tobacco, being sure to keep the pipe upright. Apply the flame in a circular motion over the whole surface of the tobacco while taking long slow puffs. You will see the tobacco rise as you do so. Use a tamper to push the tobacco back down into the bowl.
At this point re-lighting is necessary to get a thorough and even burn of your tobacco. This initial stage may require repeating a few times until you can see that the entire top layer of tobacco burns red when you puff. After this is accomplished, you may relax a bit and smoke slowly.
If at any time your pipe happens to extinguish, gently tamp down the tobacco and ash before relighting.
Smoking:
Smoke your pipe gently and evenly. Puffing too vigorously will burn your tongue and may cause damage to the bowl from overheating. Pipes are not enjoyable when treated like a cigarette - slow, careful, contemplative smoking is the hallmark of the experience!
Remember that if the bowl becomes too hot, let your pipe cool off before re-lighting.
If your pipe appears to be going out, you may try placing two fingers over the top of the bowl while you draw. This will help localize the draft, reviving the smoke.
.