At the beginning, Mark says something really refreshing: "The best way to destroy the enjoyment of smoking is, for me, is taking care of the pipes." Now, you do things the way you please, but I would like to share my perspective as a fairly new pipe smoker. I'm an anxious person, and I can't tell you how often my enjoyment has been ruined by certain expectations. Relighting a lot? Don't worry about it. Don't smoke all the way to the bottom? Don't worry about it. Taking a long time to smoke a bowl? Don't worry about it. I'm not saying don't think about your packing or how dry/wet your tabacco is. I'm not saying avoid smoking to the bottom, but if these things make you anxious and you're not enjoying yourself, then don't worry about them. Focus on getting good flavor from your tobacco, those other cares become much less important and I think you will enjoy yourself more. Just my experience.
This was an absolute delight! On behalf of thousands of viewers I implore you, please make a sequel to this one. I assure you this video is a spark of light in a drab and weary world. It sort of like a scene from a John Huston film but better! The view opens with the warm glow of lamplight illuminating a cozy library, the backdrop of shelves filled with well read leather bound books, in the foreground a wooden table filled to the brim with meerschaum pipes of all shapes and sizes. In strolls the narrator, a professorial figure holding a steaming cup of coffee, aged pipe in hand ready to take the viewers on a journey through time and knowledge. The narrator lights his pipe, a halo of smoke drifts in the air, and off you go on a trip through learned history. I walked away not only with knowledge of how to enjoy one of these smoking pieces of art, but the joy of taking a moment to pause and savor the life behind it as well.
As a new pipe smoker, I find this video so very helpful. I have been fascinated by meerschaum pipes but have been intimidated by my lack of knowledge of them. Now I feel that I could purchase one and be comfortable smoking it. Thank you for your in depth discussion! ~ Mark, HHH
"The best way to destroy the enjoyment of smoking is, for me, is taking care of the pipe." Hahaha! Love it. I could not agree more. Love your video presentations, Mark.
I started smoking pipes about a year ago. I really enjoy watching pipe videos on RU-vid, especially when the commentator is smoking the pipes. Your Bockops Farm video was recommended to me yesterday and I watched it through. I really enjoyed it, but this video, this one is really good. Thanks for showing us all your pipes and talking about meerschaum in such detail. I think you've sold me on getting one of these. I'm going to be watching a lot more of your videos now!
To this day I still watch this video several times a month. Such a great pipe collection. Beautiful colors on them and so informational! You should do an update on the collection. How each pipe has colored since this video and how they look. I’d watch that video non stop
I really enjoyed your presentation about handling and usage of Meerschaum pipes. I've smoke only Briars for years and will be ordering my first Meerschaum today. I've heard so many do's and don'ts about Meerschaums over the years and always thought they were finicky pipes, but you have allayed my concerns and doubts; after all, a pipe is not to be worshiped. Thank you for your very instructional and informative video.
This was exactly what I needed to know regarding meers and how to care for them. I never traveled with a meer before because I thought it was really fragile. After watching this video I smoke my meers more than anything else, and I travel with them! So, thank you for all the tips and information!!
Man, I could listen to three more hours of you just talking about meerschaum. You have a great voice, a beautiful little library, and most of all, fantastic advice. I was one of those pipers who treated his meers like gold, but now I feel much better about really putting them to use.
Thank you for making this video. It was very informative and you have a wonderful collection.I haven’t picked up a meerschaum yet but plan to in the future.
I have to say this video is probably the best video on these pipes I've ever seen thank you so much for making. I kinda started out just being way to gentle with my pipes and then one day I realized much like you did these are made for smoking so just smoke the dang thing and quit worrying about it and enjoy yourself and the tobacco and let the pipe do what it was made to do. Basically changed my pipe smoking life, much more enjoyable like you said. Thanks again.
Your the reason I purchased my first Meerschaum pipe. Went to Paul’s pipe shop in Flint Michigan. Will enjoy it for years, Thank for your interesting videos. Jeff
Just watched this again, and learned even more. I have about a dozen meerschaum pipes and have taken your advice for a couple years now... I just smoke them. I touch them with my bare hands from the day they are new and they all look and smoke great. Thanks again Mark!
thsi was beautifully said. what started as a very insightful tutorial on meerschaum pipes, became a great insight into the joy that got so many of us into this in the first place. thank you!
fantastic advice. and based in truth and sound educated judgment. when i started smoking pipes many years ago i found that every time i cleaned a briar after smoking i removed what little carbon that had accumulated and brought it back down to bare wood, i thought i was being organised and clean and that it would prolong the longevity of the pipe ,but then i realised that my smokes were terrible because the wood and the oils would interfere with the moisture and the flavour. once i stopped caring and just cleaned the shank and stem and left the bowl to its own device i began having the experience of a cool drier smoke that i could fully explore the taste of the leaf and not the wood. the best smokes i have are in the pipes that i don't clean , when the pipe gets a little sour i just clean the bowl with quality scotch and a cotton cloth, by this time the carbon is so thick i can wipe away the nasty rancid oils and the cake remains, i am then basically left with a solid carbon layer that is clean and sweetened and then thus the tobaccos smoke perfect. a beginner should not clean the bowl until it has a thick carbon layer that can be cleaned without damaging the layer itself. so you clean the carbon layer in the bowl, NOT the bowl itself. then if you go to meerschaum all that is irreverent as it filters the oils and is more porous so it airs itself out and remains un tainted
Thank you for sharing the knowledge, friend! I like your style. Not afraid to use your high end pieces and enjoy them like they were meant to be enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing your other vids! Thanks again for sharing!
You have totally sold me on buying a meerschaum pipe. For a long time, I was a bit intimidated by them, but you've fixed that. I will be buying one as soon as I choose the right shape. 👍 Thank You!
Dear Mark, for some reason I have watched this video of yours only now, and I agree 100% with everything you said (especially that pipe smoking should be a pleasure, don't put too many "science" into it), and loved the video 100%, too. It is always a pleasure to see your Meers in your videos. All the best, Peter
...yeah... that's a good choice too... actually, many fine characteristics are shared by Meerschaum and M-Meerschaum... Enjoy! And thanks for taking the time! Mark
Thank you for talking about meerschaums, most people as you say only talk about the negative side of a meer, but like you I am a pipe smoker and smoke all my pipes the same way. and I love the way my meers have turned out and wouldn't change a thing about the way I've treated them. Glad to see someone else in the world who's not afraid to smoke it like a pipe. Happy smoking!
This video surpassed my expectations several times over and very glad I watched it. The books, the pipes, the clock chiming, and the information was perfect. Thank you sir. Also, I now have plans to pick up some meerschaums!!
I watch this video over and over and learn something new every time, thank you. I started preferring corn cobs, then moved to briar. I have now learned that my favorite blends taste better (to me) in a meerschaum pipe.
it's cool you can actually see that meerschaum soaking up the water and the water level drops inside the cup as it gets sucked into the meerschaum, i never heard of this meerschaum before, but now i definitely want to get one
How fitting to hear about meerschaum pipes from a real germane fellow! I have 5 of which 2 were bought in Turkey when I traveled in the US Navy. Thanks friend P. S. This is the second time I have watch this video because it has so much excellent information and answered all my questions. Happy new year
I used to have a very large briar collection. The care and consideration you have to have with briar is the reason why I sold 90% of it and rolled that money into my signed meerschaum collection. I smoke them and don’t take any precautions. The pipes are incredible, and I am glad I started into meerschaum at 33 years old and stopped wasting time with briar.
You have answered all the questions I had about meerschaum pipes. An excellent video. My first meerschaum pipe arrived in the post today and will be used for the first time this evening. I think your library or study looks cosy. What a nice room to smoke and read in! Thank you! Graham.
Thank you so much, Graham for watching and all the kind words! Means a lot! Have fun, with your new Meerschaum...may it give you great company! Don't be irritated, when you have a bit of "meerschaum taste" during the first 2 or three smokes...that will go after some smokes... Take care! And be well! Mark
I love a meer. I just got my second one. It was previously owned and had a really old and thick cake in the bowl. I sanded it down past all the scratches through the grits and reamed and sanded inside the bowl then I waxed it with beeswax and shined it really well with a glasses cloth. I paid 45 dollars for it on eBay. Just smoked my first bowl in it last night and it was a delight. I’d say it was probably a couple hundred dollars new. First time in a while I haven’t had buyers remorse over a pipe. I’m a happy piper about that purchase. Cheers!
6 years later, and this video is still the one I recommend to people asking about meerschaum pipes. I have one full meerschaum pipe and one just smoked meerschaum pipe on the desk in front of me.
Sir, I've been smoking briar tobacco pipes for 40 years. One meerschaum thirty years ago, and I have one now. I didn't smoke them because of the 'work', as you described it. You've changed my life ... the 'myths' that kept me from my Ismet Bekler Meer are now defunct and I can enjoy my pipe !! Many Thanks !!!
Muchísimas gracias ! Fumo en pipa desde hace 8 meses , y gracias a usted he descubierto " Espuma de Mar Pipas " Guauuu. .... Increíble experiencia ! También muy buenos Tabacos ! 😊
Always a great video Mark! This is one of my favorite videos from your collection. The most complete information about Meerschaum pipes I've see so far... And I have a Meer pipe coming my way thanks to you. Cheers!
I too just smoke mine without much care about anything but dropping it into the ocean and it looks gorgeous. I bought my son his first meerschaum when he graduated in the Navy. It was a latticework drop bowl. Love your Christmas pipe.
Hello Craig! Many thanks for taking the time...and very interesting comment! Good to hear, that they got your recommendation ... even for naval duty! Take care! And fair winds and following seas... Mark
I have been smoking briar pipes for 20+ years and now im looking to try meerschaum. I really found your insight very helpful. thank you for the informative video.
Possibly the best, honest and detailed first-hand experience/ advice from a "Meerschaum Guru"! Thank you for doing this video, you have cleared ALL my questions and doubts in this video! Am a bigger fan of Meerschaum pipes after today!
My grandfather had beautiful meerschaum pipes he colored many years using q tips. When the pipe was warm he would apply the yellow wax from the inside of his big ears to the q tip and let it melt onto his pipes. The color he obtained on his pipes after many years was amazing. After he passed we put his pipes on auction and most fetched well over 400.00 each though we didn't tell anyone how the amazing coloring was obtained. Grandpa now lives on-a part of himself is in his pipes.
hey Mark, new sub to your channel, new soon-to-be meer owner, as well; thx for all your wisdom shared in this video, i'm looking forward to this new journey ... it was HILARIOUS the story about the pipe you bought to "bring it down!!!" & now you only smoke it at Christmas LOL!!!! :) best regards!
To be honest, I found this video to be quite liberating! For months now, I've been interested in Meerschaum pipes but never actually considered buying one because of everything you hear about them - fragile, complicated, hard to maintain, etc. Thanks to you, I'm not scared of Meerschaums anymore ;). Thank you for posting this video!
Thanks for watching! Adn kind words! Yeah...that was exactly my idea, when I made this video...glad, you want to give the Meerschaum a shot. Don`t be afraid...just enjoy, my friend! Take care! And be well! Mark
I just received my first meerschaum pipe today (a used pipe from EBay) and your information is greatly appreciated. I can't wait to experience my first smoke. Thanks!!
Well Mark, in America we would call this video a homerun! Very enjoyable time here. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you kindly for all the info, now I need to get a meerschaum! Peace my friend. Oh, and yes, I will be bringing tobaccos with me! ;)
+Joshua In The Woods ...we`ll talk about that with Coffee and Whiskey at Ronny`s place...soon, my friend! Take care - and many thanks for good words! Mark
Just found this video. I have started pipe smoking again in my 50s after taking 20 years off. I smoked a pipe in my 20s and early 30s. I have a couple meerschaums, and when I saw this video I dragged out my old work pipe from my old pipe box -- a very small meerschaum (10 cm stem) with thin walls, bowl maybe 1.5 cm deep and a little wider than your little finger. It is a human hand holding an egg-shaped bowl. It packs what would be about a third of a bowl in a normal briar. Good for putting in the briefcase and enjoying after lunch or tea in the afternoon. I have never babied it. I fill it and smoke as much as I want (or have time for) and tap out what is left, run a pipe cleaner through it and throw it back in the little case. It is scratched a little, with dings and a scorched rim and has a glorious color. I think I paid something like thirty dollars for it in the early 90s. The stem is a bit loose, but it doesn't fall off. These things last a good long time and need no special care. You are 100% correct in all of this you have said. Thanks for sharing this video.
This is one of the most helpful videos about Meerschaum-pipes I have seen to this day. Bravo!!! for killing the myths and false information about these beauties! I started with my first Meerschaum very careful and following all the "good advices" (glove and all) and had very little joy smoking it. All the talk how careful you have to be with them is rubbish! Funny story: Years ago my wife once threw my first Meerschaum at me in anger (and missed me ;-) and it did not break nor was scratched at all, although hitting the wall behind the computer desk. The only thing preventing me to smoke it for some years actually was, that the mouthpiece fell behind the furniture and I could not find it, until we moved the the thing it was hiding behind a few months ago. After a little cleaning off the dust, it just fitted perfectly again and is now back in action. I don't have as many Meerschaums as you do ("only" 4), but I definitely will buy a few, if I get the chance (and the money ;-) Best wishes Michael
+_ nocheinmichael _ Hello Michael! ..wow...thanks a lot for that interestig and entertaining story! And many thanks for good words! Take care - and be well! Mark
Thank you for your time and all the information . My wife ordered a meerschaum pipe for my birthday coming up and you answered all the questions in my mind . Not sure how old this video is but glad I found your channel. Take care .
Two years since my last comment and I have finally taken the step, got myself a Meerschaum pipe by Mehmet Birinci (in part based on your recommendation). Oh how I am in love! And a few more are on their way to expand my collection! Thank you so much for this video!
Amazing video, I have watched this one a few times already. I was initially overwhelmed by Meerschaum pipes thinking there was a lot of upkeep and things you needed to do with it. This is what I feel is the most experienced and informative video on Meerschaum, now I don't worry and love my meerschaum pipes. Thanks for all the advice!
Mark, I really enjoyed this masterfully done video. Thank you for digging in and dispelling the myths about this mysterious material. You are so spot on about how the beauty shines through in regular use (even more so in over use lol!) Life is about memories and a well used meerschaum is a great guide. Thanks again. All the best to you Mark, take care. Wayne
Perfect video! Thank you :) It looks like the Canadian in your hand has nice stem+coloring, so that makes great combination as if shank+stem piece becomes whole one color but bowl!
Well that was just what I was looking for. No more myths. Smoke the things! It's what they were made for. Was always concerned about getting a Meerschaum ... not any more. Thank you for sharing this Mark.
My first pipe as a new pipe smoker was a CAO Claw. I didn't know what I was doing, and it is still a great pipe and a beautiful color. After some 12 years I love it.
I found your videos today. They're a refreshing change of pace compared to ones about meerschaums by others. You obviously know your topic (based upon my viewing three of your videos thus far). Even after my limited exposure to your videos, I've already learned so much more than I thought was possible. Thank you for that and for your enthusiasm over your pipes and for your complete lack of fussiness. I'll be subscribing to your channel and I'm sure I have much information and enjoyment ahead for me!
Thank you for sharing. I had watched this before, but I now have my first meerschaum pipe. I didn't plan on my first one being 100 years old, but I am not complaining. 😂 It needs a new stem. I plan on making a video about it this week.
Love the channel. I never have to relight. I only clean my pipe every third bowl. I smoke coins, loose, and flakes. Packing a pipe just comes naturally to me. You can feel with your fingers, and with your draw if you have packed correctly. I don't treat my pipes like jewelry either. My favorite pipe now is a Savinelli Hercules billiard. Would love to have a meerschaum, never tried one.
I finally set aside some time to watch this video (without interruption), and it was well worth the time! Thank you for dispelling the myths about meerschaum pipes. I had assumed that a lot of the information that I had heard about them was someone's personal preferences and not based in fact. Based upon your experiences, that turned out to be true. I bought two meerschaum pipes as part of an estate sale (of a total of 22 pipes). The average cost worked out to be about $6.00 per pipe. A great deal! They aren't high-end pipes, but now I know I can smoke them without any hesitation or being overly cautious. You packed so much information into this video that I will watch it again to pick up the little bits of advice that I may have missed. Thank you Mark, and enjoy Easter, Slim
+3.14159265'd Piper (Pied Piper) Thank you so much for taking the (long) time - and your good words! That was exactly, why I did this video .. I normally don`t like to give "advises" ... but I couldn`t hear all these myths anymore...LOL Take care! Mark
Hey Mark, as a puffer from Eskişehir/Turkey thank you so much for this delightful video.. It’s full of comprehensive and useful information on meerschaum and pipes made of it, which haven’t run across anywhere before. Really appreciated! Looking forward for more! Take care and stay safe!
A truly informative video Mark and a 'must see' for anyone interested in or curious about meerschaum pipe smoking. You have some lovely pipes. Thank you for your clear practical perspectives on the various issues involved. I didn't realise that the material was so absorbent! Thanks so much for taking the time to produce such an interesting video. Best always, Paul
Very beautiful video, thank you for it. Your tips are very useful; I agree when you say that one should enjoy the pipe, and the coloring will come over time. Take care and thanks again.
Thanks for this! I just bought my first meerschaum pipe...a very nicely done Native American Chief's head. I was a bit weary at first because I heard meerschaum are very difficult to upkeep. After watching your video, I feel a lot better about smoking it. Especially after you stated you've been smoking meerschaum for decades. Keep it up!
Dear sir, thank you for your honest and intelligent approach to pipe smoking. I agree with you, it is preferable that the pipe serves me, rather than the other way around! Best wishes to you!
Thank you Mark for the as always very interesting video and tips about Meerschaum pipes. Now I’m just smoking one of these while watching at your video.
Thanks, I needed that. Am waiting for my first Meerschaum to arrive. At my time in life I will not worry about tender care - plan on using it like any other. Enjoy your videos. thank you Jim
I really appreciated this video. I was gifted a beautiful meerschaum pipe about 10 years ago. Until then I had smoked only briars. So I was very nervous about smoking it, because of all the myths you mentioned. I have recently returned to pipe smoking and am now using my meerschaum and it’s too good not to smoke. Thank you for all the good advice.
Love all your videos. As a an avid pipe smoker, especially meerschaum, it is great to hear you say the things I have always felt. Just smoke them and enjoy them and let them discolor. Keep up the great videos! Dave from St. Louis, MO USA
I have some wonderful briar pipes, but I don’t know if I’ll ever buy another after watching these videos. I have now purchased 6 beautiful meerschaum pipes from Mehmet Ali Birinci based on your recommendation. They are incredible, gorgeous pipes! Thank you Mark!
What an amazing video, Sir. Thank you so much. Amazing quality video, very good information, and I loved, LOVED seeing the different pipes and different colors on them. Thank you so much!
the not touching the pipe is only to stop losing the wax coating when it's hot. -and this is not about the esthetic itself or how it patinas but rather it seals the meerschaum on the outside providing the optimal suction and filtering properties. -but if it works for you without handling with a lot of care then all good.
