New trick for getting flake going with minimal relights

mfresa

Gentlemen, I just wanted to throw this out there.  Many of us enjoy a good Virginia or VaPer flake, correct?  And I think consensus has spoken that they are enjoyed in smaller-bowled pipes as well as big ones. In order to minimize the number of relights on a flake or coin tobacco, would it make sense to fill the first half of the bowl with non-rubbed flake, and then rub a little on top to get it started?  I would think the rubbed tobacco would help the non-rubbed catch and maintain temperature.
Thoughts?

Woodsman

Definitely worth a try, I've always rubbed out the entire flake,

xDutchx

I usually load my pipes first with larger pieces, in order to keep smaller pieces out of the draft hole. Then I finish loading the pipe, using the finest pieces resting at the bottom of the tin. I usually try to use that method with everything from ribbon cuts to flakes.

Since some of the best flavor from flake tobacco comes during the initial lighting process, I don't worry about the total number of times it takes to relight the pipe.

PhilosoPiper

As most have stated I too typically rub out all of my flake or medallion tobaccos. That being said sometimes I do feel adventurous and attempt to smoke them using the old fold and stuff method, I do something similar to what you suggested except I work the bit of the flake that will be sticking out in the palm of my hand so that it is frayed. I tamp that down ever so lightly, then pick up the crumbs it made sprinkle them on top and away I go.

mfresa

Yes, I just tried that, with mixed results.  It got started OK (McConnell's 2015, which is too good not to smoke), but I had to relight several times.  However, the session lasted a lot longer than if I rubbed it out completely.   An interesting experiment...

PappyJoe

I fold a flake it half and then roll it sort of like into a tube shape. Then I slide it into the bowl and press down until it fits with a little room to spare at the top. I then add some broken particles from the tin on top to light it easier. It does take longer to smoke when done like this.

mfresa

@PappyJoe, that sounds like a great idea.  I'll try it today.

PappyJoe

Just loaded my pipe that way

Londy3

Interesting. I will have to try that too. I'm forever relighting dark strong Kentucky...ugh

judandhispipe

I use a technique very similar to @PappyJoe .