My pipe smoking experience began in the mid to late 70's. Many thanks to all who have
made this site possible and to all those who contribute their time. I find it to be a wonderful and diverse volume of information. It is my hope over time to add something to its content that you may find helpful...

Quality pipe tobacco skillfully processed, and carefully blended, has for a very long time been packaged for sale in vacuum sealed tins. As a young pipe smoker I quickly learned the reason for this was not for me to dip my pipe in, grab a bowl and go. It is done this way
to preserve moisture while preventing the development of mold. This environment allows
the product to mature, and the different flavors to marry. Having discovered this, it's
always been my practice to tip the entire contents into a large clean bowl, rub it, touch it,
and examine it. I found this was essential because it allowed the tobacco to breathe and
insured that the various component tobaccos selected by the blender were well mixed.
I also discovered that this was the time, while still moist, to rub out a flake, plug, or any
blend that was just too coarse. This results in finer, longer strings and ribbons as opposed to saw dust and chips. I found this eased packing and greatly improved the burn. Early on I would store tobacco in plastic bags, later graduating to glass jars.

The many 'cuts' or presentations of blends, ( ribbon, cube, flake, plug, ect. ) begins with
the decisions of the blender and his vision of what will most benefit the recipe. Individual
smokers may or may not have a preference. What works for me may not float your boat!
Long before the creation of the internet and "you tube" you may be assured many of us
experimented with the many ways to smoke the different offerings. Trying different
methods can be a great benefit, not only to flavor profile but it can also alter smoking
temperature immensely. I've always been fascinated by, and enjoyed all the variations.
I prefer flake's or plugs fully rubbed out and have yet to find one that was not manageable with careful determination.