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TOBACCO BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
T
he European pipe market varies
quite a bit in terms of the use
of pipe filters. For example,
most pipes in Germany have filters.
In Denmark it’s the opposite, while in
England it’s a mixed bag. In the U.S.
one would think most pipes would be
sold without filters. That’s true for the
premium market, but since pipe brands
such as Dr. Grabow comprise a large
share of the pipe market, I would venture
to say that about 40 percent or more of
pipes sold in the U.S. are adaptable to
filter use.
Why bother with a filter in your
pipe? Some say it makes the smoking
experience less moist and means less
use of pipe cleaners. Personally, I prefer
not to use filtered pipes; I think it takes
away from the taste of the tobacco.
Nevertheless, given the size of the
filtered pipe market it’s probably smart
to stock some pipes that accommodate
filters as well as the filters themselves—
especially considering that some of the
large drug store chains are dropping
tobacco products. Here’s a look at the
different types of filters available.
Basically there are three forms of
filters used in pipes today: pass-through
filters, absorptive filters and condensers.
Pass-through filters include the 6mm
American version (used in Dr. Grabow
and Medico) and the 9mm version used
in Europe. Both usually use activated
charcoal in removing particulate matters
from the visible part of the smoke and
hence can reduce tar, nicotine and excess
moisture levels. At the same time, these
filters also reduce the flavor and taste of
the blend. The activated charcoal does
seem to be the most effective of all the
filters in removing/reducing particles
from the smoke.
Absorptive filters include the 6mm and
9mm Balsa filters used in some Savinelli
pipes, as well as maple filters used in
Brigham pipes. Both types of filters are
effective in reducing the moisture level,
resulting in a drier smoking experience.
Finally we have condenser pipe filters,
which are really not filters at all. The
condenser either fits into or is part of
the tenon of the stem. The condenser
disrupts the airflow through the pipe and
tends to cool the smoke flowing through
the metal device. Any excess moisture
tends to condense around the device so
as not to reach the tip of the pipe stem.
Kaywoodie filter pipes use this system.
To filter or not to filter…the choice is
yours.
Cheers.
TBI
Focus
on
Filters
Here’s a primer on the types of filters available for pipes.
By Erik Stokkebye
