The Magic Inch Pipe is a unique and innovative smoking device that has been popular among pipe enthusiasts for many years. Unlike traditional pipes, the Magic Inch Pipe features a special design that allows for a cool and dry smoking experience. The key feature of the Magic Inch Pipe is its patented inch-long metal sleeve that sits inside the bowl of the pipe. This metal sleeve acts as a heat sink, absorbing the moisture produced during smoking and preventing it from entering the stem and mouthpiece of the pipe. This not only keeps the smoke cooler and drier, but it also helps to reduce tongue bite and the build-up of moisture in the pipe. The Magic Inch Pipe also has a removable trap that sits between the stem and the bowl.
They go on to describe the system in a classically English way: “The system has been designed to allow a precise amount of outside air into each puff of smoke. Unique moisture ports then dissipate wetness, tar and nicotine into the 2 ply Papyrate sleeve, protecting the smoker from unwanted materials. The Papyrate itself provides excellent absorbency for dryer smoking and increased durability. Subsequently the Magic Inch chamber releases moisture through evaporation during resting periods between smokes. Neither a filter nor a standard ‘push bit’, a true innovation.” All Carey Magic Inch pipes are made from top quality Mediterranean briar designed, crafted and inspected by experts who take pride in their craft.
Designed and patented by EA Carey in 1948 it was the result of a dedicated pipe smoker seeking a cooler, drier smoke whilst not detracting from the fulsome flavour of choice tobaccos. The Magic Inch is an air chamber inserted between the imported briar bowl and the vented mouthpiece which allows cool outside air to enter and mix with the warm tobacco smoke inside the Magic Inch chamber.
The Magic Inch Pipe also has a removable trap that sits between the stem and the bowl. This trap collects any excess moisture that may still make its way through the metal sleeve, further preventing the pipe from becoming wet and soggy. This trap can easily be removed and cleaned, ensuring that the pipe remains in optimal condition.
Carey Magic Inch Freehand Briar Pipe
In the batch of pipes my brother purchased from an antique shop in Montana for me to clean up was the pipe pictured in the photo below – on its side on the pipe rack on the left of the photo bearing a $19 price tag. Turns out it is a Carey Magic Inch Freehand Pipe. It is stamped on the left side of the shank: Free Hand over Carey over Magic Inch. Underneath that is stamped a PAT. No. 3267941. On the right side it is stamped: Mediterranean over Briar Israel. The stem has three horizontal vents on the top and on the underside of the stem. There is a logo – a C in a box on the top of the stem behind the vents. I did some research on the “Magic Inch” System and found out that it has been a Carey’s tradition for over 50 years. On their website they say that they have sold over 1,000,000 pipes. They describe the “Magic Inch” as: “an air chamber inserted between the imported briar bowl and the vented mouthpiece which allows cool outside air to enter and mix with the warm tobacco smoke inside the “Magic Inch” chamber. Tobacco tars, oils and moisture, are squeezed out of the smoke. The residue drops to the bottom of the chamber and is absorbed by the Papyrate sleeve.” http://www.eacarey.com/magicinchinfo.html
They provide the following diagram on their website and I have included it here to show the unique system. I found a second diagram on the English Carey website. http://www.eacarey.co.uk/2010/10/the-carey-magic-inch/
I quote from their site as it gives some interesting history on the system: “A Carey pipe looks better and feels better than any ordinary pipe. It also smokes like no other pipe you’ve ever known, and that’s mostly thanks to the patented ‘Magic Inch’, an invention that revolutionised pipe smoking. Designed and patented by EA Carey in 1948 it was the result of a dedicated pipe smoker seeking a cooler, drier smoke whilst not detracting from the fulsome flavour of choice tobaccos. After years of research and the discarding of many ‘good ideas’ Carey settled on the basic design of the system and set about refining that design into the simple but highly effective device that is the basis of Carey Magic Inch pipes over 60 years later. Even today, more than 30 years after it was first introduced into Europe and particularly the UK, we have many seasoned pipesmokers who are still discovering the amazing difference and improvement in smoking pleasure they obtain from the Magic Inch system. It is not a trap or filter or other such sludge forming gadget. In fact, like all great discoveries and inventions, the secret is simple. By cooling, condensing and evaporating moisture with every puff, it prevents the tar, sludge, bite and bitterness that you may find in other pipes, ever reaching your mouth.”
They go on to describe the system in a classically English way: “The system has been designed to allow a precise amount of outside air into each puff of smoke. Unique moisture ports then dissipate wetness, tar and nicotine into the 2 ply Papyrate sleeve, protecting the smoker from unwanted materials. The Papyrate itself provides excellent absorbency for dryer smoking and increased durability. Subsequently the Magic Inch chamber releases moisture through evaporation during resting periods between smokes. Neither a filter nor a standard ‘push bit’, a true innovation.” All Carey Magic Inch pipes are made from top quality Mediterranean briar designed, crafted and inspected by experts who take pride in their craft.
With this background information I started to work Carey Magic Inch Freehand that my brother had picked up for me. The bowl was quite clean on the inside – a light cake had formed. The rim had some darkening but was also very clean. The carved patterns on the pipe were very similar to some of the Alpha pipes that also had similar Frankenstein-like stitches on the worm trails carved into the sides and bottom of the bowl and shank. I would not be surprised if it was actually carved in the old Alpha Pipe Factory in Israel. The finish on the pipe was in very good shape and did not need to have anything done to it but clean it. The shank bears the stamping of Israel on the right side. The shape is a block/poker shape that never really was my cup of tea. I always look at them and feel like the carver stopped somewhere along the way and never finished carving the pipe. The rustication on the rim matched that on the shank end. The stem was typical Carey plastic and would be hard to work on. It had tooth chatter on the top and the bottom sides of the stem and some tooth marks that also went onto the button itself.
The next close up photos show the rim and the cake in the bowl as well as the stamping on the sides of the shank.
I took the stem off the pipe to get a picture of the Carey Magic Inch system. The stem sits over a mortise insert with a one inch long perforated tube that extends into the stem when it is in place on the shank. The stem was dirty on the inside and the tooth chatter and dents marred the top and bottom sides near the button.
I scrubbed down the exterior of the bowl with a tooth brush and Murphy’s Oil Soap and rinsed it with lukewarm water. I dried off the bowl exterior with a soft cloth.
I scrubbed out the stem and the shank with cotton swabs, pipe cleaners and alcohol until the pipe cleaners and swabs came out clean. I find the plastic material used on these stems to be a challenge to clean up and remove the damaged areas. Once it is sanded all of the polishing has to be done by hand. The heat of the buffer pads can seriously damage the stem by melting it. I sanded the tooth marks and chatter with 220 grit sandpaper to remove the damage. There was one spot on the top of the stem near the button that needed to be patched with clear super glue. It was a deep tooth mark that no amount of sanding would remove.
When the patch cured I sanded it with the 220 grit sandpaper to smooth it out with the surface of the stem. I sanded it with a medium and a fine grit sanding sponge to remove the scratches. Normally I wet sand the stem with 1500-2400 grit micromesh sanding pads but with this material it only gets muddy and makes a mess. I used some Obsidian Oil to rub down the stem between each pad and sanded it until the scratches began to disappear. I continue the process with 3200-4000 grit pads with the oil between each pad giving me some bite on the plastic stem. I forgot to take a picture of this step (I had already spent over 1 ½ hours on the stem at this point). I finished sanding it with 6000-12000 grit pads and the oil. When I had finished I rubbed it down with a final coat of Obsidian Oil and let it dry.
I hand waxed the bowl and the stem with Conservators wax and buffed it with a shoe brush. I finished by buffing it with a microfibre cloth. The finished pipe is shown in the photos below. It is cleaned, restored and ready for whoever wishes to purchase it from me. It is not my style of pipe but I am sure it will make some pipe man very happy. Just email me if you are interested and make me an offer at [email protected] Thanks for looking.
The article describes the birth of the Carey Magic Inch starting in 1952 when the original patent was issued (work started in 1948) for a ‘smoking device’ to Max J. Doppelt of Chicago. The original design was not successful, but through development the current patent. No. 3267941 was secured in 1966 with the design that hasn’t changed since. Instead of wholesaling the Magic Inch, Doppelt started the practice of direct mail order which continues to this day with people purchasing the pipes directly from E. A. Carey. In reading the article, I was also interested to read that not to complicate Doppelt’s life, the Magic Inch was only produced as a straight Billiard shape in those days. At that time, the pipes were made for Doppelt by Comoy’s of London. What stands out as the hallmark of this period was the over the top sales marketing that appealed to the ‘everyday man’ and the sale of the E. A. Carey Magic Inch pipe grew.
In addition to its functional benefits, the Magic Inch Pipe also offers an aesthetically pleasing design. With its sleek and elegant appearance, it is truly a work of art. The pipe is available in a variety of finishes and styles, allowing each individual to choose a design that reflects their personal taste and style. Whether you are a seasoned pipe smoker or just starting out, the Magic Inch Pipe is a fantastic choice. Its innovative design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a standout option in the world of pipes. Experience the cool and dry smoking pleasure that the Magic Inch Pipe provides and elevate your smoking experience to new heights..
Reviews for "The Art of Smoking with a Magic Inch Pipe: Tips and Techniques"
1. John - 2 stars - The Magic inch pipe was a huge disappointment for me. I had high expectations for a magical smoking experience, but it fell short in every aspect. Firstly, the design is not as innovative as it claims to be. The so-called "expansion chamber" did not make any noticeable difference in the smoking process. Moreover, the pipe was not easy to clean, and I found the whole experience rather messy. Overall, I do not recommend the Magic inch pipe to anyone seeking a unique or enjoyable smoking experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I honestly cannot understand the hype around the Magic inch pipe. I purchased it hoping for a smooth smoking experience, but it was far from that. The pipe had a strong plastic odor that persisted even after multiple attempts to clean it. The promised "cooling effect" was nowhere to be found, as the smoke was uncomfortably hot. Additionally, the pipe seemed poorly constructed and felt cheap in my hands. I regret buying this product and would advise others to invest their money elsewhere.
3. David - 2 stars - The Magic inch pipe was a total letdown. Despite its supposed ability to reduce tongue bite, I experienced no difference whatsoever. The taste of the tobacco was mediocre at best, and the pipe seemed to accumulate moisture quickly. To top it off, the design was not visually appealing, and the piece felt unstable while smoking. I expected more from a pipe with such glowing reviews, but I guess it just didn't live up to the hype for me.
4. Emily - 2.5 stars - While the Magic inch pipe may work for some, it didn't work for me. The promised "cooler smoke" was not evident, and I found myself feeling discomfort from the heat. The expansion chamber added unnecessary bulk to the pipe and made it harder to hold comfortably. Additionally, I noticed that the stem of the pipe became loose over time, which was frustrating. Overall, I would recommend trying other pipes before settling for the Magic inch pipe, as it did not meet my expectations.