New to Pipe Smoking

codyp · Dec 24, 2014

Hey Guys,
Complete newbie here. I am a scotch and cigar lover who ventured into tobacco pipes today for the first time. I've been thinking about it for a while and did some research on pipes, packing, types of tobacco, etc. So I took the plunge and bought a cheap corn cob pipe from Missouri Meerschaum and some Captain Black tobacco. I enjoyed the process of packing the tobacco, sitting in my backyard (I live in AZ so the weather is mild), and enjoying a smoke.
That being said, I am going to venture into a stronger, less artificial tobacco for my next round.
Anyways, I enjoyed it so much that I am going to buy an estate pipe. I like the look, shape, and feel of the billiard bent pipes and found one on smoking pipes that fits the bill. Does anyone know if this would be a good smoker?
https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/england/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=158147
Any insight is appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you guys.
Thanks,
Cody P.

codyp · Dec 25, 2014

Thanks. I appreciate the info! I love shape of that old girl, but didn't think about the limit of the briar. I've looked at Savinelli and Stanwells, but was hoping to find something unique. I will keep looking.
See you guys in the new year.

cortezattic · Dec 25, 2014

Ditto on everything gigger has posted. Even if SP.com gives this one a 4/5 rating, I'm put off by the comments:

Over reamed chamber, some charring inside, ~~rim darkening, small dings around the bowl, plus some tooth marks~~.

BTW, use the "Tobacco Locator" in the right hand column of SP.com's pages to search for blends that contain some cigar leaf.

You might find a good transition blend.

elpfeife · Dec 25, 2014

With that shape and price in mind you might look at the Ropps that SPC offers.

phxrock · Dec 25, 2014

CodyP where in AZ do you live? I am in Apache Junction. In Phoenix Look in Ye Olde Pipe and tobacco, Stag Tobacco and the Tinderbox, Ford and Haig for estate or basket pipes.
John

troutface · Dec 25, 2014

I'm with gigger on this one Cody. Smoking Pipes is a very reputable dealer, but for your first serious pipe I think I would avoid a 90 year old estate and go with a new pipe from one of the brands he listed. Just my 2 cents.

codyp · Dec 25, 2014

Guys,
I really appreciate the responses. You guys don't mess around!
I looked at the Ropps and like the styling quite a bit. They are in my price point. That seems to be a great option.
I live in Goodyear and work in Tempe. I drive by Ye Olde almost everyday so I can definitely swing by and check them out.
Thanks!

phxrock · Dec 25, 2014

Cody Look under the group of pipe clubs then look for the topic of Arizona Smokers the date and time of our next meeting will be posted there.
John

codyp · Dec 25, 2014

What do you guys think about this guy? I like the shape but what about the dimensions and weight? It's hard for me to tell without holding it in my hands. Any insight would be appreciated
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/Ropp/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=154607

cortezattic · Dec 25, 2014

The weight is 39.7 grams, not bad given that it's a bent pipe, which provides good leverage for the jaw.

The bowl I.D. is 19.6mm -- just over what I would call a minimum, but the walls of the bowl look a little thin

for a beginner's pipe. That baby would heat up and be uncomfortable to hold if you haven't truly mastered slow puffing.
Give yourself the advantage of a thick bowled pipe for starters. (Hint: bent pipes can be hard to smoke dryly,

and passing a pipe cleaner during the smoke can be challenging. I'd go with a classic straight bulldog shape.

Someone else recommended Savinelli, and I think that's pretty good advice.)

codyp · Dec 25, 2014

Awesome. Thanks for the advice, amigo. Looking for my first prime time pipe is half the fun. Until then my cob will do just fine.

cortezattic · Dec 25, 2014

Ya, take your time, and get lots of opinions.

codyp · Dec 25, 2014

10-4!

sablebrush52 · Dec 25, 2014

Hi Cody,
Welcome to the forum and to the universe of pipes. I'm going to disagree with everyone regarding old pipes. I have a number of centenarians that smoke quite well, and my oldest pipe, which smokes wonderfully well, is 140 years old.
It's not the age that matters, it's the condition and the quality of manufacture. There has been some discussion about pipes having a life span in terms of the number of bowls that a briar can absorb before the wood gets too clogged to disperse heat properly, but so far, no one has been able to define what that limit actually is beyond expressing an opinion. I look for lightly smoked pipes and as I've been doing this for quite a while, I know what to look for.
That said, the second pipe that you found looks like a good choice. The maker is a good one and the briar figure is really lovely. The price is certainly attractive.
The first pipe, which is a Comoy product, might be a very good pipe, but it is in less than stellar condition and I'm not a fan of out of round chambers which usually indicate poor habits on the part of a previous owner.

codyp · Dec 25, 2014

Thanks Sablebrush. I appreciate the insight!

codyp · Dec 25, 2014

Also found this guy that I really like...
http://m.ebay.com/itm/251766688321?_mwBanner=1

Chasing Embers · Dec 25, 2014

Want interesting or unique? Google Savinelli 904. Smoking Pipes has the shape with the alligator rustucation for around $108.

snagstangl · Dec 25, 2014

That price is way out of line for an unsmoked old drugstore pipe. I would top out at $20 if that for it.
http://www.pipetobacco.com/
this sponsor has tons of pipes brand new pipes for around 30 bucks in the shape you want. Plenty of basket pipes.

boilermakerandy · Dec 26, 2014

Cody,
I recently picked up one of each of these 2013 Peterson Christmas pipes from Iwan Ries. Fantastic smokers that I got for only $56 each after their discounts. The website says temporarily out of stock so you may want to call them if interested and see if they expect more to come into stock.
http://www.iwanries.com/peterson-christmas-2013-87-P14818C2163.cfm
http://www.iwanries.com/peterson-christmas-2013-b10-P14815C2163.cfm

codyp · Dec 26, 2014

Hey Randy,
Thanks for the info. That is a killer deal. I wouldn't mind picking one up, if they could get a hold of them for me.
I was also looking at a Chacom. It's definitely more than $56 though!!!!
https://smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/Chacom/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=129691

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