Smoking pipes dates back in history as far as 2000 BC. Pipe remains have been found in Egyptian mummies. And in 1492 when Columbus discovered America, the Native Americans introduced him to the use of tobacco that they smoked in their peace pipes. Columbus took the tobacco back with him and introduced it to Spain. The habit has evolved since then all over the world.

Pipes are made of several different materials. The bowl of the pipe must be made out of materials that can withstand the heat of the burning tobacco. Some materials commonly used are briar wood, clay and yes, even corn cobs. Corn cobs must be lacquered or varnished before they can be used to smoke tobacco.

Sometimes the bowls of the pipe have ornate and detailed carvings. They can be very showy like a piece of art. Also the stem length of pipes will vary depending on what type of substance that is smoked in the pipe and also depending on where in the world you are. Sometimes they are just plain bowls.

Tobacco used to smoke in pipes can be purchased in several varieties. Usually pipe tobacco is blended from several different types of tobacco for a unique flavor that can not be duplicated in other forms such as cigars and cigarettes. Pipe tobacco is also often made with spicier blends for more exotic smoking pleasure. Pipe tobacco is usually stronger than tobacco used for cigarettes. It is also moist and not dry like cigarette tobacco. Tobacco this dry burns too fast for pipe use. Pipe tobacco has to be stored in an airtight container to keep it moist.

To smoke a pipe, the tobacco is packed into the bowl. There are several different methods to doing this. Most people do this using their finger and thumb and by filling the bowl in three different layers. The bottom layer is put in loosely and fills about a third of the bowl. The second layer is packed a little tighter and fills another third. The final third of the bowl is filled firmly up to the top.

Pipe smokers usually do not inhale the smoke from their pipe. They usually hold it in their mouth allowing the nicotine to be absorbed into their airways. The smoke is then released out of the mouth. If the pipe is too lightly packed the result can be a burning sensation on your tongue that is referred to as tongue bite. The pipe should be smoked in a relaxed way with gentle, steady puffs.

You should never leave tobacco in the bowl of your pipe. This will cause the pipe to retain the moisture. This will give your tobacco a bad taste. Always tap the remnants out of your pipe into an ashtray. You should use a pipe cleaner to clean the stem and mouth piece of your pipe.

Pipes are available in many different styles. They can be as much of a fashion accessory as a hat or pair of gloves. You should consider the weight of the pipe when you are deciding on a style. If you only hold the pipe between your teeth then you will want to purchase a lighter pipe. The heavier pipe will feel good in your hand, and aid in giving you a distinguished air.

Author Bio: Visit your local hemp culture shop for all your smoking pipes and equipment. Choose from our range of unique glass water pipes and glass smoking pipe.

Category: Recreation
Keywords: smoking,tobacco,recreation,leisure,society,pipes,herbs,hobbies,business,family,home,shopping