Recent content by K.E. Powell

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

Watch for Updates Twice a Week

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

  1. K.E. Powell

    There's Nothing Like a Good Hard Shag

    I totally read this thread title in Austin Powers' voice. 😂 But as to the question, Five Brothers or Penny Farthing.
  2. K.E. Powell

    Is This a Real Peterson?

    Definitely not. If you want the real deal, see if there are any Peterson Squires available in a terracotta finish. That would be the Pete closest aesthetically to the one you posted, IMO. Also, you were right to be suspicious about the lack of hallmarks, etc. Good on you for being careful! 👍
  3. K.E. Powell

    Gurgles . . . . .

    Gurgle is the result of excess moisture. To eliminate gurgle, you will need to address excess moisture in your smoking. A few tips: 1. Dry your tobacco. It doesn't have to be desert dry; that will stunt some of the flavor anyway. But do dry it. 2. Pack your pipe so that moisture is less...
  4. K.E. Powell

    Smoking in my Bedroom with a Blueair Purifier?

    I do a three-pronged method, and I find it cuts down significantly on smell and, more importantly, wall and ceiling damage. Still, if you smoke a lot, well, you'll eventually get a smell that non-smokers will definitely notice, especially with more pungent blends. Yes, I do keep a window...
  5. K.E. Powell

    NPD: Boswell Graceful Swirls Nose-Warmer

    I have a Boswell somewhat similar to yours. Lovely smoker. And Boswell's customer service is on point. Congrats on a fine pipe!
  6. K.E. Powell

    Why Some Briar Gets Hot

    You said both were estate pipes, yes? I would hazard to guess that pipes that have been used frequently over a long period of time may eventually perform slightly worse than when they were fresh, so to speak. Entropy, essentially. Perhaps the estates you have were used long and hard, and lost...
  7. K.E. Powell

    Pipe Sighting at the Movies

    I watched again Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" and noticed several instances of background actors smoking clays. Not sure how I missed it the first time around.
  8. K.E. Powell

    Spring Pollen and Pipe Smoking

    When I was a kid, my seasonal allergies were so bad that I was even briefly hospitalized because of them. Thankfully, they're just a minor annoyance these days. If they make me congested, then yes, that negatively impacts my smoking. Otherwise, it isn't too big a deal. I find that if I want to...
  9. K.E. Powell

    Bad Tobacco ?

    You are asking what brands to avoid generally, but that is a harder question to answer than you may think. Right now, there are only a handful of companies that supply most of the tobacco used in pipe blends. Also, the number of blends available from both bulk and boutique producers are...
  10. K.E. Powell

    What Does “System” Pipe Mean?

    It's the latter. Many people, especially back when pipe smoking was commonplace, would only own a few pipes, perhaps only one. Clays and cobs were meant to be disposable, but if you were willing to pony up the dough for a quality briar, well, it needed to be sturdy. Because chances are it will...
  11. K.E. Powell

    What Does “System” Pipe Mean?

    There are many ways, but my favorite is using a q-tip. Cleaning one after a smoke takes an extra 15 seconds at most. I will say the one downside to systems is they do require some diligence in cleaning; forgo consistent cleaning and your pipe will foul up something fierce. On the other...
  12. K.E. Powell

    What Does “System” Pipe Mean?

    The 2s or XL02 is my favorite Peterson shape. I can say it functions well when compared to other models, all other things being equal. As a general rule, system pipes work best, in my humble opinion, in larger pipes with a generous bend. The 2s is hardly the biggest Peterson shape, but it's...
  13. K.E. Powell

    As i smoke my pipe

    Are you asking us how concerned we are for you, or are you asking us how concerned we are over the news? Either way, I can't say I worry too much. I do what I can to be decent and make my community better. I speak out on things I believe are wrong, especially if its perpetrated within and...
  14. K.E. Powell

    Newbie at Pipe Club: What to Bring?

    Looks like you already got everything you need. Since you mentioned it is BYOB, bringing something nice to drink is a great way to make an introduction. Some good quality brews or a decent bottle of bourbon is a great way to make a nice first impression, and good booze and good tobacco is a...
  15. K.E. Powell

    Aging and Pricing Thoughts

    I mean, if someone wants to spend a 50% markup on a tin of Triple Play because they cannot be bothered to just buy a tin and cellar it themselves, then by all means. I personally am not interested. Every tin of tobacco I buy is from a retailer, preferably a local business whenever possible...