How to choose a pipe tamper?

A pipe tamper, what is it?

The pipe tamper is a very convenient accessory if you are a pipe smoker. As the name suggests, it allows to help you when packing your pipe. It is the #1 tool that you should have, just like a cook needs a spoon. The pipe tamper is necessary to allow a homogeneous combustion of the tobacco.

The tools of a pipe tamper:

You may find different names for this very useful accessory. Most pipe tampers will have the 3 following tools:

• the pipe tamper ("tasse-braises" in French)
• the pipe-reamer ("cure-pipe" in French)
• the cleaning pick ("broche de nettoyage" in French)

The different parts of a pipe tamper

The pipe tamper:

It allows you to pack the tobacco in the bowl of your pipe and to maintain the combustion when smoking. When you are smoking, the tobacco will kind of "swell" because of the heat. By using the pipe tamper, you will move the incandescent strands, so that tobacco will continue to burn and to ignite other tobacco strands. To do so, you should not press too much, and the weight of the pipe tamper will be enough. If you press too hard, your pipe may go out and you will have to use your lighter once again. On the contrary, if you use it the right way, it will allow you to smoke your pipe, without the latter going out.

The pipe-reamer:

The pipe-reamer will allow you to clean the tobacco chamber after you have smoked. Thanks to this tool, also sometimes called "spoon", you will easily remove the ashes in the tobacco chamber. Be careful though, you should gently handle the pipe-reamer because you should not scrape too much and remove the carbon layer in the bowl, because it may damage the wood. This layer should be about 1mm thick to protect the walls of the tobacco chamber. All the pipe tampers do not have a pipe-reamer.

The cleaning pick:

This tool will allow you to unclog the shank of your pipe if a tobacco strand fell in it. It is not a necessary tool but it can be useful, which is why a lot of pipe tampers do not have a cleaning pick.

Which pipe cleaner should you choose and why?

Materials, shape, size, price... There are many different pipe tampers available. The first thing that you have to consider is actually the design. You indeed have to choose a pipe tamper that you like. It is a matter of taste. After that, you can choose a pipe tamper that matches your expectations. Here are a few models depending on what you need... No more excuses, every pipe smoker needs a pipe tamper!

The globe-trotter:

Whether you are spending a few days away from home, on a business trip or on holidays, you always need your pipe tamper with you. You can easily slip it into a pocket (but also quickly forget where you left it) so that it follows you wherever you go. You can therefore choose a keychain pipe tamper, or a more "hygienic" model that will prevent your pockets from being stained.

The adventurer:

You often go fishing, for a walk or on your boat? If so, you need a convenient and robust pipe tamper. We recommend a lightweight model, easy to carry. You will, for example, find models made with wood or that have a brushed metal finish, as well as an excellent quality/price ratio!

The forgetful:

If you have the unfortunate tendency to lose your pipe tampers, we recommend these models made with metal or wood that are not too expensive and that will do the job.

The art lover:

Some pipe tampers are worked to perfection and very detailed. Some are made with different materials: steel, bamboo, briar, acrylic, horn... These pipe tampers might be more expensive, and it is the kind of pipe tamper that you use at home (instead of carrying it with you when you go fishing). Finishes, textures, colors, everything is possible, the only limit being imagination.

The clever one:

There are also lighters specifically designed for pipe smokers. Indeed, some of them are equipped with a pipe tamper. These models are therefore very convenient because you have everything that you need in just one accessory!  Very convenient, the pipe tamper might however be small. If you have big hands, you will prefer a classic pipe tamper. If not, why not choosing a pipe lighter equipped with a pipe tamper?

Find your pipe tamper