Here at Paykoc Pipes, we get a lot of questions from pipe owners and prospective pipe owners every day regarding just about everything to do with tobacco pipes. And we’re always happy to answer our customers’ questions. One that pops up quite often is the one in the title of this post: Can you leave half-smoked tobacco in your pipe? Let’s find out.

Is it a No-No to Leave Tobacco Pipes Half Smoked?

For such a seemingly simple question this one actually generates some heated, though civilized, debate. There are those who believe wholeheartedly that you should never smoke half a bowl and leave the rest for the next day, or even longer. And there are those who believe that any trepidation around leaving tobacco in the bowl is unwarranted. So who’s right?

The Argument For Half-Smoked Pipes

One thing a lot of people like about pipe smoking is that there is no hard and fast rule regarding how you smoke your pipe. There are certainly preferred techniques, but when it comes to taking a few draws and putting the pipe down for a few minutes or a few hours, it’s up to you.

Most of the folks who smoke in this on-again, off-again fashion will tell you with complete conviction that it doesn’t harm their pipe in any way. Some even insist that leaving half a bowl of tobacco unburnt for a couple of days will improve the qualities of the tobacco by allowing it to dry out a bit.

The thing is there is not a lot of scientific evidence to back up these assertions, and so we pretty much just need to take everyone’s word for it. So if you want to leave your bowl half-smoked for a while you’ll be able to find plenty of pipe lovers who will support your decision.

The Argument Against Half-Smoked Pipes

The argument against leaving half-smoked tobacco in briar pipes for a day or more tends to be slightly more scientific in nature, and they tend to center on the issue of moisture.

While some say that leaving tobacco in the pipe for an extended period will dry out the tobacco, others point out the moisture that emerges from the tobacco (at least some of it) winds up being absorbed by the briar wood. This, in turn, raises the possibility that the pipe could begin to produce bitter smoke or that mold could develop inside the pipe.

In addition, while a few blends might benefit from drying out for a day or two, others will become stale and lose their flavor. And leftover residue from the initial burning process might make the remaining tobacco taste sour, even if the tobacco itself is fine.

Half-Smoked Tobacco Pipes: The Final Verdict

If you’re asking us we would recommend against leaving half-smoked tobacco in your pipe. But it’s your call.

Paykoc Pipes: World Class Tobacco Pipes

Whether you choose to leave unsmoked tobacco in your bowl or not Paykoc is here to fulfill all your pipe smoking needs. For an incredible selection of meerschaum pipes, wholesale tobacco pipes and accessories check out our online store.