Hi everyone, I'm a new pipe smoker from the prairies of western Canada. I recently picked up a pipe hoping to get away from smoking factory cigarettes. I'm only 2 months in but I feel that I've regained some control and no longer need to buy another pack. Pre-rolled factory cigs have become obscenely expensive over here, even for the lowest quality... There is a black market but I'm not prepared to go that route. So, I figured pipe smoking is worth a shot.
The first month with a pipe was rough... complete with all the tongue bite and scalding bowls but it was definitely worth it. At least now I can enjoy a nice long smoke and discover what I've been missing all these years. If you can imagine starting from the cheapest cigs, then smoking "drugstore" blends like Captain Black... I was impressed to say the least. I still dig them, but right now, every blend is amazing to my unrefined noob palate. I've taken a liking to VaPers but english and burley blends are where I'm headed next. Related to this, I've also discovered the world of rolling your own and found some great tobacco over there too. As a bonus, I've actually been able to cut down considerably and don't have intense cravings anymore like when I wake up in the morning. Maybe it's due to less additives and more satisfying smokes? Either way, I'll take it. I used to light up simply for a nic "hit" but now it's more about relaxation while savoring the taste and smell. Also, there's something about the all the motions involved to get a good smoke that the perfectionist in me finds appealing.
Obviously, this isn't about quitting. I like smoking, but I don't like the idea of being ripped off. So if I'm faced with exorbitant prices, I want to get my money's worth - real quality tobacco developed by master blenders. Not re-pressed floor sweepings, mystery fillers and chemical cocktails found in factory cigs.
Anyhow, I just wanted to share how I ended up here and encourage those of you that struggle with cigs to give pipe smoking a try. The tobacco here is on a new level, and there's no going back to factory cigs once you've had a taste... besides, there's an interesting hobby to explore if you are inclined to stick around.
It's good seeing you all - just thought I'd pop out from lurking to say hi ?
The first month with a pipe was rough... complete with all the tongue bite and scalding bowls but it was definitely worth it. At least now I can enjoy a nice long smoke and discover what I've been missing all these years. If you can imagine starting from the cheapest cigs, then smoking "drugstore" blends like Captain Black... I was impressed to say the least. I still dig them, but right now, every blend is amazing to my unrefined noob palate. I've taken a liking to VaPers but english and burley blends are where I'm headed next. Related to this, I've also discovered the world of rolling your own and found some great tobacco over there too. As a bonus, I've actually been able to cut down considerably and don't have intense cravings anymore like when I wake up in the morning. Maybe it's due to less additives and more satisfying smokes? Either way, I'll take it. I used to light up simply for a nic "hit" but now it's more about relaxation while savoring the taste and smell. Also, there's something about the all the motions involved to get a good smoke that the perfectionist in me finds appealing.
Obviously, this isn't about quitting. I like smoking, but I don't like the idea of being ripped off. So if I'm faced with exorbitant prices, I want to get my money's worth - real quality tobacco developed by master blenders. Not re-pressed floor sweepings, mystery fillers and chemical cocktails found in factory cigs.
Anyhow, I just wanted to share how I ended up here and encourage those of you that struggle with cigs to give pipe smoking a try. The tobacco here is on a new level, and there's no going back to factory cigs once you've had a taste... besides, there's an interesting hobby to explore if you are inclined to stick around.
It's good seeing you all - just thought I'd pop out from lurking to say hi ?