Pipe Noob... A Million Questions

its your choice to leave the filter in or takes it out. I like having a filter on mine so I keep them in. A lot of people dislike the filter because it can collect the tars and make the pipe burn a lil bit hotter. the great thing about pipes is learning. You can smoke for years and still learn. There really is no wrong way to smoke a pipe. Torch lighter are not a good idea because they burn way to hot for the tobacco and can cause damage on any pipe. I love pipes because I may want a quick smoke and can fill a pipe and finish it later unlike a cigar some times. I can help with any questions you may have too about pipes I have been smoking and collecting for a few years now.