I'm new to the forum and looking for a pipe. It was recommended that I try a cob but the cobs I've seen around here are really cheap looking and feeling. so I found a smoke shop and they had several Capri pipes for $30 bucks. Any history on Capri pipes? Are they made by Brigham? Are they Italian? Made of Brair? I think the fella at the smoke shop said they were made by Brigham but something about imported from Italy, maybe the Brair was imported, I can't remember.
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Pipes Magazine » Pipe Talk
Newb
(61 posts)-
Posted 10 months ago #
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Wellcom Jaybird, If You are new to pipes then I would start with a cob and then go from there. It will all fall in place. We have alot of good pipe smokers here and You will learn alot.
U.S.M.C. (SEMPER FI)Posted 10 months ago # -
PipesAnd Cigars.com sells a line of Leonessa Capri Pipes that retail for $30.00. Don't know about their quality though.
I, for one, would not recommend starting with a corn cob pipe. Nor would I recommend an aromatic tobacco blend.
.... and so the polemics begin...Ooops! forgot my manners.
Welcome to the forums and PipesMagazine.com! 
I find myself sitting idly on the line dividing past and future,
as if I could kill time without injuring eternity. -- ThoreauPosted 10 months ago # -
Welcome Jaybird!
I'm not a fan of cobs either. In general, cheap pipes are cheap for a reason; they're poorly made from substandard materials.
My advice is to go with an entry level pipe from any of these makers: Peterson, Stanwell, Savinelli, Brebbia, Johs, Neerup and my new favorite carver EJH. Plan on spending between $50 and $100, which seems like a lot, I know, but you're paying for QUALITY.
Not that you asked, but I have the same advice when it comes to tobacco; avoid the cheap stuff. Captain Black, Sir Walter Raleigh, Half and Half, and those giant bags from Walgreens are all using cheap, poor quality tobacco and loading them up with chemicals and flavorings. Start with Cornell & Diehl, McClellands, Hearth & Home; basically anything you CAN'T buy at a drug store.
Enjoy and let me know how it goes.
Posted 10 months ago # -
I'm with Cortez. pipesandcigars.com also sells gift sets with different tobaccos. Great for the beginner. I would state that going with the Bjarne, Peterson, Brebbia gift sets is preferrable.
Welcome to the forums!
Southerners don't talk slow because they're dumb, we do it because there's really no rush.Posted 10 months ago # -
Any place in Canada to order from? Anything I should know about ordering from across the boarder?
Thanks.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Now wait a minute here....Cortez's link shows briar pipes and they are probably a good entry level pipe.
The price vs. quality debate, Jaybird, is a horse that has been beaten to death five kajillion times.
That's a five with a bazillion zeros!Have you ever smoked before?
If not, some of the burley based blends are a safe bet. Some Prince Albert or Carter Hall is easy to smoke, burns well, doesn't bite your tongue and readily available.
Plus, its cheap.
So, for $50.00 you could try pipe smoking and see if its any good for you. If its possible...ask your smoke shop if they carry any burley or virgina based blends and see if they have any suggestions.
"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." - Claire WolfePosted 10 months ago # -
Pipes2smoke.com is in Toronto and though their pipes are a bit pricey, you can find some good deals if you look hard (check out Ben Wade, London Castle and their estate section).
They also blend their own tobaccos (Compton's) which are SUPERIOR.
The owner of the site is a very good guy named Maxim (Max) Engle. Shoot him an email and he'll be able to hook you up.
Posted 10 months ago # -
But the horse isn't fully decomposed...
Posted 10 months ago # -
Anonymous
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Well I think a cob is a great way to start. I disagree bigvan, OTC tobaccos are also good tobaccos to start on. Prince Albert and Carter Hall are great tobaccos. I started with a cob and PA, and have gotten a fewof my buddies to do the same.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Grabow has a huge following and many swear by them. They are cheaper and and mass produced. Quality of the briar differs with any pipe, including Dr. Grabow.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Baskerville, of course opinions vary and tastes differ, but "Prince Albert and Carter Hall are great tobaccos"?
Really?
REALLY?!
Posted 10 months ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered
Posts: 2,214offlineLogin to Send PM
REALLY?!
Yes REALLY! I have been smoking them 30 some years as have others!! I think it's wrong to say they are cheap and of poor quality. If that is so please tell me how it is they have stayed around all these years. But like you say everybody has their own opinion.
SMOKE WHAT YOU LIKE, LIKE WHAT YOU SMOKE.
Posted 10 months ago # -
I am a strong believer in estate pipes, which are already broken in and can often be obtained cheaply. Of course, I would recommend that a beginner buy such a pipe from a reputable dealer who can ensure that the peice is properly cleaned before purchase. I think cobs are good, and of course I have purchased many great briars both new and used, but the first few bowls of a new pipe may be terrible until a good cake is formed. Some patience is required for that. Whatever pipe you choose, always keep in mind that the things get better with use, and that the better the pipe is to start with, the more likely you will come to enjoy it.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Yes, drugstore tobaccos ARE popular.
But so are Big Macs
and Britney Spears songs
and boxes of wine
and pants that sag down below the underwearPopularity is not the mark of quality. In fact, they're usually mutually exclusive.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Quality don't aways mean $, give a homeless man a Big Mac, box of wine, saggy pants, and a date with Britney then ask Him the quality of His day.
Posted 10 months ago # -
A corn cob is a good entry level pipe, I myself have a diplomat from aristocob.com. Brandishi is another good entry level briar pipe that I love. Petersons are nice but start at about $50 an up. Enjoy!
Posted 10 months ago # -
Quite a few of our sponsors have pipe starter kits. This will help you get all of the essentials that you will need all at the same time.
Here are the links to some of the pipe starter kits at some of our sponsors:
Pipesandcigars.com Starter Kit
More pipe starter kits and gift sets from Pipesandcigars.com
"When the Government Fears the People, There is Liberty;
When the People Fear the Government, There is Tyranny." - Thomas JeffersonPosted 10 months ago # -
o.O PA is like Big Macs and Britney? PA has been popular for a hella long time. No one is going to remember Britney in 50 years. I'd liken it to the dinner rolls you can get for $0.89 at the grocery store - it's a good standby that's survived the test of time and if no one told you it was that cheap, you wouldn't guess it.
I'm chilling on a dirt road
Laid back, swerving like I'm George Jones
Smoke rolling out the windowPosted 10 months ago # -
First, let start off right by saying, "Welcome to the forums!" OK now that's out of the way... I'll join in.
I started with a Yello-Bowl BRYLON (think fiber-board) pipe that was horrible. Next was a MM (Missouri Meerschaum) Legend corn cob pipe which I still smoke to this day. I moved on from there building my collection (around 15 or so pipes). There's nothing wrong with MM cobs. Any other brand, I'd be a bit leery of. As for briar, Doctor Grabows can be good. I have one that is my best smoker, the other is just a good smoker. The suggestions for Peterson, Bjarne, Savinelli, etc. are all valid, but if you're just starting out, $80-$100 may be a bit steep especially if you're not sure you want to stick with this hobby. Buy what you can afford, and learn the ropes. You'll figure out what you like and don't like in time.
As for tobacco, I like some OTC blends. Captain Black White and Captain Black Royal are good. I'm not a fan of either Carter Hall OR Prince Albert, but then, I'm not a fan of heavily burley-based blends. This doesn't mean they are crap and should be dismissed, it just means that they aren't for me. Many swear by them. I think everyone should try everything because you will find your go-to blend that way. You don't know until you try...
The starter kits are a great way to get into the hobby and for relatively little money. I wish I had come to this website BEFORE I started. Would've made my start a little less rocky...
Well, good luck and keep us posted on how it's coming along for you.
-Jason
unclearthur on high nicotine blends:
A few will leave you wandering around wondering who you are .Posted 10 months ago # -
How do I select a pipe when shopping in a store? What kind of thing do I look for? I'm not sure about ordering online from a US site because of tariffs. I bought a bottle of whiskey in MI and drove it back across the boarder. The bottle was $21 bucks and the tax was $19. If I can get it locally I might save myself the hassle of paying extra tax.
Posted 10 months ago # -
The technical things I look for in a pipe now are:
1. Draft hole placement - make sure the hole is centered coming into the bowl and that it isn't coming through the chamber (bowl) wall ABOVE the bottom of the bowl. I have a few pipes like this and you can't smoke your tobacco to the bottom.
2. The tenon and shank (I don't have a diagram of a pipe to help here. Sorry. You'll have to find one somewhere on this site) are snug but don't require excessive force to get the two apart or back together.
3. The pipe cleaner test - put a pipe cleaner through the air-hole in the stem and make sure it goes all the way to the bowl (a small amount of fiddling to get it there is OK. If you really have to play with it to get it there, move on to a different pipe). NOTE: if the pipe uses filters of any kind this may not be possible, but then, it shouldn't matter as much since this usually is to get rid of excess moisture. (Hope that makes sense)
4. Probably the MOST important- You LIKE if not LOVE the way the pipe looks and feels. If you don't you won't smoke it.
Addendum: these aren't hard and fast rules, but they should help steer you to a better constructed pipe.
-Jason
Posted 10 months ago # -
Lawrence hasn't posted this yet so I'll do it.
BTW, I'm not a badass, I'm just socially awkward. – BillyZoomPosted 10 months ago # -
Thanks folks.
Any more info on Capri pipes by Brigham? Any thoughts on Brigham in general? The local shop has a bunch of those.
Posted 10 months ago # -
My brother started with a cob and some Dunhill Nightcap and he was happy.
I started with an estate briar and some Captain Black White and I'm happy.
The point is do what makes you happy.
Posted 10 months ago # -
PA GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!
If at first you don't succeed you are running about average.Posted 10 months ago # -
Bringham pipes are good to go.
Find one that visually appeals to you, see how it feels in your hand, check its drilling, and buy it.
Posted 10 months ago # -
pipesandcigars.com sells a line called Baccara. They are beautiful pipes with nice big tobacco chambers and are usually less than $30. The only thing that you have to be careful with in these pipes is that they will gurgle from time to time, so keep a couple of extra pipe cleaners handy.
Posted 10 months ago # -
welcome to the site jaybird. i'd go with a cob and some nasty homegrown, but then i am a southern hemisphere heathen!
i'd go with a sampler from pipesandcigars and a pipe that fits nice in your hand, if you like the experiance then theres plenty of time and oppurtunity to spend your hard earned cash later
New Zealand
Peter Piper.
Give me the weed, the fragrant weed, My wearied brain to calm; In a wreath of smoke, while I crack my joke, I'll find a healing balm.Posted 10 months ago # -
Brigham Pipes are excellent quality at great prices. You get a lot of value with a Brigham pipe.
There's nothing wrong with Prince Albert or Carter Hall either. I think of them like the Budweiser of pipe tobacco.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Welcome to the forum..post up plenty of pics for us...of anything.
Marry the right person, this one decision will determine 90% of your happiness.
Does a culture based on seperation and competition, of scientific sophistication and mideval religion, offer happiness even as it ravishes the Earth that sustains it?Posted 10 months ago # -
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread but I do feel strongly about starting out new smokers with good quality materials rather than going cheap.
I love the dinner roll analogy, Cyndi.
Posted 10 months ago # -
I'm trying to remember who it was, but there was a member who bought Brigham almost exclusively and was from Canada. From him and a few others, they are great pipes for the money.
In this hobby, you're gonna get opinions on just about anything, like you've already seen, especially how to get started. You'll find all of us to be passionate about pipe smoking. Another option is if you can find a local shop, (what we call a B&M, or brick & mortar) the folks can definitely help make sure you're making a good purchase and possibly set you up with some samples of their blends. Starting out myself, I went cheap to see if I liked it. Afterwards, I started researching sites and forums and testing the waters with different pipes and tobaccos, and of course, I'm still learning.
Most important is to just dive in and have fun. As you go along, you'll learn about the different types of tobaccos and pipes out there. I think there are some online retailers in the US that know a little about how to work around customs, etc. Also, I think there are laws set up in Canada that allow you to get so much tobacco through before they start highly taxing you. Might be something to check out.
Posted 10 months ago # -
A friend is sending me a Missouri Meerschaum cob pipe. I guess that's the first one I'll try. A lot of folks have said this was where I should start but I couldn't find a Missouri Meerschaum around my area.
Thanks folks.
Posted 10 months ago # -
A friend is sending me a Missouri Meerschaum cob pipe. I guess that's the first one I'll try. A lot of folks have said this was where I should start but I couldn't find a Missouri Meerschaum around my area.
I have 3 cobs now and I love em'!"I used to cry because I had no shoes. Until I met a man who had no feet"- My favorite and I use it to get by...
Support The Epilepsy Awareness Foundation!Posted 10 months ago # -
A lot of folks have said this was where I should start but I couldn't find a Missouri Meerschaum around my area.
Missouri Meerschaum Company is based in Missouri, US. Been around for a very long time and I don't believe they have any store locations anywhere. They sell to individuals and retailers.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Gifts sets are cool, because you typically get everything you need to start. However...
1. Make sure the pipe you purchase isn't too small. For example, a Grabow "Lark" or "Savoy" are too small for general use. They are good for certain blends (for example those high in Nicotine, where you want a smaller bowl, possibly) or for short smokes. But, if you were going with a Grabow, a Duke might be a good place to start. Not saying go with a Grabow, only most everyone knows what size a Duke is, and you can even compare that size by description with an online retailer via phone or email.
2. Whatever tobacco you get in a gift set is hit and miss. The least expensive sets are going to get you a Middleton product and/or Borkhum Riff. Tobacco tastes run full spectrum per individual, but you might try some stand-bys that are easy smoking. Lane 1Q, is the typical example. Cheap, easy smoking, easily found.
"To seek freedom is the only driving force I know. Freedom to fly off into that infinity out there."Posted 10 months ago # -
Jaybird,
SmokingPipes.com just posted a nice looking no-name estate bulldog for $30.00
Looks like it might be a nice smoker for the beginner.
(It wouldn't surprise me if this was a Savinelli second. Similar to their shape #623.)Posted 9 months ago # -
Prince Albert, and a corn cob was all it took to win my heart. That initial experience was enough to turn me into a piperosexual. I am now intimate with many pipes and many different tobaccos. I will never forget my fist time, and I'll never go back to my former ways:)
Posted 9 months ago # -
"Piperosexual"... huh... yeah that's... nice?... so I'm just going to stand over THERE.
Posted 9 months ago # -
"Piperosexual"... huh... yeah that's... nice?... so I'm just going to stand over THERE.
Thanks.... I'll let you know if I need any help slay'n the big one, although I have never required assistance laying down pipe yet. On occasion I do share, but that means I bring an extra pipe to the party. If I show up with two you are more than welcome to partake in the one I am less enthusiastic about, and I get to refer to you as "fullback".
Small piece of advice: If you turn off the lights yours will probably smoke about as good as mine.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Posted 9 months ago #
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Posted 9 months ago # -
I sent Brigham a message about the Capri pipe and here was the response:
Here is a bit of basic information on the Capri pipes. We distribute the Capri Basket pipes. They are hand turned from Italian briar in Italy. We now also have a variety of Capri Churchwarden pipes which you might be interested in.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered
Posts: 436offlineLogin to Send PM
Why doesn't anybody mention Kaywoodie as a decent starter pipe? I have 2 and while I have better, I can't convince myself to upgrade from them. They will stay in my rotation as long as I smoke.
Posted 9 months ago # -
I just started as well. I bought a Savinelli Duca Carlo for around $50, and although I was a bit hesitant to spend that much at first, it was WELL worth it.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Thanks for all the help folks. I've been reading, learning and experimenting. It's time for a new (to me) pipe with a bigger bowl.
Posted 8 months ago # -
A kaywoodie was, I think my second pipe. I love it, even with the stinger.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I have 2 capri pipes. One my wife bought me 4 years ago, and i bought the second one today. I bought it since i was out in a different city and forgot my pie(s) at home. I have found the Capris to be a decent smoker for sure. Not the best that I currently have but among the best, probably top 3 and that is saying alot. Both pipes cost around $30 each. Beats the hell out of Brylon
Posted 8 months ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered
Posts: 436offlineLogin to Send PM
Petrified dog squeeze beats the hell out of
brylon.Posted 8 months ago # -
Oh and Yes Capri pipes are Brigham seconds.
http://www.brigham1906.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=93&lang=en
Posted 8 months ago # -
...I feel like buying one today just for the hell of it.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Get yourself the Brigham jaybird! DO IT!
Posted 8 months ago # -
The problem is...I like to play music as well. I'll probably buy another harmonica and wait until next week to grab the pipe, lol.
Posted 8 months ago # -
But...you can't smoke a harmonica!?
Posted 8 months ago # -
Have you ever seen my play? lol
Posted 8 months ago # -
ZINGER! Post a video!
Posted 8 months ago # -
Have you ever seen my play?
BOOM! Well played...
Posted 8 months ago # -
I was just trying to be funny, my skillz are not still being honed. I can pick a banger much better.
Posted 8 months ago #
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