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No.395 January 12 - 25, 2017

Teflon pegs – Pros and Cons

There is no doubt that Teflon pegs have been one of the most beneficial innovations in the pipe industry.
They are basically unsnappable (my word), and they are what makes it possible for a mouthpiece to hold a 6mm or 9mm absorbent “filter”.
Why the inverted commas around “filter”?
The pipe is the filter! The so-called “filters” are there to mop up the filtrate – the tars and juices (from the smoke) which deposit in the shank and stem.
Even more so when smoking one of the “modern” tobacco blends.

The peg turned on a vulcanite mouthpiece could never be hollowed out sufficiently to hold a 6mm or 9mm “filter” – hence the metal pegs in the old Frank Medico pipe.

So much for the “Pros” – what about the “Cons”.

The Teflon tube has to be glued into the mouthpiece, unlike the original vulcanite peg it is not an integral part of the mouthpiece
This is where the first problem can come in.
Although the end of the tube that goes into the mouthpiece is machined with grooves to hold the adhesive, there are cases when this doesn’t work and the mouthpiece slips off leaving the peg imbedded in the shank.
In most cases the tube can be carefully tugged out with a pair of long nosed pliers and re-glued into the mouthpiece.
But, not everybody has the wherewithal to do this at home, so the problem becomes an inconvenient hassle rather than a simple chore. Also, in this procedure if the tug is not very carefully done to keep it straight, the peg part may be broken off. This makes it more of a hassle because it then needs to be drilled out – Oh bother!

But why should the peg become difficult to slip out?
Whiles the absorbent “filters” will mop up most of the tars and juices deposited from the smoke, they may not remove 100%. Over time some sticky moisture finds its way in between the outside surface of the Teflon peg and the inside surface of the shank.
In time the moisture hardens on the peg, increasing the diameter, tightening the fit.
We have a possible disaster in the making.
Add to this, the fact that the briar shank is relatively thin and cannot absorb all the moisture by itself.
Besides making the extraction of the peg difficult, the pressure may cause the shank to crack and sometimes break up.

How do we resolve this?
So you got a Friday afternoon mouthpiece with insufficient glue, resulting in the Teflon tube working loose and leaving the peg in the shank?
Generally this will happen early in the smoking life of the pipe – before the tars have time to set.
Keeping the inside of the shank free of sticky moisture, and the outside if the Teflon peg clean and smooth will go a long way in preventing any problems, and hopefully make sure that the peg will be easy to remove and re-glue. 

Keep it clean?
Pipe Spray, bristle and thick pipe cleaners, and a soft cloth are all you need.
Fold over the thick pipe cleaner, give it a small shot of Pipe Spray, insert it in the shank and twist it round and round. Repeat this until the pipe cleaner stays clean.
If this has never been done before you may need to start this procedure by spraying Pipe Spray into the shank (and mouthpiece) and giving it a good scrub with a bristle cleaner
For the Teflon peg: give the soft cloth a shot of pipe spray and vigorously rub the peg until it is smooth and shiny. (Then lubricate the peg by rubbing with a silicone cloth.)

Click here for step-by-step cleaning instructions.
These procedures should be used on any pipe, whether it has a Teflon peg or not.

For your benefit let’s make it easier:

From 19 January to 1 February, 2017 – two offers: Free package** of CGA Pressurised Pipe Cleaning Spray with any pipe you buy. And / Or 25% off the CGA Pressurised Pipe Cleaning Spray package**

** Package is: Can of Pipe Spray, plus bristle and extra thick cleaners.

Choose either offer, or both -
“The cleaner and drier you keep your pipe, the more friendly it will be to smoke”.

Colin Wesley

No.395 January 12-25, 2017

You can read previous articles from "Across the Counter" in The Library.

Across the Counter Fortnightly Articles "Conversations with Customers"

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No.396 January 26 –February 8, 2017

The good 5 cent cigar

Many years ago, during a particularly long session in the US Senate of speeches about “what this country needs”, Thomas Riley Marshall (vice-president to Woodrow Wilson) said to one of the Clerks – “what this country (really) needs is a good five cent cigar”. (Read more)

We’ve had our fill of long speeches on similar subjects, and we would also really like a good five cent cigar.

Well, there is no five cent cigar to cheer us up – not even a five rand cigar.
But what about a Petit Corona, or a Corona, or a Robusto, handmade with a filler of Brazil, Honduras and Nicaragua – bound with a binder from Honduras, and all neatly wrapped with leaf from Ecuador?
These cigars for only R79.00, R89.00 and R101.00 each, packed in 5s. 
The Don Tomas Bundle cigar handmade in Honduras ticks all these boxes.

Honduras and Nicaragua lie side by side in Central America divided by the Coco river flowing through a long mountain range. Both countries produce premium cigars.
In the 1960s, when the late Fidel Castro nationalized the cigar industry, many of the top producers re-settled in Honduras where the soil in certain regions is very similar to that of Cuba – ideal for growing cigar leaf.
But over the years the volatile political history, combined with a few furious Hurricanes, has wreaked havoc and driven investors away. But the industry has survived and is growing.

Originally Honduran cigars had to be made entirely from leaf grown in Honduras – puros in fact.
They were exceptionally full-bodied, with a distinctive flavour.
In recent, more stable times, cigar producers have been permitted to import tobaccos and to combine them with Honduras tobaccos to produce very good premium blends. Blends such as Alec Bradley, Rocky Patel, Punch (for the USA only) and Don Tomas bundles.
The Don Tomas bundle is handmade in the Honduras American Tabaco SA factory, part of Scandinavian tobacco group in Danli, Honduras - a factory is renowned for its high quality standards.

The Don Tomas Bundle selection is handmade, with short filler tobacco.
One advantage of short filler cigars is that less handwork is required to ensure an even burning rate and consistent blend. This is where the skill of the blender comes into play. He must select leaves with complementary attributes and flavours to create a harmonious whole – a satisfying smoke.
Another advantage: short filler cigars are usually relatively lightweight – a significant statistic affecting the customs duty in most countries. (The duty on cigars into South Africa is over R3000.00 per kilogram.)

The Don Tomas are good quality, easy-burning, not too strong, cigars.
These are cigars you can smoke without batting an eyelid about the price.
Cigars you can share on those occasions when everybody becomes a cigar smoker – and then smokes only half that Partagas Serie D4 or the Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill.

The first import of these three 5-packs of really good value cigars is not large, so don’t hesitate – pick up a trial single or a whole pack of 5 and test them for yourself.

You’ll need a cutter:
What about a cutter you can happily use (or lose) on those occasions “when everybody becomes a cigar smoker”? (A cutter easy to identify.)

From 2 - 15 February, 2017 – we offer: 25% off Twin Blade Guillotine Cigar Cutter 73-J1020 in three distinctive colours Normal price R75.00

Back to Don Tomas Honduran Bundle cigars:
Close your eyes, forget the price, just relax and appreciate the comfortable draw and the smooth taste.
I think you will end up with a smile.

Colin Wesley

No.396 January 26 –February 8, 2017

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No.397 February 9-22, 2017

Pipe Tobaccos – Shrinking choices and supplies.

The stringent Port Health regulations regarding the application of Health Warnings, coupled with the high minimum quantities demanded by overseas pipe tobacco manufacturers in order to comply with these regulations, is rapidly resulting in empty spaces on the shelves in Tobacconist shops.

Other deterrents to the importing of tobaccos, are the annually rising duties, and our poor Rand exchange rate.
The agents for Peterson tobaccos have at last succeeded in complying with the regulations. But supplies are erratic, and prices on the high side.

But all is not doom and gloom.
The Wesley’s Houseblends have become an even more important part of our business and of your pipesmoking pleasure.
From way back in the early 1970s, we have been working with pipe tobacco suppliers who guide us along the right roads to establish a broad-based range of blends covering the full spectrum of types: English, Dutch, Scandinavian, American – and now the “modern” blends.

These are offered in a “Taster-pack” of 9 or 5 blends; and in individual units of 50g, up to 500g for the best price break. Prices range from R60.00/50g.

Storing tobacco:
Although a certain amount of humidification is necessary, the humidification requirements for pipe tobaccos are fortunately not as stringent as they are for cigars,
It is sufficient to store “bulk” tobacco (or pouches of tobacco, or cigarette tobacco) in an airtight container, with either a built-in humidifier or a loose Humydrol dropped in; and to keep it in a cool place away from sunlight.
Just like cigars or good wine.

Logically, different cuts (rubbed flakes, cube cuts, ribbon cuts, fine cuts) require different degrees of humidification.
The degree of humidification is subjective – you know how your tobacco will pack and burn best for you.
A simple test is the “pinch” test.
Squeeze a small pinch of tobacco between your fingers then relax; after no more than a few seconds the tobacco should gradually release.
If the tobacco stays stuck together, it is too moist.
If it just falls apart – it is too dry.

The tobacco is too dry:
Place the tobacco in a shallow bowl and cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Leave for 20-30 minutes and test.
If necessary, repeat until it is right for you.

The tobacco is too wet:
Spread the tobacco on an open tray, exposed to fresh air to encourage evaporation.
In areas of high natural humidity a small fan may help.
Pinch test periodically until it is right for you.
Watchpoint: The sun, or the oven, or the microwave, may change the whole nature of the tobacco.

The airtight container:
Theoretically any Tupperware or similar container will do.
But how about an elegant glass or ceramic container, specifically made for the purpose? A Tobacco Jar.
We offer a range from R250.00 (sturdy glass jar), to R1025.00 (fine Italian ceramics) – with matching ashtrays and stands. Really appealing.

Does a substantial discount make them seem even more appealing?

From 16 February to 1 March, 2017: 25% off the full range of tobacco jars.

You can even have different colours for different blends, or to match your décor.
Think how nice they will look in your study, or near your desk, and how good for your tobacco.

Colin Wesley

No.397 February 9-22, 2017

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No.398 February 23 – March 8, 2017

Short Filler Cigars

Over the years we have championed the 100% pure tobacco, short filler cigar as a very good, easy, anytime smoke. The smaller sizes especially when you don’t have much time. The draw is consistent and the taste, from the composition of the variety of tobaccos in the blend, flavourful but not overpowering.

The market place offered a relatively wide range. P.G.C Hajenius was considered the pinnacle, but brands such as La Paz, De Heeren van Ruysdael, Willem II and Justus van Maurik were as good.

Previous articles/posts on the subject Why not a Short Filler cigar? (February 22, 2001) The Short Filler Cigar re-visited (June 5, 2003) Short Filler in larger "Premium" cigars (September 25, 2003) Cigar Casa and Cigar Collection (March 19, 2009) Short Filler Cigars (April 21, 2011)

From Europe the maximum Ringsize appears to be limited to about 42 - the blend can still be designed to be full flavoured, with a wide variety of carefully selected complementary tobaccos combined together into a homogeneous whole for a complex yet subtle taste experience and a consistently easy draw, at a relatively modest price.
They offer an advantage over their long filler counterparts, where only the best quality and highest paid rollers must be used to achieve the consistency of a good draw; and only the larger, more expensive ring sizes in long filler cigars offer the same complexity of flavour.
The larger sizes are normally closed, but the smaller sizes are usually cut, ready to light up.

The premium short filler cigars, 100% tobacco (filler, binder and wrapper) were somewhat more expensive than those with Homogenised leaf binders, and/or wrappers, and unfortunately being “dry” cigars they didn’t always travel well.
The delicate, fragile, wrapper often arrived cracked or otherwise damaged, resulting in a high rate of credits being called for.
These credits, combined with the cost of the complications involved in complying with the demands of our Customs and Health Authorities, and the small volumes for South Africa, became too much.
One by one they left our market.
We were worried, really worried – for us and for our customers.
Something had to be done.
By chance, on a visit to a Trade Show in Germany we literally bumped into an old ‘cigar” friend, Gerald de Graaf. Gerald is rated as one of the best blenders of short filler cigars in Europe.
He introduced us to his latest blend, the “Young Selection” - made in Belgium.
We loved them – and so did our customers.
However, the original packaging, in lovely tins, ran out and we were faced with a “challenge” as it is now called. New customs/port health regulations required the health warnings to be printed on the tins – adhesive labels were not permissible.
Costwise more tins were then out of the question.
After much discussion with both authorities, we met the challenge and reintroduced the blend under the De Hertogh brand.
For economy sake, at present, the De Hertogh Korte Senorita, Senorita and Panatella all come in the same size box with 9, 6 and 7 sticks respectively.
The Petit Corona is in a 3-pack slide box, and offers an exceptionally smooth 30 minute smoke. The excellent construction is confirmed by the length of the ash which can be allowed to form.
It is very well-priced at R195.00 for the box of 3.

The other short filler cigar currently available is the Don Tomas cigar from Honduras. Introduced this year, it has proved to be very acceptable to our customers, with many repeat purchases.

As with all cigars, the larger models especially need to rest horizontally, not at a slant.
If you don’t have a cigar ashtray, or don’t always carry one with you, you may need a cigar rest.
This will turn almost any normal ashtray, or even a saucer, into a perfect place to lay down your cigar between puffs, or at the end. We have 3 models – suitable for any cigar and almost any receptacle.

From 2 - 15 March, 2017 – we offer: 25% off Cigar Rests 3 models - normal prices R65.00, R85.00, R155.00

Back to De Hertogh cigars:
If you haven’t tried them yet you are missing out on a really good Dutch-Belgian treat.

Colin Wesley

No.398 February 23 – March 8, 2017

You can read previous articles from "Across the Counter" in The Library.

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No.399 March 9-22, 2017

Across the Counter

How do we manage this blog?
Since the year 2000, when we set-up our website, we have posted alternate articles on pipe- or cigar-smoking each fortnight. From the start we were warned “if you say you will do it, and you don’t, your credibility will be gone; you might as well close down your website”.
I must say it is fun – we keep on learning.

Mostly we have addressed solutions to customer problems which have cropped up in the shop or through the internet, and enjoyed presenting them to a wider group of pipesmokers.  (See Pipesmoking Potholes)
We have taken delight in introducing new products to add to your pipe smoking pleasure.
At times we have taken quotes or ideas from authors such as Rick Hacker, and adapted them to apply to our business.
Occasionally we have quoted a whole article.
Here is a little gem from a Durban journalist A B Hughes. (Another beautiful cigar story will be repeated soon.)

I think this description is still applicable, even with the modern smoking restrictions – maybe more so.

Back in 1970, A B Hughes, a Durban journalist, gave us permission to use his delightful description of a Pipeman. Let’s see if you recognize him ..….
There is nothing like a. pipe for giving a man a. meretricious air of. profundity.
You ask a pipesmoker, for instance, whether he thinks that mankind is justified in spending all this money on visiting the moon and he promptly goes into his routine. First he takes his pipe out of his mouth and examines the outside of the bowl. Then he peers inside and debates with himself whether he can save the little glow he sees there. He decides he can, so he puts the pipe back in his mouth and sucks hard five or six times. Nothing happens. So he takes the pipe out of his mouth and looks into the bowl again in a reproachful and injured manner.
He then pats his left pocket to see if there are any matches there. There aren't so he pats his right pocket with the same result. He looks utterly dismayed, as if the world had come to an end, but then he notices with relief that the matches were on the table all the time, alongside the ashtray.
Finally he gets his pipe going and sits back in a cloud of smoke, directing at you that long, level, honest look that is probably the most infuriating characteristic of pipe smokers.
At last he delivers his verdict. He says "It all depends on your attitude to these things. I think my answer would be yes - up to a point".

Erik Nording may not be a philosopher, but he is probably the most innovative pipe maker on the planet.
And he understands financial limitations, and practical parameters.
Even his freehand pipes and abstract pipes are very beautiful, very smokeable, and not over-the-top in price.
His pipe making credo could be something like this: “It must look different, it must give a good smoke, it must be affordable”.
Just look at the Eriksen Keystone, the Sailor, the Shorty, the beautiful Harmony, and you’ll see what I mean.

It is almost two years since we introduced the Eriksen Keystone pipe.
A very affordable, dry-smoking pipe, ideal for the new pipesmoker.
And because of its rugged, tough construction it is a perfect companion for an outdoor weekend away for any pipesmoker.
The absorbent Keystone lava stones are an excellent “filter” – an inspired Nording innovation.
The response to this pipe is always good - confirmed by repeat sales and orders!

So we’d like to offer you the opportunity to own one at an even more affordable price.

From 16 to 29 March, 2017: 25% off the Nording Eriksen Keystone pipes. Normal price R675.00

Imagine how comfortable you will be settling in as a new pipesmoker!
Imagine how comfortable you will feel next time you go away and you have a pipe you don’t have to worry about!

Colin Wesley

No.399 March 9-22, 2017

Note:
By law, no South African citizen, living in South Africa can buy a tobacco product via the internet or postal system.  In fact, you may not receive a tobacco product through the post.
In addition we may not receive payment through the internet for tobacco products.
We may only supply tobacco products within the trade – not to private individuals. The fine is substantial
Contact us for help in getting tobacco to your area.

You can read previous articles from "Across the Counter" in The Library.