Although I have been smoking a pipe since I was in my early twenties ( I'm in my early sixties now), I lacked knowledge and technique. I suffered from tongue-bite and a certain lack of enjoyment.
Thanks to the bits of wisdom I have learned on this forum, my enjoyment of this wonderful hobby has sky-rocketed. As part of my 400th post, I thought I would list some of the things I have learned on this forum since joining in November of 2012:
1. Take time to properly dry your tobacco before loading your pipe. Prepare your next bowl of tobacco well in advance. Err on the dry side.
2. There are many different pipe loading methods. Use the method that suits the individual tobacco. Don't be afraid to try new techniques. Err on packing your pipe on the loose side with most blends.
3. Smoke slowly and then slow down some more. Patience is the key.
4. Smoke at least an ounce of a new tobacco before deciding whether you like it or not. Forming a hasty opinion, good or bad about a tobacco can be a mistake. I vow to no longer review a tobacco after the first bowl.
5. I am the best judge of what I like. However, my tastes will change as I continue in this hobby so I shouldn't be too rigid in my opinions or current preferences.
6. Pay attention to the long-time, successful pipe smokers on this forum. To avoid embarrassment, it is usually better for the newbie to shut-up (not post too many opinions) and listen (read). (In other words, I should not be at 400 posts!) Questions, no matter how simple, are always acceptable on this site. Glean the information that is useful and discard the baloney. Always remember #5.
7. Carter Hall is a great mixer. Thanks nsfisher and rothnh!
8. Although I love the stuff, red Virginias are the main source of my tongue-bite. Thanks guys for diagnosing my problem!
9. Due to the kindness of gecko13, I now have learned that I have an insatiable hankering for Stonehaven. Since that tobacco is as rare as unicorns; darn you all to heck gecko13! :D
10. Bradley (the Old Cajun) is always good for a laugh.
As I continue, I look forward to learning more. I will need your advice as I fill the blank spaces on my new 24 place pipe rack. I appreciate this forum and the knowledge its members provide. Thanks guys (and gals)!
-Tim
Thanks to the bits of wisdom I have learned on this forum, my enjoyment of this wonderful hobby has sky-rocketed. As part of my 400th post, I thought I would list some of the things I have learned on this forum since joining in November of 2012:
1. Take time to properly dry your tobacco before loading your pipe. Prepare your next bowl of tobacco well in advance. Err on the dry side.
2. There are many different pipe loading methods. Use the method that suits the individual tobacco. Don't be afraid to try new techniques. Err on packing your pipe on the loose side with most blends.
3. Smoke slowly and then slow down some more. Patience is the key.
4. Smoke at least an ounce of a new tobacco before deciding whether you like it or not. Forming a hasty opinion, good or bad about a tobacco can be a mistake. I vow to no longer review a tobacco after the first bowl.
5. I am the best judge of what I like. However, my tastes will change as I continue in this hobby so I shouldn't be too rigid in my opinions or current preferences.
6. Pay attention to the long-time, successful pipe smokers on this forum. To avoid embarrassment, it is usually better for the newbie to shut-up (not post too many opinions) and listen (read). (In other words, I should not be at 400 posts!) Questions, no matter how simple, are always acceptable on this site. Glean the information that is useful and discard the baloney. Always remember #5.
7. Carter Hall is a great mixer. Thanks nsfisher and rothnh!
8. Although I love the stuff, red Virginias are the main source of my tongue-bite. Thanks guys for diagnosing my problem!
9. Due to the kindness of gecko13, I now have learned that I have an insatiable hankering for Stonehaven. Since that tobacco is as rare as unicorns; darn you all to heck gecko13! :D
10. Bradley (the Old Cajun) is always good for a laugh.
As I continue, I look forward to learning more. I will need your advice as I fill the blank spaces on my new 24 place pipe rack. I appreciate this forum and the knowledge its members provide. Thanks guys (and gals)!
-Tim
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