Coal Alternative

[rico13]

Hi all, this is my first post so if I am doing something wrong, I apologize.

What alternatives are there to proper hookah coals?

I live in Japan where anything resembling marijuana is very taboo. This unfortunatley includes hookah this making it pretty hard to find supplies. Anyway, I have my pipe with me, and plenty of tobacco, but I ran out of coal. I have been unable to find proper hookah coals, and ordering stuff online is tricky because coal, being a combustable, is difficult to ship internationally.

Would wood charcoal work? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

-Rico

[yashman19]

Fellow poster is currently working on getting a heating source that doesn't need coals. He's still in the testing stages, but we're all very excited

If you are REALLY desperate, trying finding a all natural coal that doesn't have any of the nasty harsh chemicals found in most BBQ briquettes. I still wouldn't recomend this, but you might be safe if you light them, let them completely ash over once, and then put them on your bowl and start smoking.

[mushrat]

What YAshman is referring to as "bulk" charcoal. Often in Hardwoods, avoid mesquite, and works fine for hookahs. Also look for quick-lit charcoal disks in places where they sell insense. They aren't quite as good as finger coals like Nour, and some impart a slightly chemical taste, but they should be easy to find. Look for golden or 3 king brand. Tell them you want to burn insense resin crystals like myrr or copal.

[cymptom]

I wonder if any coals for incense use could be found within Japan. It disheartens me to hear that you're having trouble finding them -- I'll probably be returning to Japan soon for an extended period of time and neeeeed to have my hookah with me

Sorry to go off topic, but where in Japan are you living? How did you import the tobacco, and did you have any trouble?

[EvansLight]

You could order some of smileys coconut charcoal stuff. Its not a gunpowder disc, and might get there easily.

[[LB]]

You could order some of smileys coconut charcoal stuff. Its not a gunpowder disc, and might get there easily.

lol gunpowder disc. thats really exactly what they are i never thought of that.

but sorry to hear you cant find charcoals buddy, like those guys said natural charcoal is a fine alternative, if heated on your stove top, just make sure its natural wood coal. Its not as good but it will work.