Why flake?

[Smokestack Jack]

I understand how to load flake tobacco in a pipe, but why is it called "flake" instead of "strip" tobacco? I have searched several sites to find out why and have come away without an answer. Anyone have an answer?

[SLR]

From Mac Baren...

When ships were at sea the seamen had to follow the captain's rules about smoking on board, which meant that smoking was only allowed in a certain part of the ship and only with the captain's permission (today we are familiar with the no smoking concept, but in those days the rules were introduced to prevent the wooden ships catching fire). When a seaman was granted permission to smoke, he quickly fetched his pipe and tobacco, went astern and the ritual would begin. The tobacco block was placed on the cutting board and with his knife he would cut slices of tobacco as thinly as possible. The seamen called a slice a ”flake” (today we are all familiar with the term “Navy Cut”, which actually dates from the birth of the flake). Once the appropriate number of “flakes” had been cut, the tobacco was folded down the middle and bent into a U shape, taking great care not to loosen the tobacco. Now the pipe could be filled with the tobacco.

http://mac-baren.com/history-of-flake-tobacco

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[Smokestack Jack]

OK, thanks for that bit of interesting information.

[hermit]

I like flakes, but I still rub em out.