Once upon a time, when I was a young Buck, I knew I wanted to continue smoking after years of smoking cigarettes. While in the military (USMC) cigarettes were cheap - but I knew there were health risks - so I looked to my Dad for inspiration. My Dad had been a hard core pipe smoker all his life. Thus the prodigal son looked to emulate "Dad."
Back in 1987 - there was no Ebay - Cigars weren't in vogue - so I hit a few Pipe shops and bought my first Briar Pipe. After a few days - I was a hooked. Much to my spouse's chagrin - I began to buy as many pipes - briar and meerschaum as fast as possible. Major PAD. I bought a couple of cobs out of curiosity - but found I was enjoying briar more - so I dropped the 2 I owned and continued on my pipe journey.
Now years later - I have bought my first Corn Cob. After careful consideration I selected the MM brand as they were touted on being the best. I place an order with 4 Noggins.com and with a 4 ounce pouch of Storm Front - I figured if I didn't like the Cob - the tobacco would assuage any disappointment I might have.
Welll...its been 3 days I have been smoking that pipe and it seems to keep on going and going. Haven't had a bad smoke yet - which is a nice accomplishment. The pipe is coloring up nicely and a nice big fat taper pipe cleaner seems to fit right down the stem into the bowl - no problem. The smoke itself is cool with a hint of cob sweetness that is absolutely delicious. And the cost - forgedaboutit! Dirt Cheap.
The only down side is that "it is written" that Corn Cob pipes don't last as long as briars - and tend to burn out over time - some right away. Be that it may - who can quibble over a minor investment of under ten dollars. Another issue that may deter novice smokers is that - New cobs come with the shank inserted all the way into the bowl (at least in my MM model, I guess they easier to assemble that way) And one has to get through a break in process whereupon you are going to taste wood and what seems to be a gluey taste at the end of the bowl. The good news is that after several smokes the wooden shank (inside the bowl) burns off and the taste only gets better and better - as one is able to fill the pipe bowl all the way to bottom with the eradication of the inserted shank getting in the way. This is probably the best way to enjoy a great smoke on the cheap friends.
Why did I wait so long to try a Corn Cob? Perhaps it was snobbery on my part as Corn Cobs are inexpensive - there is no brag factor and may be viewed somewhat as declasse. However, when you think about it Mark Twain, Granny Yokum, General MacArthur, Frosty the Snowman and Popeye - all smoked Cobs - so- what better company could one ask for?
If I had to do it all over again I would have had more cobs in my collection (thankfully there is still time). I am thoroughly enjoying the "Corn Cob Pipe" smoking experience - so I give a shout - to Novice and Veteran alike: "Friends, if you haven't tried a Corn Cob Pipe recently - You Oughta!"
I have included a picture of MM Country Gentleman Cob that is smoking and coloring up Beautifully after smoking it 3 days straight.
Cheers!
