Cross section of a pipe

The pipe itself is made up of a number of individual components, each with its own function. While pipes come in all shapes and sizes, the parts described below are common to all pipes.

The mouthpiece: The mouthpiece forms the end part of the pipe. It forms a hermetic seal with the stem, although it can be unscrewed from the latter for cleaning purposes. The shape of the mouthpiece plays a key role in the pipe smoking experience. In general, distinction can be made between two main mouthpiece shapes: tapered models (straight and simple) and saddle-type models (with a triangular notch). All mouthpieces have a flat (‘wide bore’) or round (‘round bore’) opening. In some cases, the mouthpiece is split in two internally; these mouthpieces are referred to as ‘twin-bore’.

The stem: The stem, also referred to as shank, is an extension of the bowl. The bowl and the stem are always made from a single piece. The stem is hollow inside, and leads the smoke from the bowl to the mouthpiece. Some pipes have an opening in the stem, through which ‘false’ air is sucked in, so that the smoke is thinner, making it less sharp.

The bit: The bit is the very tip of the mouthpiece, which is held between the teeth or lips. the shape of the bit largely determines the smoking enjoyment. The most widely-used bit shape is known as the fishtail, which has a flat, right-angled end. The smoke passes through it in a relatively wide stream, directly onto the tongue. In the case of the lip bit, the top part of the mouthpiece is semicircular, while the bottom part is recessed. The opening is located on the top of the semicircular part. The smoke passes through it first onto the palate. Finally, the dental bit has a distinct profile, which gives greater support.

The flue: The hollow space through which the smoke is led from the bowl via the stem to the mouthpiece is known as the flue. A system can be fitted in the flue as an extra feature to regulate and cool the air flow, or to counteract the moisture which arises when the tobacco is burnt.

The bowl: The bowl is the round, broad part of the pipe, into which the pot is ground. The size of the bowl is closely linked with the type of tobacco to be smoked in it. In general, a large bowl is best suited for smoking tobacco which burns relatively quickly, while smaller bowls are most appropriate for slower-burning tobacco types.

The pot: The pot is the part of the pipe which is filled with tobacco, which is then lit.

The floc: The part of the mouthpiece which screws into the stem is known as the floc. The fact that the floc breaks easily, makes it one of the most vulnerable parts of the pipe.

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The Parts Composition of A Smoking Pipe

There are some parts of a pipe, they are bowl, heel, shank, stem, bit, bite-proof stem, amberoid stem, bakelite stem, amber, vulcanite, lucite, horn stem and bone stem.

BOWL: The part of the pipe that holds the tobacco.

HEEL: The base of the inside of the pipe bowl.

SHANK: The part of the pipe that joins the bowl and the stem.

STEM: The part that connects the shank with the bit. Examine it carefully. Its quality, finish and fit will reveal the maker's carelessness or attention to detail.

BIT: The part of the pipe stem that fits in the mouth. Also called the MOUTHPIECE.

BITE-PROOF STEM: A bit designed with a solid center portion at the mouth to prevent the "canine" tooth from punching a hole in it as readily as is done in a standard bit.

AMBEROID STEM: A fusion of Bakelite and pure amber - usually used with meerschaum pipes.

BAKELITE STEM: Trade name for a synthetic resin widely used for lacquers and varnishes and as a plastic. A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes. An alternative to vulcanite.

AMBER: brittle, feels like glass to the teeth - Usually used with meerschaum pipes.

VULCANITE: A dark-colored variety of India rubber that has been subjected to vulcanization : also called "hard rubber." A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes.

LUCITE: Trade name for a plastic. A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes.

HORN STEM: Animal horn - often found on inferior meerschaum pipes

BONE STEM: Animal bone - often found on inferior meerschaum pipes

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Keeping Your Bowl Rim Clean

A charred, sticky and caked bowl rim is nothing but an eyesore. There are a few things you can do to keep it looking good. For this article lets assume that your bowl rim is already clean or new.

First, never pack your pipe all the way to the top. +/- 1/4" from the top is ideal depending on the overall depth of the tobacco chamber. This will allow room for the tobacco to expand when you light and still not touch the top and will keep you from putting the bowl rim in direct contact with flame.

Second, take a little saliva and rub it on the bowl rim before you light. This will keep the flame from charring the briar.

And last but not least, always clean your bowl rim when you are finished smoking your pipe. While the pipe is still warm apply saliva to the rim and wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel until clean. Saliva does an amazing job of breaking down and cleaning tobacco gum and tar.

For more stubborn tar or pipes with a rusticated or burl rim an old toothbrush and saliva work wonders. I realized some of you might be put off by the use of saliva but give it a try and you'll be pleasantly surprised.