I usually avoid microwaving, etc my pipe tobacco... I think, for me, that I end up loosing some flavor this way. Instead, I just lay it out on a piece of paper that I folded in half and wait a few minutes. I let it dry until it doesn't clump together when I pinch some together. Sort of just short of borderline dry/crispy.
Taking some time to dry your baccy this way will help keep the pipe lit all the way down. In my experience, most pipes end up being relight once, or twice, or maybe even several times... don't sweat the relights. It's just a part of what it is. I think a lot of people stress too much over how many times they had to relight their pipe, especially when they first start.
For most pipe tobaccos, I just pour the baccy into my pipe (gravity fill method), and tap the bowl a few times to help it settle. Maybe sprinkle a little on top. This way usually provides a good pack for me... tight enough to keep everything burning, and yet loose enough to allow oxygen in between the tobacco pieces to fuel the ember's fire.
If you'd like a pipe tobacco that pretty much smokes itself (stays lit really easily), I recommend Carter Hall, found in most online tobacconists and usually around town in B&Ms, sometimes drug stores like Walgreens. Try mixing 50/50 Carter Hall and whatever you're smoking now, for a little bit of a change
Www.tobaccoreviews.com is a great place to go to read up on pipe baccy before you decide to pull the trigger on something...
Corncobs are great! They'll always hold a special place in my heart.
That's my two cents... hopefully it might help a little... if not, feel free to ignore
Best of luck!
