New pipe smoker.....

Started by McBryde, 01/13/2012 07:24 PM

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McBryde

I'm looking to start smoking a pipe and would like to know what types of pipes ya'll smoke. I'm looking on ebay to buy one, or elsewhere, just looking for a good deal on one. I've only got a couple of samples of pipe tobacco to smoke as well, what types do ya'll like the best? Where do ya'll buy most of your tins at? Or do you mostly buy samplers? I really like most of AJ Fernandez's cigar blends, what would be a good blend of tobacco that you would recommend for me? I know that is a lot of questions, but I appreciate all the help.

Thanks,

Emerson
"A man's character is told by what he does when nobody else is around."

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading" -- Thomas Jefferson


sam a

i'm inclined to just say try different things and see where it takes you. everybody has their preferences and the journey that leads you to them is often the most valuable part. that said, to more directly answer your questions i'll list some things i like to hopefuly give you a jump off point. there are so many great pipes but my preference is in older british pipes (pre-1980s GBDs, Comoys, BBBs, etc) and north american artisans (bruce weaver, brad pohlmann, trevor talbert, etc). for tobacco types, i'm a fan of balkan/english blends but i do enjoy the occasional virgina flake or VaPer. there are lots of quality blends from, McClellands, hearth and home, GL pease, esoterica, samuel gawith... to many to mention really.   i'd reccomend you take a look at tobaccoreviews.com and see what people have to say about different blends you might be interested in. honestly just try lots of things and you will figure out what suits you.
Any cigars portrayed in this post that appear to be Cuban in origin are completely fictional in nature. Any resemblance between these cigars and actual Cuban cigars is unintended and purely coincidental.

metalhead y cigarguy

I started smoking a pipe this past year, but only smoke it like once or twice a month so I'm still a beginner. I went to my local B&M and bought what is called a basket pipe. These range from $5-$30 typically, and are usually a pipe with a flaw. Kind of like cigar seconds. Types of flaws would be imperfections in the briar, so it's not able to be sold as a higher value pipe etc. The nice thing about these pipes is, one they're not expensive, two if you don't enjoy the hobby you haven't invested to much money, three if you damage the pipe i.e. crack the bowl etc. then again you're not out a lot of money.

Eventually I'll purchase a nice pipe, but for now my basket pipe works well for me.
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McBryde

Thanks for the heads up Bryan, I'll look into a basket pipe.

E
"A man's character is told by what he does when nobody else is around."

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading" -- Thomas Jefferson


metalhead y cigarguy

Keep in mind the briar pipes have a break in period but my understanding is corncobs do not. I've never smoked a corncob though. There are some good videos on YouTube that can give you good pointers once you get started. If your tabacconist is good he will be able to give you some good advice as well. Have fun!
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Hot Stuff x

#5
Cobs are great starter pipes.  Spend a little extra for a good one...the better ones are pre-charred and have a wooden plug in the bottom so they don't burn through as easy.  They don't require any break in and are very newbie friendly -- not to mention cheap.

I have 7 pipes in my rotation, including  two Petersons and a Stanwell, and my two cobs are still my favorites overall.
LES
Guru of Morning Calm and Oriental Wisdom


_________________
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Shukpaw

I like pipes that dip down so that they are not right in front of my face.  I also find it to be a more natural and comfortable location for my hand while I am holding the pipe.  I would suggest just going with small tins or 2oz samples until you find what you like.
I'm right 98% of the time.  Who cares about the other 3%?

kola

#7
I agree with Les about the cobs. I smoke my cob ($7) more than my Peterson 312 (a lot more than $7 for sure). Basket briars are indeed inexpensive, but the cob is easier to smoke.

I also agree with Sam_a. Try sample quantities (1-2 oz) of a bunch of different tobaccos and see what you like. The journey is half the fun. It is worth noting that Virginia tobaccos require extensive aging (a year, preferably longer).
Smoke 'em if you got 'em
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery - Winston Churchill

87North

I agree that the cobs are bar-none the best way to find out if you like smoking a pipe.  I reccomend Pipesandcigars.com for online ordering of pipes and esp. cobs.  They have the good Missouri Meerschaums.  As for tobaccos I like a lot of different things, I enjoy Virginia Flakes, VAPers, and english/balkan.   Just a matter of personal preference.
Guru of "Sarcastic Wit and Folksy Wisdom"

McBryde

Thanks for all the good info guys. Looks like I'll be trying to find me a cob pipe, and some samplers of tobacco.

Emerson
"A man's character is told by what he does when nobody else is around."

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading" -- Thomas Jefferson


sam a

QuoteMcBryde - 1/14/2012  11:48 AM

Thanks for all the good info guys. Looks like I'll be trying to find me a cob pipe, and some samplers of tobacco.

Emerson


here is a sampler i'd recommend as a great value. http://pipesandcigars.com/heandhosa.html lots of great tobaccos to choose from on that list. and you can throw a MM cob in the cart too and you're set for at least a little while.
Any cigars portrayed in this post that appear to be Cuban in origin are completely fictional in nature. Any resemblance between these cigars and actual Cuban cigars is unintended and purely coincidental.

McBryde

OK, so today, I was procrastinating out in my shop when I should have been cutting some blanks, and I found some deer antler and a corn cob and threw together the worst looking pipe most of ya'll have probably ever seen. It burned the tobacco in it, but it deinately did not smoke like a good pipe. The hole was too big around where teh antler went in and was letting too much air in. So much for my idea, lol. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow while the wife isn't watching me so much! I have plenty of wood, I'll give that a try. I'm sure I'll still buy one as well, but making one is fun too.

E
"A man's character is told by what he does when nobody else is around."

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading" -- Thomas Jefferson


pferg

Im kind of looking into pipe smoking to, but im not sure what the difference is between pipe's and cigars.

McBryde

If this was my wife answering this question, she'd say pipes are for "old people" and cigars are for younger people. LOL

E
"A man's character is told by what he does when nobody else is around."

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading" -- Thomas Jefferson


kola

:lmao: @ McBryde

Pipes are a whole different experience. They generally require more attention. The tobacco is typically cured with some form of heat treatment, so the flavors are different. I really enjoy the pipe when relaxing with others or when I have nothing else that I need to focus on. It's some nice zen time.
Smoke 'em if you got 'em
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery - Winston Churchill

pferg

Well the only reason ive been loking at pipes was because i want a gandalf pipe. but since im 22 acoprding to your wife i got a few years to go  :lmao:

McBryde

I showed my wife the churchwarden pipes today and she laughed at me getting one, LOL. I told her I could be her hobbit. LMAO.

E
"A man's character is told by what he does when nobody else is around."

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading" -- Thomas Jefferson


Shukpaw

QuoteMcBryde - 1/14/2012  7:12 PM

If this was my wife answering this question, she'd say pipes are for "old people" and cigars are for younger people. LOL

E

In my 20s I mainly smoked pipes.  In my 40s I mainly smoke cigars.  Maybe I was trying to look older and now I am trying to look younger.
I'm right 98% of the time.  Who cares about the other 3%?

nwb

As a relative pipe newbie, I recommend the MM corn cobs.  Cheap and really smoke well.  As far as tobaccos, I've really liked blends from Samuel Gawith, but trying different tobaccos is most of the fun. ;-)
Chief of Shaft

hardeveningsuburb

I'll put in another good word for the MM cob pipes.  They're excellent for beginners because of the price and the ease of use.  I've been smoking a pipe off and on for 5 years and I still go back to my cobs with regularity.  If I can make a suggestion, get the Missouri Pride.  It's a natural cob (as opposed to the polished ones) and in my experience the naturals smoke cooler than the polished.  I usually order them from corncobpipe.com, which is Missouri Meerschaum's website.  

Have fun with the new hobby.  Happy smoking!
"After people get to know me, they all say I drink a lot of beer. I don't deny it either. Why should I? I'm not ashamed of beer." - Richard Brautigan

87North

QuoteMcBryde - 1/14/2012  9:12 PM

If this was my wife answering this question, she'd say pipes are for "old people" and cigars are for younger people. LOL

E

I stayed up late a while back the night before going on graveyards.  The next day my wife asked me what I did while I was up.  I told her that I took my pipe and a book out on the back porch.  She laughed and said "you're like an old man from another time, what with your pipe and your paper book".   :lmao:
Guru of "Sarcastic Wit and Folksy Wisdom"

metalhead y cigarguy

Paper books... who uses those anymore?  :biggrin:

Just like the newspaper industry, the book industry will eventually take a down turn due to the invention of the Nook and Kindle devices.
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87North

Quotemetalhead y cigarguy - 1/17/2012  1:44 AM

Paper books... who uses those anymore?  :biggrin:

Just like the newspaper industry, the book industry will eventually take a down turn due to the invention of the Nook and Kindle devices.

I agree that the publishing industry will probably see a fade, but I can't feature it ever completely going away.  Some things just need to be kept in a hard copy for preservation.  Electronic information is just too easily lost.   :confused:
Guru of "Sarcastic Wit and Folksy Wisdom"

jason_mazzy

May I suggest a cheap meerschaum as your first. No break in so you will get a cool sweet smoke off the bat instead or a wet bitter hot one.
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McBryde

How long is the "breaking in period" for a new pipe?

E
"A man's character is told by what he does when nobody else is around."

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading" -- Thomas Jefferson



   
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