Im just highlighting something here that has been touched on in the thread about average daily use, because we don’t always read all the posts and this might be of interest. Generally speaking, most people that nerve themselves up to taking a large pinch - maybe about a pea sized one in each nostril - are surprised to find that far from being mind blowing it is actually far less irritating, and much more pleasant, than a very small pinch. I think this is why some people only ever use tiny amounts compared to other snuffers. No problem with that, its not a competition, but if this counter-intuitive fact has passed you by you might find an added dimension to your snuff taking. It makes perfect common sense to take a small amount of something that seems to be intrinsically - albeit nicely - irritating, but give it a go. Personally I believe this is best done with medium to course snuffs and woudn’t neccessarily try it out with ultra fine types. I also think its part of the key to avoiding undue congestion. Allied with using plainer snuffs (as opposed to highly flavoured or menthols) and by using large pinches, folks that feel snuff is just a bit too congesting for regular use might get more out of it, especially when it comes to harm reduction from cigarettes etc. As a personal point, I use flavoured and menthols as an occasional indulgence rather than as all day snuffs. This struck me as such a good point that members were making that it was worth the duplication in giving it its own thread. If you are a new snuffer, or a seasoned one using small pinches, try this out and let us know your thoughts.

I think snuffster is right in this, size really matters. Bigger pinches deliver more and irritate less. It can be little messy though but you have to live with that.

thank you snuffster, for pointing this out. i am very new to snuff, about 2 months … and have found, from the start, i have piled giant amounts of snuff using the back of the hand method … and rarely get bothered … but this is also due to the advice found on this forum for the various methods … taking time to be careful about the method i use re:back of the throat, etc., because it did seem unusual / counterintuitive at first as well as tough not to “breathe” the snuff. it’s when i grab a small amount between the thumb and index for a little pinch of something i get a little brain shot or quick hit to the back of the throat. as both a matter of trying to get more vitamin N as well as enjoy the full flavor of the snuff, is why i try to take big pinches. even if i do take little sniffs, i find i return quickly for more, just to get more flavor/aroma.

I find after watching an old video of snuff mills or of people using snuff back years ago, it drives me to be the best snuffer I can be and live up to my occupation, haha!. It is quite possible that what was seen by some as mean-spirited comments about snuff use by PhillipS a couple days ago was actually a ‘call to arms’ and has led some to enjoy snuff more by experimenting with their daily intake levels. Rise up, and be the best you can be in all endeavors!!!

Good point, snuffster. I do actually take large pinches (I actually mainly snuff off the back of my hand so it’s easier to get more snuff per nostril than I would if I were pinching), just not as many or as often as other people might do.

I noticed that big pinches also last longer then small ones. Not really do they hit stronger but there is less time before I go man I need more snuff.

@bob: that’s exactly what I meant.

@snuffster Just as an indication for us newbies, how big is your average pinch for, say, a Toast, an SP, a moist KB-type snuff, a Schmalzler?

I always take pea-sized pinches. One for each nostril. And I thought I was taking too much! Nice to know I wasn’t! lol @kebAMP As much as you can take. It’s all subjective. Take what you want! Here’s how I do it though: Toasts: A little less than others. I’d say about a pea-size divided unto both nostrils. Sometimes once my sinuses clear, I’ll take about that much more right after… SP: Pea size for each nostril, sometimes even more! Moist, coarse snuffs: I PACK my nose with these, as well as Schmalzlers. I PACK my nose with these. Best way to do it IMHO. KEEP IN MIND THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO DO IT!!!

Absolutely, there’s no right and wrong etc etc but shared experience is worth a lot. I use, whatever I take, pea sized pinches, for me that is the definitive pinch. And I pinch because it’s neater, more discreet and I get more control. For me. But your experience is the thing that counts.

When I take a pinch I grab as much snuff as I can, I see no point in taking little pansy pinches

Being inspired by snuffster I decided to try. First pinch (Best SP) put up my right nostril (of a size I usually take for two) almost killed me! But I have to confess: I simply sniffed too hard… The second pinch, however, was really pleasant and was a new quality. No over-irritation, no running nose. Thank you snuffster!

Another thing that’s changed with my snuffing is that I sniff harder. I used to just do this little click thing with my throat and the snuff would sit very low in my nose. Now I just breathe in normally since I like the burn and don’t mind it hitting my throat a whole lot. Sniffing in this way decreases congestion for me.

I agree totally with this view. I’ve actually noted the flavor and experience of a snuff changes depending on the size of the dose. I’m usually a large dose user. I have no problem taking in large doses of toasts or scotches but I find it helpful to have just a bit of congestion before hand, it sort of acts like a buffer to minimize the powder inhalation beyond the sinuses.

Strange with white snuffs and schmalzers I found it’s best not to sniff but stuff. Just a random thought.

@bob agreed. some of the white snuffs just sail past your nostrils and right down into the throat.

the real way to take white snuff is to put the container by your feet stand up and breath normaly.

Ha ha I’ve gotta get some of that stuff. Big pinches do work definitely.

Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the good advice.

BIGGER IS BETTER!! Its been proven! Lol

I’ve been trying to pinch bigger, but at the moment I seem to be dropping half of it. I usually do one big pinch and do left then right, so doing bigger pinches means doing 2 pinches, I guess im not used to it.

This is going to take some getting used to. I can’t seem to pinch big off my thumb. Three tries off the back of the left hand worked well. I’m amazed at how much stronger the fragrance is this way. Nominal burn, even less than small pinches. EDIT: Ugh, nasty sinus drip. I think I pulled too far. I’m going to have to try the packing suggestion. EDIT: Packing did a much nicer job. One thing I did notice is a much stronger feeling of having to sneeze. Not bad and for the improved effects this is worth it. Not sure I could do both nostrils at once though.

Just to narrow down what I do; the pinch is as much as can be held between thumb and forefinger without spilling out the sides. One to each nostril. If you are using the back of the hand method craft a little molehill of snuff as opposed to a line. I think the important part of this is that the snuff goes into the nostril as one, single amount. I also very slightly insert the the pinch into the nostril whilst taking a short, sharp inhalation.

After seeing the old Bernard Factory film my schmalzler doses have increased by at least 3x

I’ve been taking larger pinches I think I actually went too large on some toque rose I checked a mirror and my whole lower nose was filled it started to fall out a bit not much burn and only about average throat drip pretty impressive. Berrwick brown is really easy to do HUGE pinches of. Whiskey and honey also isn’t that hard to pinch.

@snuffster … quick question, if i have a nice sized pinch between the thumb and forefinger, you are saying it is best to get the entire pinch up in one quick sniff? I am usually lightly sniffing it … sometimes in multiple quick sniffs, but never in a burst. Am i doing it incorrectly? Much appreciated.

Just experiment and use what works for you. Sometimes you may need a little pinch or a light draw, other times a giant pile off the back of one’s hand taken in one big snort. There is no “correct” way to take snuff in the sense that it is not an exact ritual. I originally began taking larger doses when I started using a pocket knife blade as a snuff spoon to scoop it right out of the tin. There are also times when I use just a tad to carry the scent in my nose without having to clear my nostrils for a while. Its like sex. You’ll eventually figure out how it works and the fun is in learning through experience.

i agree with that assessment, Spyro … it is what i do, depends upon the circumstance - back of hand, toasts, pinch, spoon - in this instance, i was curious about snuffter’s thoughts on it - i would wager nearly everyone is more experienced with this than i … snuffster, certainly, as he is they eye in the sky. and sh*t, if snuff method is like sex … i may never get it right.

There can be no ‘correct’ way because its all subjective and down to our own tastes etc as Spyro says, but I suggest the whole amount goes in as one dose - otherwise, in effect, you are just taking several small pinches, albeit very quickly. Whilst that sounds a fine distinction, (for me at least) it seems to make a big difference. This is also why I don’t like the method of snuffing a short line from the back of the hand; with that you get a drawn out hit. I think it comes down to surface area. I might be making this seem insanely technical but for me this gives more flavour, a bigger nic hit and less burn, which I have never enjoyed or even got really used to. Your experience is always as valid as anyone else’s, whether you’ve taken snuff for ten minutes or ten years:)

I LOVE the burn! Like I said before- there’s no right or wrong way guys… as long as its not going straight into your throat or up into your sinuses, you’re doing it right. I just prefer to do it like snuffster says- One big pile in one sniff up both nostrils. POOF you’re done.

I like that analogy. Especially with extra fine and dry snuffs, no matter how I do it I never get the right spot, though its still good.

@Koba22 Same thing happens to me. It’ll get all over you if you’re not careful. Even when you do small pinches you usually cant get it all in one sniff so when you bump up the size you’re left with proportionally more left over, and usually more on your face lol. Part of it is technique though, and also what kind of snuff you’re using. At work I do decently sized pinches and dont make much of a mess just cause I’m more careful about it.

Just did it with F&T HDT, didn’t hit my throat, off the back of my hand, can’t pinch too well because of the onset of RA. edm

Thanks for starting this one. I’ve taken your advice and now I have little problem taking the finer snuffs that use to go straight to the back of my throat. There’s just something about increasing the size of the pinch that really helps.

I’ve been doing bigger pinches ever since this thread popped up, too. Thanks!

My pleasure.

I have been using larger pinches as well, and it is great. I think there are manufacturers who paid for this thread, so we all use more of their products! lol