Any Pipe Smokers?

[cabinetman]

Years ago, I took up pipe smoking and cigars when I was kicking the cigarette habit. I've kicked the habit, but have been thinking of an occasional sit down with some great tobacco and a pipe.

I was going through some boxes and found some of my pipe collection, and need to have some of you pipe experts help me out. When I quit pipes years ago, I didn't bother to clean them out. Now, to give some of them a try, what is the best methods for prepping the pipe and bowl for cleaning if any?
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[crokett]

I have 3 pipes that I haven't smoked in several years. I found them last month was also thinking of the occasional sitdown. I asked a guy at work who used to own a pipe store this question. He still smokes pipes. He said to use pipe cleaner solution on the stem and run a pipe cleaner (they look like the fuzzy twist ties that kids make stuff out of) that is dipped in solution down through the stem to clean it out. He said not to worry about the bowl, just reseason it.

[dkerfoot]

I would be very careful...

As a very successful ex-smoker (I have quit dozens of times!) I'd be wary about the slippery slope. I have been fully off of cigarettes for about 8 years now and once or twice a year I'll accept a cigar from one of my wife's co-workers. While I thoroughly enjoy the cigar, I DO feel the old tug and I know it would be a very bad idea to have a stash of cigars at home.

That is why I only smoke his cigars and never buy them myself (I will probably build him a nice humidor soon as a thank you for the smokes I have sponged off of him).

I'd b very wary of waking up the old habit. You are after all - playing with fire...