An Inexpensive, Multi-use Pipe Ream
Purchasers of other people's old, used tobacco pipes (politely called "estate pipes", to minimize the "ick" factor) sometimes complain that the careless, previous owner used a pocketknife to ream the disrespected pipe, causing cuts and gouges into the briar.
Yup. I've reamed my pipes with a pocketknife for nearly all of the past half-century. It does require care not to gouge the wood. But if you select the correct knife blade, then safely reaming a pipe with it is a simple matter.
Years ago, I purchased a small group of pocketknives from Cutlery Corner, to use as gifts for nieces, nephews and grandkids. I still have a few. The specific blade that is shaped properly for use as a pipe ream is the "trapper" blade that comes on the 3-1/4" Saddlehorn Trapper. The blade shape of larger trappers is not as suitable a fit.
The particular knife shown in the image is branded "Steel Warrior", made in China. Its construction is reasonably good, the blade is a very hard stainless, and its factory sharpening is truly unimpressive. They're fine for kids, or for adults who are not knife aficionados. If you want to create a really well-angled sharpening on it, you will need a grinding wheel and a lot of patience. But the factory sharpness is perfect for use as a pipe ream.
These cheapies can be had for as low as $5 each.
Bob
Purchasers of other people's old, used tobacco pipes (politely called "estate pipes", to minimize the "ick" factor) sometimes complain that the careless, previous owner used a pocketknife to ream the disrespected pipe, causing cuts and gouges into the briar.
Yup. I've reamed my pipes with a pocketknife for nearly all of the past half-century. It does require care not to gouge the wood. But if you select the correct knife blade, then safely reaming a pipe with it is a simple matter.
Years ago, I purchased a small group of pocketknives from Cutlery Corner, to use as gifts for nieces, nephews and grandkids. I still have a few. The specific blade that is shaped properly for use as a pipe ream is the "trapper" blade that comes on the 3-1/4" Saddlehorn Trapper. The blade shape of larger trappers is not as suitable a fit.
The particular knife shown in the image is branded "Steel Warrior", made in China. Its construction is reasonably good, the blade is a very hard stainless, and its factory sharpening is truly unimpressive. They're fine for kids, or for adults who are not knife aficionados. If you want to create a really well-angled sharpening on it, you will need a grinding wheel and a lot of patience. But the factory sharpness is perfect for use as a pipe ream.
These cheapies can be had for as low as $5 each.
Bob
