How to Pack A Meerschaum Pipe

The only difference between packing a Meerschaum pipe and a briar pipe is that there is no need to "break in" a new Meerschaum pipe with successively bigger loads. You can just jump right in and pack a full bowl the first time out.

Standard or Gravity Method


  • This method of pipe packing involves "dropping" or scooping tobacco into the Meerschaum pipe bowl until it is full. Just let gravity do the work at this point to fill it. Once the bowl if full, go ahead and press it down to about 1/3 of the bowl depth using a finger or a pipe tool.
  • Next, fill the bowl to the top again by the same method. When it is full, tamp it down so that the tobacco fills 2/3 of the bowl.
  • Lastly, fill the bowl to the top again and lightly pack it down so that you have 1/4 inch (or so) of space left in the bowl to allow for tobacco expansion during the char light.

Frank Method of Packing a Pipe


The Frank Method of pipe packing has been gaining acceptance throughout the pipe smoking world these days. Rather than giving you a textual description of how to do this, below you'll find 3 YouTube videos that describe the method in detail along with some excercises that will help you prepare for using this method to pack your Meerschaum pipe. The best way to learn this method is to learn from the master, Herr Achim Frank himself!

Part 1 of 3 of the Frank Method Excercises to prepare you for using the Frank Method

Part 2 of 3 of the Frank Method The Actual Packing Method Described

Part 3 of 3 of the Frank Method Lighting and Smoking Your Pipe