Opinions on Filters

[Houtenziel]

To me an "old" filter changes the taste of the smoke. But that might just be my imagination, knowing what the filter looks like when i smoked them and had them sitting for many hours in the Chamber. But to be honest, so far, changing the filter and cleaning the pipe as well as filter chamber belongs to the ritual. But keep in mind I'm fairly new at this, so that might change in a few ysars

A side note based on the above - many new pipe smokers fall into the trap of keeping their pipes "too clean". I was massively guilty of this. Later on I discovered that a little bit of funk in the smoke path can actually really improve the flavor and smoking dynamics of a pipe. Lately I don't even use alcohol unless I am cleaning out an estate, just a dry pipe cleaner after a smoke to clean out any big debris and keep the airway from forming stalactites

That's interesting and good to know. I never thought that a rookie mistake of mine would be to clean my pipes too much.

I wouldn't call it a mistake per say, just that you might be missing out on something you really enjoy and not know it.

[Fr_Tom]

A side note based on the above - many new pipe smokers fall into the trap of keeping their pipes "too clean". I was massively guilty of this. Later on I discovered that a little bit of funk in the smoke path can actually really improve the flavor and smoking dynamics of a pipe. Lately I don't even use alcohol unless I am cleaning out an estate, just a dry pipe cleaner after a smoke to clean out any big debris and keep the airway from forming stalactites

Likewise, I do not use alcohol except when initially cleaning an estate. I find the flavor to be better a couple of smokes after a complete cleaning. People who sell pipe cleaners, have Youtube followers, etc. disagree with me on all this, but I know what works for me.

[Wilderness Pipe]

I have to say that I'm really glad I joined this forum. It's such a pool of knowledge and exchange of experiences. I suck it all up like a sponge. Amongst many other things, like camaraderie E.g. of course. It's especially awesome for someone who lives as remote as me

[Kevin Keith]

I rarely use a filter in my Grabows, almost never. They smoke great without them and never gurgle. I do like to use them in a cob. They keep the wide open draw reasonable. So in cobs, usually, in all other pipes, gotta give ya a big fat no.