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The Complete Corncob primer: Difference between revisions
→The Complete Corncob Primer
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While I’ve been smoking cobs for nearly 50 years, I’m no expert, but just maybe my dad was, and he taught me everything I know. So at the urging of Ed Anderson and John Q, I’ve decided to do my best at passing on some of dad’s knowledge. I’ll first give a run down on all the current Missouri Meerschaum models I’ve smoked. Over the years, as models have been dropped, and others added, my choice of favorites has changed, as it has recently. I’ll then go into detail on my dad’s lessons to me on the care and feeding of cobs. Both the cleaning and maintenance as well as packing, lighting, and smoking; information he began gifting me on June 1, 1959, the day he handed me a corn cob and a large tin of Carter Hall. And I’ll also give advice based on various concerns of both new pipers, and veterans new to cobs. | While I’ve been smoking cobs for nearly 50 years, I’m no expert, but just maybe my dad was, and he taught me everything I know. So at the urging of Ed Anderson and John Q, I’ve decided to do my best at passing on some of dad’s knowledge. I’ll first give a run down on all the current Missouri Meerschaum models I’ve smoked. Over the years, as models have been dropped, and others added, my choice of favorites has changed, as it has recently. I’ll then go into detail on my dad’s lessons to me on the care and feeding of cobs. Both the cleaning and maintenance as well as packing, lighting, and smoking; information he began gifting me on June 1, 1959, the day he handed me a corn cob and a large tin of Carter Hall. And I’ll also give advice based on various concerns of both new pipers, and veterans new to cobs. | ||
Missouri Meerschaum brand cobs are all that I smoke, and the only ones I would advise anyone to use. Sure, I’ve tried other brands, but none had the quality of MM cobs. MM has been making cobs since 1869, and they simply are the best. You can check out their entire product line, and read their history here: http://www.corncobpipe.com/ Mars http://www.marscigars.com/index.asp?...TS&Category=24 has the best selection and prices of any e-tailer I have found, and they offer a 10% discount on dozen lots. Frenchy www.frenchyspipes.com gives cobs and supplies to our military, and still offers excellent prices and service. Most MM models come with paper filters, and I’m of the opinion that the filters only get damp and smelly. So I very strongly suggest you remove and discard them. | Missouri Meerschaum brand cobs are all that I smoke, and the only ones I would advise anyone to use. Sure, I’ve tried other brands, but none had the quality of MM cobs. MM has been making cobs since 1869, and they simply are the best. You can check out their entire product line, and read their history here: [url]http://www.corncobpipe.com/[/url] Mars [url]http://www.marscigars.com/index.asp?...TS&Category=24[/url] has the best selection and prices of any e-tailer I have found, and they offer a 10% discount on dozen lots. Frenchy [url]www.frenchyspipes.com[/url] gives cobs and supplies to our military, and still offers excellent prices and service. Most MM models come with paper filters, and I’m of the opinion that the filters only get damp and smelly. So I very strongly suggest you remove and discard them. | ||
Missouri Meerschaum does use Plaster-of-Paris and lacquer to finish their non-natural pipes, and a black stain on a few models. Usually, it doesn’t cause a problem on the inside of the bowl, but sometimes it can be a nuisance. If you notice any kind of stain inside the bowl, or just to be on the safe side, lightly use sand paper to remove anything and everything other than cob from the inside of the bowl. Some folks also sand the outside of the bowls, to make them “more natural”. Or just buy the Pride, which is natural and unfinished. | Missouri Meerschaum does use Plaster-of-Paris and lacquer to finish their non-natural pipes, and a black stain on a few models. Usually, it doesn’t cause a problem on the inside of the bowl, but sometimes it can be a nuisance. If you notice any kind of stain inside the bowl, or just to be on the safe side, lightly use sand paper to remove anything and everything other than cob from the inside of the bowl. Some folks also sand the outside of the bowls, to make them “more natural”. Or just buy the Pride, which is natural and unfinished. | ||
Since cobs are low-cost and machine-made, with little if any finish work done to them, give them the once over before smoking them, and if needed, do some trimming with a pen knife to clear out the air way and the stem inside the bowl. There are some people who are critical of the quality of workmanship, but all but one model retails for well under $10.00, several under $3.00. So, if you accept them for what they are, I think you will find them quite the bargain. As for the wooden shank that extends inside the bowl, while some cobbers remove them, I’ve always left them, and over time, have gotten used to them. The models with hardwood plugs are no problem, but other versions will become more prone to burnout if the inner shank is removed. | Since cobs are low-cost and machine-made, with little if any finish work done to them, give them the once over before smoking them, and if needed, do some trimming with a pen knife to clear out the air way and the stem inside the bowl. There are some people who are critical of the quality of workmanship, but all but one model retails for well under $10.00, several under $3.00. So, if you accept them for what they are, I think you will find them quite the bargain. As for the wooden shank that extends inside the bowl, while some cobbers remove them, I’ve always left them, and over time, have gotten used to them. The models with hardwood plugs are no problem, but other versions will become more prone to burnout if the inner shank is removed. Cobs with paper labels don’t have hardwood bottoms. | ||
Cobs with paper labels don’t have hardwood bottoms. | |||
So if you decide to remove the inner portion of the shank, I’d strongly advise you to protect the bottom of the bowl with the application of “pipe mud”. Pipe Mud is a medium thick mixture of pipe tobacco ash and either saliva or water. Mix until you have a thick mud, and then apply several layers, letting each layer dry partially. Allow the cob to rest several days, so the pipe mud can cure. And now for my reviews. | So if you decide to remove the inner portion of the shank, I’d strongly advise you to protect the bottom of the bowl with the application of “pipe mud”. Pipe Mud is a medium thick mixture of pipe tobacco ash and either saliva or water. Mix until you have a thick mud, and then apply several layers, letting each layer dry partially. Allow the cob to rest several days, so the pipe mud can cure. | ||
What some of you may think is a Burn Out might actually be what I call a Flare Up. This happened to me the first time recently, with a well-smoked cob, and while I’m not sure what causes it, I’ll explain what happened. I was using a Zippo Pipe Lighter, and was distracted, and probably held the lighter in one spot too long. One section of the upper inner bowl and rim caught on fire, which I blew out right away. While one section of the inner bowl is now very well-toasted, it’s none the worse for wear, and is still a good smoker. And now for my reviews. | |||
I finally got my first Freehand, and I have been impressed. It is a very nice pipe that delivers an excellent smoke. Maybe it is because of the tall, conical shaped bowl, which is 2 1/4“ deep, but the pipe seems to enhance the flavor of any blend I smoke in it. I have heard that the shanks can be fragile, but the bowls are quite large, and no two are alike. Although the Freehand is heavier than my other cobs, it’s very well balanced, so that the weight isn’t even noticed. The Freehand is one of the finest cobs I have smoked in over 49 years. | I finally got my first Freehand, and I have been impressed. It is a very nice pipe that delivers an excellent smoke. Maybe it is because of the tall, conical shaped bowl, which is 2 1/4“ deep, but the pipe seems to enhance the flavor of any blend I smoke in it. I have heard that the shanks can be fragile, but the bowls are quite large, and no two are alike. Although the Freehand is heavier than my other cobs, it’s very well balanced, so that the weight isn’t even noticed. The Freehand is one of the finest cobs I have smoked in over 49 years. | ||
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The Legend is a fine starter pipe, and MM’s biggest seller. It’s what most people think of when you mention corncob pipes, what with its plastic amber bit. The Legend is a small pipe, and the shape varies slightly, since it seems that few source cobs are rejected. | The Legend is a fine starter pipe, and MM’s biggest seller. It’s what most people think of when you mention corncob pipes, what with its plastic amber bit. The Legend is a small pipe, and the shape varies slightly, since it seems that few source cobs are rejected. | ||
The Eaton, which is only available as a natural straight model, is barely 5” long, and unfilterted. Think of it as a little brother to the Pride, although they don’t look that similar. Both pipes are natural, but the Eaton has a small barrel shaped bowl, with very thin walls. Unless you have small hands, your pinky finger might not fit into the bowl for packing, so this one might not be for you. I do have small hands, so I was able to pack my Eaton, which gave me a nice, cool 20 minute smoke. While I have though the Eaton was pretty much a toy, it’s actually a fairly decent cob for those times you’re in a rush. | |||
The Pony is a small, unfiltered straight pipe. This model is a half step below the Legend in size and quality. Not a bad pipe, since I don’t feel there is a bad MM, just not the best. | The Pony is a small, unfiltered straight pipe. This model is a half step below the Legend in size and quality. Not a bad pipe, since I don’t feel there is a bad MM, just not the best. | ||
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The Mizzou is a small, unfiltered pipe that is available only as a bent shape. | The Mizzou is a small, unfiltered pipe that is available only as a bent shape. | ||
The Miniatures are just that, undersized versions of cobs. They come either varnished or natural. | The Miniatures are just that, undersized versions of cobs. They come either varnished or natural. | ||
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Cobs aren’t going to be for everyone. But if you keep an open mind, and follow the advice offered here, you might be surprised. I hope this helps you enjoy your cobs, and any other pipes, a bit more. | Cobs aren’t going to be for everyone. But if you keep an open mind, and follow the advice offered here, you might be surprised. I hope this helps you enjoy your cobs, and any other pipes, a bit more. | ||
tiltjlp | tiltjlp | ||