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.