Best products from r/PipeTobacco

Lord Eden is one of many names produced by Norma de México S.A. for B&M tobacco stores in Mexico. Pipedia doesn't have more than that so I wouldn't worry too about ruining it (provided you didn't pay a lot for it).

I am still learning restoration but I have a few under my belt. Take my $0.02 for what its worth. I don't see any problems with the finish, dents that need steaming, or fills that have fallen out. Here's what I would do.

1. Ream cake back to almost bare briar. I have a Castleford reamer and it works really well for cleaning up flea market and antique store pipes. If you don't know if this is something you will enjoy, and don't want to spend any money just wrap some fine sandpaper around a dowel and go carefully.
   
   
2. Remove the stem and clean it throughly. Do the oxyclean treatment to remove oxidation. Do a quick google search there are plenty of descriptions.
   
   
3. Clean the shank. Some people use everclear, I like to use 92% isopropyl alcohol because it is dirt cheap. You will use more pipe cleaners than you can possibly imagine. Bristle cleaners help. If you have a shank brush or other nylon brushes they will help too. try really hard not to get alcohol on the finish it could ruin it.
   
   
4. Keep cleaning the shank. You are lying to yourself if you think it is clean. Does a damp pipe cleaner come out looking new? If not you still have more to go. You might use dozens of pipe cleaners.
   
   
5. With a cotton cloth lightly dampened with alcohol gently clean the rim as best you can.
   
   
6. If you have access to a buffing wheel setup (my first one was buffing wheel chucked in an electric drill wire tied to a saw horse) give the whole thing a once over with brown tripoli followed by a good coat of carnauba wax. If you don't then just buff will a good paste car wax by hand.
   
   
7. Smoke it a few times with a simple burley blend (I like Carter Hall) that should exorcise any ghosts. If it is still strongly ghosted, and you are sure you cleaned it really well, then try the salt and alcohol treatment.
   
   

I don't know the ins and outs of pipe restoring, but this website has all the info you'll need:

http://rebornpipes.com/

/u/Flatticus, /u/scriptonic and /u/federalmng are the best restorers I can recall on this sub (sure I'm missing others though). Hopefully one of them will see this.

The stems on quite a few pipes are heavily oxidised. The only way to fix that is by sanding them back as far as I know. There's a solution that is used to help in the process, I know it's on rebornpipes but I can't remember it (can't get the right product in Australia so I didn't make a mental note of it).

Some other good products for the stems are:

• http://www.amazon.com/MICRO-MESH-SOFT-TOUCH-SANDING/dp/B000H6EC4C (Shop around, this was just the first link I found); and
  
  
• http://www.4noggins.com/ObsidianPipeStemOil-15ml.aspx (4noggins is a great website for tobaccos and pipe maintenance equipment)
  
  A good quality polishing cloth (also available on 4noggins) will be great too, but you might have a bit of trouble polishing them up to a nice shine without using some oil or wax.
  
  Sorry I can't be of more help. Try messaging the runner of rebornpipes or the other users I mentioned. Good luck! And please post updates.

You will hear a lot of varying opinions on this, so I can only share what I've worked with. Sorry for the text wall, I'm just copy/pasting some of my previous comments from other threads haha (lazy but efficient). Long story short, stem work is tedious and frustrating by hand, but worth the work.

Best approach I have found with oxidation is to submerge and soak the stem in a mixture of white distilled vinegar and baking soda. Cheap, natural and non-toxic!! You want the solution to bubble and fizz during the majority of the soak (so use a good amount of baking soda in the bottom of your container and a lot of patience filling it). I will use a pipe cleaner to suspend the stem over a small Mason jar and keep the tenon out of the solution. Make sure you have cleared the airway as much as you can. You will want to see bubbles coming out through the lip as it soaks. You can soak for 1hr to overnight (this soak won't hurt anything)

Wet sand with the flat sodium bicarbonate starting with 400 and progress to 800 grit sandpaper (depending on patience level and depth of oxidation). Finish with micromesh pads (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJC156U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xOjezb9NYZ9K6) Wet sand with flat sodium bicarbonate with first three, and dry sand with the rest). I usually apply olive oil between every 3 pads. :)

I finish with Howard Butcher Block Conditioner (Food grade mineral oil and natural waxes found at Home Depot). Allow it to soak in and buff with a micromesh towel. Others can use just olive oil or carnauba wax and a buffing wheel.

On repairing a bite-through....

Slow and repetitve application of black cyanoacrylate (I use StewMac brand because it is used on instrument bits). And then slowly/patiently bringing back the original shape with high grit sandpaper paper and needle files. This process takes days. Mostly just a lot of wait time for the cyanoacrylate to cure.

Check airway with pass of a cleaner to ensure it's clear. I use a nail file as scaffolding and put a small coat of Vaseline on it, to ensure the cyanoacrylate won't stick. Put on the first layer and let it set for 12hrs before attempting to pull out the file. Flip the pipe on its face so gravity doesn't work against you, and voila. Takes about 5 more applications to get a decent bubble of material to file back down.

Basically you slowly build up the material in layers. You would have to do both sides and rebuild the lip on your worst one with this approach...not easy.

If you decide to gamble with it, what worked for me when I shared a house with several other people was to use a box fan in the window. Now that I have my own house I still use a fan, but actually bought a proper window fan (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000065DKJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_KM4lyb3M94TK9). My den/smoking room doesn't stink despite many cigars in the past few months.

The secret to using a fan in the window is that it MUST make a decent seal. You want the fan to create a vacuum in the room that you are smoking in. I have done with with cardboard and scotch tape, but the window fan has panels built in that accomplishes this.

If you can create a vacuum in the room, either keep the door closed or cracked, depending on how much air can flow under it. You should be able to hold your hand near the door and feel the air being sucked in. This is called negative-pressure.

If you can achieve negative pressure in a room that doesn't have an air-conditioner intake in it, you should not only keep the smell in that room to a minimum, but also prevent anyone on the other side of the door from being able to smell the smoke. I was able to smoke cigars in a room and no one else in the house could tell, but that only worked once I learned to create a seal on the window.

To really test it, you must get a non-smoker to do a sniff test, since a smoker won't notice a faint odor that non-smokers will.

Any faint smells may be eliminated by using an ozone generator. Lampe Bergers with neutral oil work well too.

Good luck.

I just started out a few weeks ago, and while, I'll admit.. I tend to jump into things with a passion... But that aside :)

I started with 1 cob, and got a 2nd cob. I love these guys. I got the Scotte pouch off Amazon and take these cobs with me everywhere. (btw, this pouch is pretty nice for 20 bucks)

I don't care if they get scratched, bumped around, or even broke really. I kind of love that about them. It's a worry free pipe that works great. I've found they're pretty great for smoking in my old truck when I have a lot of running around to do.

So really, these cobs have gotten me more into the "sport" because of the care-free nature of them for me.

Also, back to my first point. I have already bought a $200 pipe - I'm not saying you should at all. What I'm going to say is, I enjoy smoking my cobs just as much. My $200 pipe looks awesome, but I'm more careful with it, I wouldn't ever taking out and about like I do my cobs, so honestly.. It gets used less then the cobs do.

Without seeing more detailed pictures it's hard to know if any of them are valuable, but they are probably all worth tinkering with.

There are specific ways to go about restoring them, so I would do a bit of research before diving in, especially to see if any of them are collectable. If they have stamped maker's marks on the stummel, you can start there.

So, I guess the best place to start is https://pipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

You need to clean the bowls, both inside and out, without stripping the finish. The stems can be soaked in OxyClean to get the worst of the corrosion off, then sanded back to a nice glossy finish with Micro Mesh sanding pads.

There's definitely some nice looking shapes in there, it's just hard to know anything more about them without more detail.

Welcome! Pipe smoking is the best way to smoke tobacco, lots of flavor variety at a lower cost. However, almost everyone who first tries to smoke a pipe burns their tongue so it’a helpful to have a guide.

In these videos you can have an old marine teach you step by step how to properly pack, light and smoke a pipe. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_eIA77u0045uRa4mwaO0NyTUkmdtbXnw

Here’s a great English blend to start with:

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/stokkebye/PS17-English-Luxury/product_id/11748/bulk/

Here’s a popular Aromatic or flavored blend:

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/cornell-diehl/Autumn-Evening-2oz/product_id/27404

Here’s a popular cheap starter pipe:

https://www.amazon.com/Missouri-Meerschaum-Little-Devil-Corncob/dp/B01MZG5HF1/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=missouri+meerschaum+pipe+devil&qid=1559025743&s=gateway&sr=8-1

How many smokes? Definitely talk to SP. Hidden pits will do that, and they will cover it. If it's too late, clean it out, pack the crack with fireplace mortar. It will be a little gritty for a while, but it's a solid repair. I've done it on two high end pipes to great success.

​

EDIT: Here is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CTQYMK/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I can't remember who it was but someone on this sub said to get this for storing 8oz ball jars and I have to say it works great. You can probably get the jars cheaper but that's what I use. I'm thinking about getting a vacuum sealer for extra long-term storage on a few items I really like, but otherwise you just make sure the seal is clean and the lid is snug.

https://www.amazon.com/Enerzen-Commercial-Industrial-Deodorizer-Sterilizer/dp/B00JAP7388/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472835700&sr=8-1&keywords=ozone+machines

It has performed well, but is maintenance intensive. I have replaced the plates about once a year due to the humidity here on the Texas Gulf Coast. Other than that, it is great! It works well for removing the smell of smoke in my truck as well, just run the truck with the AC on recirculate for 20 minutes and it smells like new. If you run it too long in a small room or vehicle, it builds up a film on your windows and other surfaces.

Thank you so much pal.

At 0.47 sec it is showing the grits I used 120 320 400 2000 7000 grit.

I use rubbing alcohol but anything with high enuff alcohol is fine.

Oh shoot sorry about that my phone ran out of space I'll have to show you guys that and how to do the salt method. The wax I use > https://www.amazon.com/Howard-FW0016-Feed-N-Wax-Conditioner-16-Ounce/dp/B001BKQYGW


If there is anything you'd like to see or know ask me and I'll try to make a video about it or tell you how to do it.

Thank you so much pal will do! 😊👍🏻

The leather is pretty malleable... so you might be able to stretch it enough to fit an Altoids size tin. It doesn’t fit well at the moment (just tried)

I ordered some of these thinner tins

MagnaKoys Silver rectangular tins with slider tops for Crafts Pills Geocaching (3, Large Slide Tins) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075ZCR81K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xz8LDbGQJ4TXJ

And according to the measurements I should be able to fit 2 in the pouch side by side.

If that doesn’t work, I have some cigar tubes that I will use to carry tobacco in the slot the pipe is in in my photo... and move the pipe to where the pipe cleaners are.

I use a low-tech solution. I smoke inside so I use an air diffuser with essential oils. I'm lucky enough to be able to keep a few windows open for air flow day and night for now. I enjoy the smell of some tobacco smoke mixed with the essential oils. Plus the diffuser is gorgeous. I got it on amazon for ~40$ USD. Has a thin light strip and modern aesthetic. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074SHZZJS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Scotte Leather pipe tobacco pouch
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015GQPHF0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Y6.yzbAXGBVBZ

It's pretty awesome! Great Instagram btw!

Excellent thanks! So, going to grab this guy to cut perfect circles as cutting with scissors my circles are more hexagonal :)

https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Cut-Cutter-Ic-1500p-Enuti/dp/B001OYA8C6/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=paper+circle+cutter&qid=1572359208&sr=8-4

Thank you sir! I’m using this to carry my tobacco:

MOST ORIGINAL DESIGNM Pill Box... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QGPZK9T?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Works great so far.

Nice!!! My case is almost the same thing actually, it looks like! It's definitely made me into a Corsair fan!

Info | Details
----|-------
Amazon Product | Corsair Carbide Clear 400C Compact Mid-Tower Case
>Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. By using the link above you get to support a chairty and help keep this bot running through affiliate programs all at zero cost to you.

I generally use 4 wheels (Cotton Flannel Unstitched - The softest you can find, I ordered my current set from Foredom). One is brown tripoli, one is white tripoli, the next is wax, and the last is a dry buff.

For sanding, I like the micromesh pad set that reborn pipes uses: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJC156U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Always wet sand. I also use a few high grit papers from home depot.

Also, I've found that if you just want to hit the rim real quick to take down a little lava build up, a mr clean magic eraser works really well.. but be very careful, you can go too far very easily.

I've found that pipe restoring is a hobby in itself, and you will learn to develop your own tools and methods. There are a few basic principles, but beyond that, it is a learning experience in itself, and you don't really have to rush out and buy everything all at once.

I have been going through this as well. I bought a new Zippo with the pipe insert. It works, but I hate the lighter fluid taste. I recently ordered a Z-Plus butane pipe insert which works well, but I light with my left hand as I have a bad right hand. It can be done left-handed with practice. These butane inserts are geared more to right-handed people, but work great and do not have the lighter fluid taste thanks to using butane instead:

https://smile.amazon.com/Z-Plus-Pipe-Flame-Insert-Lighters/dp/B00P2NA37A/

Additionally, lighter fluid in a Zippo will evaporate. Butane will not unless you have a leak.

Looks like oxidization, and the smell is a normal part of that process.

Soak it well with alcohol (cover any logos/painted areas on stem with vaseline), then start to sand off the oxidization using micro-abrasive pads. You can get a set from amazon that works well. For bad oxidation, maybe start with some 600 grit paper and then go to the pads. Once you work up to the highest grit, and the oxidation is all gone, the stem will look and smell new.

They are a great tool for restoring old, oxidized pipes.

But if you don't want to do that, then I'd just return the pipe if possible.

2 pack

assorted pack sand paper

lifetime supply of oxiclean

obsidian oil

edit:
paragon wax for hand polishing smooth pipes
halcyon II for hand polishing rusticated pipes[https://www.ebay.com/itm/Halcyon-II-Wax-for-the-Pipe/323134732335]

just have plenty of pipe cleaners, qtips, and either vodka, rubbing alcohol, or grain alcohol

I bought these awesome nylon brushes on Amazon that really save your pipe cleaners. They cut the gunk pretty quick too. The only issue are system pipes where you have to swab out the reservoir. Now that's a pain!

Basically soak the stems in oxy clean and water for a bit, buff em down with a Mr Clean Magic Eraser, polish them with some Micro Mesh Pads, and finish them off by dabbing a pipe cleaner in some inert mineral oil (smokingpipes.com and others sell specific obsidian oil for this) and running it over the stem. If you want to keep the inlays on the stems and such you'll need to cover them with Vaseline before the oxy soak and be careful with the magic eraser and mesh pads.

Again, let's divide these into three groups:

1. For the stems that are basically dark and in good shape, the magical elixir you seek is Obsidian Oil. It's great for regular maintenance, but pipes with green or white areas, it's not going to get the job done. To be clear, you can stop here- heck, if you can't smell or taste the sulfur, it's aesthetic. For heavy discoloration and bite marks though, you can get ...
   
   
2. Magic Eraser and Micro Mesh. And elbow grease, because you are sanding off and re-polishing the surface. If you go this route, wet sanding is your friend, and you want to make sure you don't skip out on the finer grits or you'll end up with a dull finish.
   
   
3. Buffing wheel, jeweler's rouge, and carnauba wax. You can get your own, and basically handle maintenance yourself from here on, but run the risk of stems flying randomly into walls or pets while you figure them out. Depending on where you live, a local shop can probably buff up the lot of them for less money than you'd expect.

Last week I restored a Caminetto KS pipe from the late 70s which is pretty stubborn. I think you may need to carry out salt-alcohol treatment twice. After that, to clean the shank and the stem, you may need this https://www.amazon.com/Pipe-Cleaning-Brush-Tobacco-Stainless/dp/B00BXU6E8I and lots of normal pipe cleaner.

Agreed. Get a reamer, and go slow (shaving off bits rather than taking off chunks; don't want to "grab" the crack). I have the Senior Reamer, although I've heard others have been happy with these.

Generally speaking 2oz of loose cut tobacco will fill an 8oz jar. Flakes are more dense and you'll be able to fill a lot more into the same sized jar.

I like these 8oz jars since they'll hold a typical tin's worth of tobacco and stack up nicely.

These taller 8oz jars are stackable and work well for flake tobacco.

I use straight extra virgin olive oil for the quick clean and shine. When I have it, I use howards feed n wax http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BKQYGW/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_0Fcvtb0RJFJED and if it's just really needing a shine, I take it to the buffing wheel with some carnauba wax.

These are the ones I get. They fit 50g tins with room to spare and 100g tins packed tight. Then again all depends the cut. I've fit a tin of DSK in a 4oz jar.

120? How about [20](Castleford 5 Piece Multi-Fit Tobacco Pipe Reamer Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WR1NIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6RDrybZDSYMWX) I like these better then the senior reamer but that may just be a personal choice.

Amazon this is exactly what I have.

https://www.amazon.com/Z-Plus-Pipe-Flame-Insert-Lighters/dp/B00P2NA37A

Here is the desktop version of your link

It's not as controlled as a senior reamer, or in my opinion, an even more controlled route, the Castleford reamer.

Not at Walmart, but here's what I use.

Here is the mobile version of your link