How to Light a Pipe
There is no great secret to keeping a pipe lit. Proper packing and a little attention while smoking makes all the difference in the world. Pack a pipe in three layers. The first layer should be very loose, the second a little firmer, and the last layer firm yet with some spring. An old saying goes "pack the first layer with a child's hand, the second with a woman's hand, and the third with a man's hand". If your pipe whistles when you draw on it's too loose, if you turn blue trying to get it to draw, then it's way too tight!
Uses a butane lighter or match to light your pipe. Fluid lighters will taint the flavor. When you light a pipe hold the bowl level, take long gentle puffs as you move the flame over the entire surface of the tobacco. Make sure you get the entire top lit. As you are lighting your pipe, you will see the burned tobacco "puff-up". Press the charred tobacco down with a tamper into an even layer and light again like you did the first time. Once the tobacco is burning well, take it easy and smoke slowly. Occasionally tamp the top of the tobacco down with moderate pressure as you smoke down into the looser layers.
