Would You Smoke a Used Pipe?

[vperlman]

That's the question...

[caudio51]

Estate pipes. They are cleaned. My father buys them all the time.

Who's eating rat poison?

[ohpus]

rat poison???? If it's from a shop that I don't know, I would clean it. I probably would not buy an estate pipe that looked crusty unless it had extreme value that I could buy very inexpensively!!!!! Such as at antique stores!

[tobby4]

Clean it... yea who would rather eat poison

[Deriffe]

Once it's cleaned, you betcha.

[cvm4]

I wouldn't...Imagine picking a used straw from the mall cafeteria, going home and cleaning it and then using it yourself. It's probably just all in my mind but not I!

[cvm4]

Anyway I picked rat poisen but I'll assume that's the "I'd rather just buy a new one" vote.

[tobby4]

just a little different there cliff... IMO, i dont know, never smoked one but you drink out of a different cup after somebody else does and you wash it right?

[cvm4]

It's just a mental block for me...I have no problem drinking out of a washed cup.

[ClockworkDragonfly]

Well... I wouldn't just, say, jam the straw in a dishwasher and call it a day... I'd probably sterylize the hell out of it first... and I would be every bit as thorough with an estate pipe.

There are definite benefits to smoking a used pipe... mainly the fact that it doesn't need to be broken in... all the chemicals are already leeched out of the bowl, it has built up it's heat resistance... both of which make it easier to establish a good cake after cleaning.

[AZsteelman]

Nope, only smoked a pipe a couple of times, Probably have to go with the rat poison...let me think about it for a while.

[jaxstraww]

I'm with cvm4 on this one. Mentally I would never enjoy the pipe becuase I'll be flashbackin to some old man just mouthing the shit out of it. No way.

I will say I bought one of Ebay and sent it to Boswells for a new stem. The bowl can be used. Not worried about that bu the stem needs to be brand new.
So pipe on Ebay $5.00
New stem like $20 for a total of $25.00
Piece of mind.

Priceless

[cvm4]

Not a bad idea with the new stem jaxstraww :thumbsup:

[joshua]

Maybe I will do that with mine or some of the ones I won off ebay that I haven't gotten yet.

I bought an esatate pipe cause its cheaper and I wouldn't have to worry about building up cake in the bowl just to see if I enjoy smokin a pipe.

[caudio51]

I believe my Dad gets new stems if the one is really worn out. If not he uses everclear to clean them. Yes the alcohol.

[Black Dog]

I don't know. The idea of a used pipe weirds me out a little. I don't know why. It didn't bother me a bit when I was younger :smokingbo

[Boppa-Wasch]

I have purchased several very nice pipes from antique shops that I had cleaned and excessive cake removed. Paul's in Flint does a very good job and is reasonable. $3-$5 with stem replacement. Cake is already there. The guy can even tell if English blends or Aromatic's were smoked in the pipe previously. I will probably start cleaning my own after a few more demo's from the pipe shop. This is to be sure I do it right and don't ruin the bowl.:usaflag:

[Wasch_24]

It is fine and a common practice once sterilized.

[mitchthephoneman]

Depends upon what I am putting in the pipe!!!!!:headroll: :headroll: :headroll:

[Hal]

Absolutely after I clean and sterilize it. All but two of my pipes are used, or "estate" pipes.

[caudio51]

What do you guys use to clean the pipe?

[Doofus]

I have smoked a "Used" pipe. I inhereted it from my grandfather and cherish it.

[Wasch_24]

I haven't personally cleaned a used pipe but I hear rubbing alchohol or high proffed liqour works for disinfecting them.

[Moglman]

Absolutely. I have no problem smoking an estate pipe once I am satisfied it is cleaned to my satisfaction. Remember that cleaning will also improve the smoking experience by not tasting a previous owners tobacco residue. I use pipe cleaner or everclear for the stem (inside and out). Soft Scrub w/o bleach for the outside of the stem works well too. For serious stem oxidization, a short soak in 50/50 bleach/water solution (it'll look bad when removed), followed by buffing and polishing on a wheel will make it look new. For the bowl, reaming with a good quality reamer, leaving a little cake if possible, followed by salt/alcohol will remove all oils and taste left over from the previous owner. Only use 15 to 20 drops of alcohol once the bowl has been filled with salt, and let the oils leach out of the cake for 8 to 12 hours. Repeat until the salt remains white.

[jcgoldner]

I have smoked a "Used" pipe. I inhereted it from my grandfather and cherish it.
I wish I had a few of my Grandfather's pipes! He brought them with him when he came over from Ireland.

[sigguy]

Would you use someone else's toothbrush or underwear ?:scratchhe

NOT I!

[caudio51]

Would you use someone else's toothbrush or underwear ?:scratchhe

NOT I!
Apples & Oranges IMO

[Wasch_24]

Hardly the same thing. :hysterica

[Hal]

I have my great-grandfather's pipe. He's been gone for nine years and it was a mess when I got it. I still say there's nothing to worry about if it's sterilized.

[sgresso]

I have bough estate pipes at a show and smoked them right away.

but thats me

[sgresso]

You figure that smoking a pipe even once tends to drops the value in 1/2
for the most part.

SO my thoughts ar that I can get a better pipe value then buing a new pipe for high end pipes.

I have many estate pipes and they smoke as good as new.
Stephen

[IHT]

What do you guys use to clean the pipe?
there's always the salt/alcohol method. put a pipe cleaner in the pipe, fill the bowl with salt, add about 10 eye dropper drops of "everclear" or something with very high alcohol content, let it sit for 24 hours, remove excess salt (it will be brown), give the pipe a few days rest, and you should be good to go.
that is the last step, after you do the scraping of excess cake, cleaning the bit, etc.

there's also the "boiling" method most professionals use, with a "retort". they place a cotton ball in the top of the bowl.. put some alcohol in the retort (a glass test tube like thing), connect it to the stem of the pipe, heat the alcohol to boiling, it goes up the stem and into the bowl, remove from heat, the alcohol comes back into the retort (a little dirtier), repeat about 10 times... supposedly is the best way to clean a pipe. i just had 2 of them done like this by my local B&M, waiting to get them back (a mastro de paja and a da vinci).

[caudio51]

there's also the "boiling" method most professionals use, with a "retort". they place a cotton ball in the top of the bowl.. put some alcohol in the retort (a glass test tube like thing), connect it to the stem of the pipe, heat the alcohol to boiling, it goes up the stem and into the bowl, remove from heat, the alcohol comes back into the retort (a little dirtier), repeat about 10 times... supposedly is the best way to clean a pipe. i just had 2 of them done like this by my local B&M, waiting to get them back (a mastro de paja and a da vinci).

That sounds intense

[IHT]

That sounds intense
there's a link somewhere around that i've read where they demonstrate how to do it.
it's what most poeple use to professionally "refurbish/sweeten" their pipes.

matter of fact, i just won my "retort" on ebay a few days back, can't wait to get it. i'll see if i can find that link.

edit:
here's the link http://www.seattlepipeclub.org/sherlock/restore/PipeRestoration.html

[ClockworkDragonfly]

Wow... thank you so much for that link.
I have access to a number of beautiful estate pipes that belonged to one of my roomates' grandfather. A few of them would definitely require professional restoration, but many of them I feel far more confident handling myself.

[caudio51]

Thanks for the link!

[IHT]

btw - i got my pipes back from the B&M. the mastro de paja had been taken hostage by my POS 17 yr old step-son... i found it in his glovebox smelling of "mary jane". so, had to get it cleaned.

i can't taste or smell any hints of "wacky tobacky"... i can see in the near future, that in July, when the dumbass turns 18, i'll have his luggage packed for him. :waving:

[caudio51]

Oh boy, good luck with that Greg...

[C-Dub]

I'm looking to make the leap into smoking pipes. I tried in college but could never keep it lit so gave up; but, with the tips I have seen on this page I am ready to try again. I think I am interested in an estate pipe because of the history and character of an older pipe like this. I have seen the comments about cleaning and sterilizing the pipes, but is there a company that professionally cleans the pipes and gets them in ready-to-smoke condition? Is that something like a local Tinderbox would do?

Thanks for all your help

[vperlman]

There are some companies that do it, but right now I can't remember who. You might look at the listings for used or "estate" pipes on ebay and read the descriptions carefully. Some of the vendors also provide cleaning services.

[Wasch_24]

Most local shops will do it as well.

[Boppa-Wasch]

Yes! I just purchased two pipes and a 4 pipe stand for $15.00.

[caudio51]

Damn! Nice pick up!

[Boppa-Wasch]

:thumbsup: Yep! And both pipes were hardly used. Looks like the one was smoked maybe once!

[caudio51]

Excellent!

[tedski]

Nice grab! Pics?

[Irritech]

Depends upon what I am putting in the pipe!!!!!:headroll: :headroll: :headroll:

My sentiments exactly! :robosmile

[jmatkins]

I don't think I could put my mouth on something someone else has been slobering on for years.

[Boppa-Wasch]

The Score: Pipe on the left and rack for $10.00 Daytona Shop.

Ashtray for $8.00 Ormond Beach Shop

1845

1846

[Boppa-Wasch]

The Score#2

MithShrike Pipe Rack Bomb!
1847

$5.00 Pipe St Augustine Shop.
1848

Pipe on left is a $20.00 sweety I picked up in another St. Augustine Shop
1849

[caudio51]

Wow, awesome pick ups Ray!

[MadBear]

The only way I'd smoke a pipe right off the rack is if my wife was the previous user.

Not really sure if it is clean or professionally cleaned matters. I couldn't bring myself to put it in my mouth knowing someone has sucked, bit, chewed, slobbered and salivated all over the mouth piece.

Can I eat the rat poison with a spoon?

[Boppa-Wasch]

The only way I'd smoke a pipe right off the rack is if my wife was the previous user.

Not really sure if it is clean or professionally cleaned matters. I couldn't bring myself to put it in my mouth knowing someone has sucked, bit, chewed, slobbered and salivated all over the mouth piece.

Can I eat the rat poison with a spoon?
If it's in THAT bad of shape.......you'ld need a new stem too......Paul's Pipe Shop only charges $4.50 a pipe for the works...just like new when done. Never paid more than $7.00 for a new stem...and that was for a Kalabash.

[Tazman]

Everclear...it has many uses, now I know it even cleans pipes!

Tazman

[CigarRick]

Sure, just clean it properly and you don't have to worry about what others did with it. Oxyclean and a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser go a long way with the stem. The alcohol and salt will help out with the bowl. Or, like IHT said, a retort, though I haven't purchased or used one myself yet.

[caudio51]

Everclear...it has many uses, now I know it even cleans pipes!

Tazman

And for getting the college girls drunk :bottle::stretchgr

[Boppa-Wasch]

To be used for medicinal purposes only!

[Mississippi Rifleman]

Why clean the inside of the bowl? To start fresh with whatever tobacco you like? I wouldn't think you would like that because its already broken in with a good cake....usually.

[Boppa-Wasch]

Tools are available to remove "excess" cake. The salt draws out the "Flavors" of the previous tobacco used. It's a good idea to use the salt because you really don't have any idea what tobacco was previously smoked.

[Mississippi Rifleman]

Whats a good reamer?

[Boppa-Wasch]

I have a "Pipe Service Kit" that has all the tools needed. If I were to get just the reamer, I would go for a good adjustable. The one I have has knob to turn to expand the actual reamer to fit the bowl. Works on any size bowl for diameter and depth. The "pocket reamers" aren't made for any size and are not very user friendly. With the kit you get a "knife" that is used for really bad cake. Use the knife to make enough room for the reamer.

[caudio51]

What's a reamer?

[Boppa-Wasch]

Here's the set!

[caudio51]

Look's like a torture kit :rofl:

[Boppa-Wasch]

Look's like a torture kit :rofl:

Now there's an idea!!!!!:stickbeat :eyepoke: :pokemyeye

[Jenny]

I'm with cvm4 on this one. Mentally I would never enjoy the pipe becuase I'll be flashbackin to some old man just mouthing the shit out of it. No way.


OMG! This got an audible laugh out of me.....

BTW, I've put my mouth in places that most old men don't go...... I'm not to worried about a used pipe after a good cleaning. I would actually just order a new stem, though.

[Greg]

I voted in the rat poison category.

[Boppa-Wasch]

OMG! This got an audible laugh out of me.....

BTW, I've put my mouth in places that most old men don't go...... I'm not to worried about a used pipe after a good cleaning. I would actually just order a new stem, though.

A new stem is a good way to go for a good price on a great pipe!!

[caudio51]

I voted in the rat poison category.

:rofl:

I just don't see the big problem as long as you get a new stem or clean it well

[sgresso]

I have smoked one out of a rack at a pipe show so I can't say anything....

[Saully]

Never smoked a pipe -- but it sounds like buying a used condom. :(

[Boppa-Wasch]

Never smoked a pipe -- but it sounds like buying a used condom. :(
You probably don't eat at restaurants or drink beer on tap either.

[tobby4]

Never smoked a pipe -- but it sounds like buying a used condom. :(

eh not quite that bad...

I would have to clean the hell out of a pipe though..

[xrundog]

All my pipes are pre-smoked. It's a pretty simple matter to clean/sanitize them. And they are already seasoned.:thumbsup:

[tedski]

Didn't notice it before but that is a kick-ass service kit you got there Ray.
Where did you get it?

[Boppa-Wasch]

On line somewhere, I'll have to look it up.

[Boppa-Wasch]

Try here
http://www.cupojoes.com/cgi-bin/dept?dpt=D&srch=DD&tier2=7

Local B&M wanted $125.00 for the same thing.

[tedski]

Thanks Ray. I've got the same reaming tool - but would have bought this kit instead if I had seen it.

[Boppa-Wasch]

It's a good set.

[caudio51]

Never smoked a pipe -- but it sounds like buying a used condom. :(

That's a bit extreme :rofl:

[cvm4]

Hmmm...That is a stretch :hysterica

[Zman]

That's the question...

Nope... but I wouldn't smoke a new one either! :grin:

[tedski]

Yes, but Einstein did ... and it helped him be the smartest man around.

[xrundog]

I'm sure pipe makers would love it if nobody smoked used pipes. More sales for them.

Imagine the death of an active pipe collector:
"Wow! Can I have Grandpa's cool pipe collection?" "Sorry Chip, those pipes are used. They will have to be destroyed at a pipe disposal facility."

Consider antique chairs or couches. Someone's ass was on that! And it was before bathing regularly was an accepted practice. Yuck!

[Trumpetchris]

I have 4 pipes. 2 were used when I got them, one is new (unsmoked yet), one I broke in myself. The estates smoke better, and I'm reluctant to start breaking in the new one as the tongue burn was a bear on the one I've broken in. The estates were good to go when I received them. All I did was use some high proof alcohol (Bacardi 151) to clean the stem inside and out. No tongue burn. For the amount I smoke pipes (maybe once a month) the nice smoke is better for me than the break in period (which some people say takes up to 10 bowls)- almost a year of smoking for me!

[blessednxs65]

Nope! The thought that someone else slobbered all over it... yuck.

[Boppa-Wasch]

Nope! The thought that someone else slobbered all over it... yuck.

Think about that the next time you are offered a "shot" or drink a draft beer. Did the last person take a big slug right out of the pitcher?

[tedski]

I have 4 pipes. 2 were used when I got them, one is new (unsmoked yet), one I broke in myself. The estates smoke better, and I'm reluctant to start breaking in the new one as the tongue burn was a bear on the one I've broken in. The estates were good to go when I received them. All I did was use some high proof alcohol (Bacardi 151) to clean the stem inside and out. No tongue burn. For the amount I smoke pipes (maybe once a month) the nice smoke is better for me than the break in period (which some people say takes up to 10 bowls)- almost a year of smoking for me!

IMO, tongue bite/burn has little relationship to new vs used pipes. I find it to be mainly about the type of tobacco, moisture content, your puff rate and how well the pipe draws.

I do think that used pipes are your best dollar value ... just like used cars.

[Fidel]

No problem at all.

I`ve only bought one new pipe in my life. All my others were my Grandfather`s (my favorites), or are estate pipes I`ve picked up here and there.

A pipe last smoked by one individual, years or decades ago, and thoroughly cleaned/reconditioned, beats the heck out of restaurant glasses or silverware used repeatedly and maybe washed well.

[sixpack]

great thread, this topic has made me pause more than once while looking at a nice pipe (used)

[gonz]

I have bough estate pipes at a show and smoked them right away.

but thats me


I've smoked, and still do smoke, pipes from that ^ guy.
My favorite Meer came from his collection.
I purchased a few estates from Tedski too.


I didn't even sterilize em! :popeyes:


If I didn't know where something came from, I'd certainly clean the pipe well, but beyond that, there is nothing gross or to fear IMO.

[Angry Bill]

I would smoke one, but only if I knew the person or I had it cleaned if it was bought from an estate. JMHO

[carbolicsmoke]

smoke new and used...sanitized them ...no problem

[Dego]

rat poison yes pls :P

[WalterLars]

I buy used pipes off eBay usaly in lots of several pipes and when I get them I give them a through cleaning with rubbing achahol letting it soak and soften up all the crap I have several pistol and rifle brass brushes and cotton mops tips I keep in a cigar box just for pipe cleaning and other odd bits of metal and plastic I have collected to use as scrapers I also have a box of baby wipes to use for out side clean up when I get a new box of pipes from eBay I go through them and put aside whats broken and then I start to clean up the rest I have several nice pipes now that were really grunged up its sorta fun to find a diamond among the junk and since I only pay about $ 2 or 3 per pipe I don't mind putting several in My junk box witch I go through every once in a while when I need a part or want to try a new cleaning trick or idea
I am getting a few more tools and learning how to repair pipes and clean and polish them up

so short answer is Yes I would smoke a used after I have cleaned it

[WalterLars]

Local B&M wanted $125.00 for the same thing.

Ok I will bite what is a "local B&M"?:help:

[CWS]

"Brick and Mortar" local cigar store.

[WalterLars]

gotcha ! :thumbsup:

[Tomahawk]

Nope, nothing beats a new Savanelli or Peterson. And I don't have to worry about that one, " Super Germ " hiding deep down in a divit or something, crawling out and making me wish I didn't. LMAO oK, Yes there is something wrong with me. But I have four Sav's and I bought them all new. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. :agreeclen

[smokehouse]

If its cleaned throughly I got no problem. I was just gifted a pipe that had only Orientals smoked in it. It was cleaned throughly and now I smoke Va's and Vapers in it and have not experienced any ghosting.

[TOB9595]

Most of my pipes are vintage/used. Many are unsmoked. I have no problem with pulling through a cleaner with everclear and smoking out of the rack.
For sour pipes I use the salt method to remove the icky tastes.
Tom

[DocLogic77]

I can't say that I would personally. I know they can be cleaned and all but the thought just turns my stomach.

[impluse1977]

My only concern is the stem. If it is all nasty and has chew marks and suck I would freak out. I would have to see some really good pics before I would decide on a used pipe. New is def the way to go unless you get one hell of a deal on a used or estate pipe. Just my 2 cents.

Jeromy

[DSturg369]

I have several Estate (ie: Used) pipes and I don't have a problem with it. After a good cleaning in alcohol the stems are sterile and good as new.

[Cigary43]

I used to smoke pipes and know how much saliva drains down into the stem. I don't care how much you sterilize it the thought is what I can't live with. Spend some money and make the pipe yours only. If you can live with the thought of someone else "doing" the pipe before you then by all means, enjoy!

[Boppa-Wasch]

My only concern is the stem. If it is all nasty and has chew marks and suck I would freak out. I would have to see some really good pics before I would decide on a used pipe. New is def the way to go unless you get one hell of a deal on a used or estate pipe. Just my 2 cents.

Jeromy

You can always get a new stem from a good pipe shop.

[DSturg369]

If you clean the stem and shank very well with alcohol and salt/alcohol treat the bowl, there will be no "cooties" left.:wink:

[Kdog]

After its clean, I would smoke on. Bougth a few estate pipes from my local B&M and they are fantastic.

[Crypto Sailor]

Never smoked a pipe -- but it sounds like buying a used condom. :(

You probably don't eat at restaurants or drink beer on tap either.

And i bet you've never ate pu55y!!:hysterica

[Moro]

And i bet you've never ate pu55y!!:hysterica

:headroll::headroll::headroll: