New Pipe Smoker

sojin · Apr 2, 2012

Hello. I have just decided to sign up here to get informed in a hobby I am about to make a venture in.

I am looking to get my first pipe, and being a huge Tolkien fan, I am looking at pipes that look like Gandalfs, from the film. At first, I was looking at the McQueen(I believe thats the company) but after hearing about the bowl splitting and other problems, I decided against it. Also, something about them sort of made me wary.

I was wondering if anyone had experience with a man that sells custom made pipes on ebay? He goes by the name sirwilliamw. To be honest, I have no experience or knowledge with pipes or tobacco related products, so I am completely ignorant here and any pointers would be much appreciated. I am mainly looking for advice on what to look for in a pipe. What should I avoid and so on? I apologize if there is a better forum section for me to post this in, it seemed this was the best.

Here is the pipe I am looking to buy.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RENAISSANCE-LONG-OAK-PIPE-WIZARD-LORD-RINGS-CARD-CHURCHWARDEN-gons-/150776943169#vi-content

jcsnaps · Apr 2, 2012

Welcome to the forum. Looking at this seller's feedback people seem satisfied with his product. Asking about the pipes here will probably get you a variety of responses. I would tend to go with the pipes he makes with a briar bowl, rather than some other woods.

bigvan · Apr 2, 2012

If you want to seriously take up the pipe, look for one made from briar. If you want to pretend to be a wizard and just need a prop to go along with a costume, this is the right pipe.

sojin · Apr 2, 2012

Yeah, he does have great feedback. I just wanted to get a second opinion from the experts, haha.

I would like to get a briar one, as from what I have seen so far, briar is well favored. But the only design I really enjoy from any pipe I have seen is the one I have linked. What are the downsides of using woods that are not briar? Taste?
No, I do not want to pretend to be a wizard haha. I just really enjoy the design and would like something nice to sit outside and enjoy the weather with.

bigvan · Apr 2, 2012

Do a search for "briar churchwarden". A Churchwarden is a long stemmed pipe that should give you the desired effect.

greezly · Apr 2, 2012

Look also for Savinelli ( Quandale series ) , i have one , great smoker .

Vauen makes dual system pipes , which can be used either with a long or short stem .

What should I avoid and so on?

IMHO , avoid to consider the look of your futur pipe without investigating its reliability/smoking quality/which material it's made of . A good looking pipe but bad smoker is a useless pipe , and it can ruin your first experience.
Feel free to share with us your findings , everyone in this forum will be glad to help you out .

tokerpipes · Apr 2, 2012

Looking at his contstruction of these long stem pipes I dont see how it would come apart for cleaning. Plus it looks like his stems are not a solid piece of wood, but 2 halves carved and glued together-this is probably a point of weakness in the pipe at some point. They look nice but as a pipe smoker these are the details you would want to look at.
If you are seriously taking up pipe smoking I suggest getting a strait stem pipe so you get used to cleaning and keep you from getting frustraited with a pipe that is difficult to clean.

A bent stem isn't bad just difficult to keep the gurgle down if you are not that experienced.

Work your way up. No need to rush into getting a pipe and then getting frustrated at it when its imprtant to enjoy the experience of pipe smokings relaxing effects.
Welcome to the forum and ask plenty of questions. You are on one of the best pipe forum sites there is. The guys and girls on here are as honest as they come and can at times keep you instiches from laughing so hard.

buster · Apr 2, 2012

Check out Smoking Pipes churchwarden offerings. Some nice ones under a hundred bucks.
http://www.smokingpipes.com/search/sitesearchresults.cfm
These are a bit more fancy with the black and white stem but are on sale.
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/savinelli/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=51203
Dont forget the extra long pipe cleaners. : puffy

:

spartan · Apr 2, 2012

I'd stick to the site sponsor's churchwarden pipes over that Oak Wood churchwarden.
ESPECIALLY if you are purchasing your first pipe and are looking to take up the pipe seriously.
Briar is the like the Cane Sugar of all the sweeteners. Take no substitutes.

bentmike · Apr 2, 2012

Welcome sojin!
You said: "and would like something nice to sit outside and enjoy the weather with."

Your on the right track already. Pipes are all about relaxation and slowing down. Stopping to smell the roses so to speak. Look around on this site -Lots of good info.

gwynclan · Apr 2, 2012

+1 on the Savinelli churchwarden I have a rusticated one great smoker, easy to clean and pass a cleaner through stem. If you get one make sure to buy extra long pipe cleaners.

Good luck and welcome to the forums.

Get pipe, then short cut to mushrooms to smoke= Gandalf apprentice.

Cheers

sojin · Apr 2, 2012

Hey guys, I really appreciate all of the tips you all are giving me. I know I shouldnt start cheap, but currently my income, or lack thereof, will not allow me to spend much more than fifty dollars. So I do not think I will be getting the pipe off ebay, I am still looking around. I found some really nice looking pipes from a brand called LUNA pipes. They have a variety of options ranging from White Ash, Maple, and then Briar bowls with Maple stems. I think I will be getting a briar bowl pipe from them very soon. What is the general consensus on Maple wood? Is White Ash generally disliked, or is Briar just the most popular?

I am really looking to get a churchwarden due to everyone saying it is a cool smoke, and I can really enjoy that.

I hope I dont sound as if I am ignoring anyones advice, it is all very helpful and I am using it as a guideline.

Here are the pipes I am looking at.

http://www.lunapipes.com/fantasy/index.htm

The Strider is looking very nice for the price and look.

pipeinhand · Apr 2, 2012

Welcome. I will throw in my 2P. Get a good churchwarden that you will smoke for decades. Like suggested the Savinelli, you will not be displeased and it will last you a lifetime if cared for. I own non briar pipes and they smoke well but, char easy and get very hot.
Make sure when you make your choice, you post pictures, we love pipe porn. : puffy

:

tokerpipes · Apr 2, 2012

There was a discusion about luna pipes that got good reviews not long ago from the guys here on the forum

sojin · Apr 2, 2012

Taking a look at the Savinelli pipes. They look very nice, and very affordable.

I will be sure to post a picture as soon as I get one, haha.
Thanks toker, I will try and find the thread.

tokerpipes · Apr 2, 2012

Briar is some of the hardest wood to make a pipe out of plus they retain heat well and cool rather quick. They also have very tight grain so with the small bowl that pipes have there can be a lot of detail.

bigvan · Apr 2, 2012

The problem with these "fantasy" pipes is (among other things) the round, wooden bit. They're uncomfortable and unhygienic.
But they do look good with a cape.

jchaplick · Apr 2, 2012

Something I didnt see listed was the draft hole being in the bottom of the bowl, as opposed to coming in from the side, that configuration rarely works withough some sort of system or gimmick

sojin · Apr 2, 2012

Thanks again toker.
Hmm, not having previous experience, I am having trouble thinking of the factor of it being uncomfortable. I can see the hygiene problem, though, I am a bit of clean freak/germaphobe, so I will be very thorough with my cleaning and care.
I couldn't avoid searching for some LOTR inspired tobaccos, I knew there would be, haha.

tokerpipes · Apr 2, 2012

Get in touch with pipeinhand. He has Halflings Leaf. Great stuff. I got 4 ounces in my cellar and have half a mind breaking itno it sooner than I want because its just that good.

New Pipe Smoker

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Site Sponsors

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Lurker

Lifer

Lifer

Lurker

Lifer

Lurker

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Can't Leave

Lurker

Lifer

Lifer

Lurker

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lurker

Lifer