Pipes Magazine » Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions

1. 

   josh420
   

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   I'm 24, smoked cigs for 12 years.. thought it time to quit that nasty habit and switched to nasel snuff and Swedish snus(chewing tobacco but not as bad for you), a great way to quit mind u.. Anyway after reading a post on costly vs cheep pipes on here i hit up ebay and looked for a pipe that was my style as I had nothing else to go on. I ended up winning an auction and paying 99 cents for a lovely looking pipe..6$ shipping included... Anyway while im having a drink of scotch with family or having some beers with the boys I always have the urge to bum a smoke so i thought y not try a pipe? anyway I'm looking for suggestions on tobacco.. going to buy 2 types for my first try and most likly sooner then later a better pipe.. I love MrSnuff.. my favorite online tobacco shop by far.. so that narrows down the selections to what they have in stock. any suggestions?? https://mistersnuff.com/catalog/pipe-tobacco-c-168.html

   Edit: Corrected capitalization in title and deleted one short comment, L.

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 

   chakaraka
   

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   Just out of curiosity, is this pipe you ordered from China and marketed as "durable tobacco smoking pipe"? I really hope not, but if so you will find that it is not really a proper pipe and not really advisable for tobacco smoking. I got one of these novelty pipes for Christmas from my step-daughter and although it got me interested in "real" pipes and introduced me to this hobby, all it is really good for is an ornament. "Herb" pipe maybe, but if it is the same as mine, it has a painted metal bowl and hardly any draw, so I am not sure I would want to smoke anything out of it. I hope I am jumping to conclusions just based on the very low price. But if not, I would recommend trying out a MM CornCob Pipe. They smoke very admirably for a $5 pipe and are not a heartbreaker if you break or lose it.

   For tobacco, ask 6 people and get 3,000 different answers...well pretty much. I am still smoking through my first pouch of Captain Black White (CBW). Some commend this as a good first choice, others have very different opinions. I would probably buy this tobacco again, but right now after nearly polishing off a pouch, I am interested in sampling some other types and blends of tobacco. I checked out your link, and yes they do have pipe tobacco and some very good ones in their limited selection. I however feel that their prices are pretty high. Check out http://www.smokingpipes.com , http://www.pipesandcigars.com , http://www.4noggins.com for starters. There are other good online vendors, but those seem to be the "big 3" that everyone on here does business with. I believe they are also site sponsors.

   Mike.
   - - - - - -
   Rookie, but learning.

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   josh420
   

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   Sir you have my pipe figured out, I didn't want to spend much on something I'm not sure I'll like and I had enough ebay bucks to get it without paying anything lol I'm off work waiting for shoulder surgery and we have our second baby on the way so things are a little tight at the moment.. heres a link to another pipe like the one I have ordered http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Durable-Tobacco-Smoking-Pipe-Unique-Snake-Design-Brand-New-/181064133478?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a28436b66#ht_1258wt_1037

   I'm a little bummed that this pipe isn't going to be a keeper because I love the more modern styling but I have to admit your statement regarding it is exactly what I expected

   Thanks for the response

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   rcstan
   

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   +1 on getting a corn cob pipe or perhaps upping the ante to $20 and picking up some sort of "basket" briar pipe if you have a B&M ( brick-and-mortar ) store you can walk in.

   I wouldn't smoke ANYTHING out of that plastic pipe ( followed the link and description ). It does look super-cool though.

   I assume you smoke cigs so for switching to a pipe, an aromatic heavy cased baccy like the Captain will be a no-no. You can't huff and puff a pipe like a cig and you'll end up with a sore mouth from said aromatic ( been there, done that, bought the T-shirt ). I would start with Prince Albert regular ( red pouch ), it's an all-burley blend, very smooth and good cigarette-like in taste ( that is, an all-natural cigarette i.e American Spirit ), although a bit plain. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with other blends.

   

   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 

   Spartan
   

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   That pipe does not sound like it's going to be any good at smoking pipe tobacco. Here's what I would recommend:

   Find a local B&M and talk to them, pick their brain, tell them your situation and that you are interested in the hobby but are not willing to drop a wad of cash on something you may not like. After all that you may most likely do the following....

   Buy the best basket pipe you can afford, a tamper, and a few onces of tobacco.

   You've allready wasted $7. This is a good way to not waste any more.

   "I was born to lose. So I'll die to win." -Breaking Benjamin

   Posted 4 months ago #
6. 

   josh420
   

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   http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ONE-ORIGINAL-CORN-COB-PIPE-/220989806546?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item337404d7d2&_uhb=1#ht_1920wt_1037
   Would this be worth while as a 1-2 month starter?
   again thanks for the feed back, This is one of the most forums I've been on, right up there with roleitup

   Posted 4 months ago #
7. 

   bambam
   

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   If you want a corn cob make sure its a Missouri Meerschaum any other type will be a waste of money. I know where I live in Virginia I can go to a cvs drugstore and pick one up for 5 or 6 bucks.

   Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.
   (Robert Kennedy)

   Posted 4 months ago #
8. 

   rothnh
   

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   Josh, welcome to PM Forums.

   We puffers here usually don't agree on much, but on the advice you are seeking as the OP in this thread, I'm damned sure 100% of everyone here would agree:

   (1) Do not buy either of the pipes you posted here except as a novelty never to be smoked.

   (2) Be prepared to be patient and to take the time to do a lot of reading, taking suggestions, adjusting, while learning about pipe smoking and how to get the best out of your pipe and the enjoyment we all get out of the hobby.

   (3) Check out the pipe tobaccos in the links Chakaraka provided you here, above. Carefully. (Mr. Snuff is great for getting some esoteric pipe tobacco blends from across the pond -- I'd love some Capstan Blue, but at #32 a pouch plus shipping, I can get 3 tins of pipe tobacco for that at one of our site sponsors). Saving money is huge to some of us -- it stretches our budget so we can use our savings to buy more tobacco and pipes Narrow down some tobaccos blends that sound good to you at these sites Chakaraka provided here; these brand names are new to you, so write them down.

   (4) Then do some research on those blends. Check out what folks say about all those tobacco blends at http://tobaccoreviews.com
   and http://luxurytobaccoreviews.com/

   (5) Spend the money on a Missouri Meerschaum (MM) Cob Pipe (the MM brand is huge -- do not opt for a Chinese cheapie) -- a good MM Cob costs less than 2 packs of Marlboros here where I live -- look at it that way. (See the links Chakaraka provided here for where to buy it, and as noted above, quality MM pipes are available at most local tobacco shops, cigarette/RYO stores, even drug stores).

   While doing your research, or anytime assistance or clarification is required, just ask -- we're here to help you along to help you enjoy smoking your pipe as much as we love smoking ours!

   Posted 4 months ago #
9. 

   baronsamedi
   

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   +1 to what all these guys have said. There are some good options for you if you are looking for an inexpensive but good pipe.

   For corn cobs, you can get the classic MM Legend for a little over $5 Here: http://corncobpipe.com/index.php/legend-corncob-pipe.html

   For an inexpensive but solid briar, check out a Wellington. I own one and it has served me 100X better than other pipes in that price range. http://pipesandcigars.com/wes.html

   If you like the eBay, look for old Kaywoodie pipes. You can get a 1940s to 1960s Kaywoodie in great condition for $15 to $20. Look for the Flame Grain, Super Grain and Connoisseur models. Those are the top ones. The ones with the 4-hole "stinger" will put you in the right date range. The old Kaywoodies were competitors to Dunhill back in the day, so not a bad go for the price.

   This Super Grain looks pretty good. http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAYWOODIE-SUPER-GRAIN-BILLIARD-STYLE-PIPE-/251211393575?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7d5daa27

   Proud Member of the Blackblood Society

   Posted 4 months ago #
10. 

    josh420
    

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    I'm in northern canada where the population is thin and the population of pipe smokers is few to none. I pay $25 for a can of skoal lol the reason i was looking at mr snuff is because i was gonna grab 2 pouch's of Taylor's pride. You are right though, the pipe tobacco prices are a lot better on the sites mentioned above. Aside from northerner(bad shopping experience in past)I cant find anywhere to get dip or chew at a reasonable price online and with the crazy canadian tobacco tax's I cant get any locally. I've browsed those sites and I'm going to grab a few tins tomorrow, been looking at the pipes on one of those sites and I cant decide on one

    Posted 4 months ago #
11. 

    rothnh
    

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    I've browsed those sites and I'm going to grab a few tins tomorrow, been looking at the pipes on one of those sites and I cant decide on one

    Great -- I urge you to take your time. Do the heavy lifting (thorough research). The more effort you put into it, the more you'll get out of it.

    I may be viewed as a masochist by some, but I actually enjoy putting the effort in learning about the pipe hobby and all that goes with it; I've been at this for 40+ years and still learning. The internet certainly pared down the time it takes and opened up a lot of sources and info!

    As for which pipe, since you're just starting out, the MM cob is a fine starter pipe. Many of us own dozens of very expensive briars and meerschaums, yet we often reach for our $8 MM cob for a reliable, enjoyable smoke.

    Patience is most important in our hobby and IMO the hardest thing to learn, especially by a new puffer.

    Again I wish you the best of luck and please let us know how you make out!

    Posted 4 months ago #
12. 

    josh420
    

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    I'm going to try this http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ONE-ORIGINAL-CORN-COB-PIPE-/220989806546?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item337404d7d2&_uhb=1#ht_1920wt_1037 and an extra tin or 2, reviews were all good, thanks for the help guys. When I first tried snuff i ordered 3 packs, loved them all.. ordered 26 different types my second time and found only 2-3 i like

    Posted 4 months ago #
13. 

    Jud
    

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    It's not a Missouri Meerschaum. It does not look like the bowl is properly treated. I made the mistake of buying a cheapo cob once and it caught fire the first bowl.
    I know 4noggins ships to Canada. Check them out.

    And welcome to the forum.

    Thought in the early morning, solace in time of woes,
    Peace in the hush of the twilight, balm ere my eyelids close
    Rudyard Kipling

    Posted 4 months ago #
14. 

    chakaraka
    

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    I'm in Canada too. It is a bit challenging here. If you buy locally, like I did for my first pipe, prices are very inflated compared to online stores. I paid $50 for a pouch of CBW, a MM Legend (corn cob pipe), a czech tool and a book of matches and sample pack of pipe cleaners were thrown in. The tobacco alone was $26, compared to about $4 for the same thing (+ shipping of course) online. I just put together an order from pipes and cigars for my first briar, two MM cobs, a tin plus an ounce of tobacco, 8 bundles of pipe cleaners, 5 shank brushes, a pipe cleaner holder (that comes with 12 in it) and they throw in a calendar. $115 shipped to my door. Went small for first order until I am sure it crosses the border okay. But you can see that the same order at a Shefield & Sons in BC would have cost $400-500. I just need to figure out what I like for tobacco and try to stay well ahead of my consumption. We can only import 200g (7 oz) at a time, so it will be less cost effective than the guys in the US that can buy it by the pound (at a discount). But our taxes are so high that even with no quantity discounts and shipping it should be considerable cheaper. I imagine you are in the same boat too, but my closest B&M's are an hour away, and their selection and pricing leave a lot to be desired.

    Posted 4 months ago #
15. 

    05venturer
    

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    my suggestions would be the following
    MM Corncob pipe
    Carter Hall tobacco
    both very inexpensive and great smoking
    I have also purchased a Durable Pipe cheap and smoke it twice and tossed it aside and right back to my cobs.
    Good luck and welcome to the club!!!!

    Kent
    
    

    Posted 4 months ago #
16. 

    rondyr
    

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    My suggestions for you:

    A MM Corn Cob, and ONLY a MM cob. No generics, because they are 99.99% crap. When you can swing it, pick up a Dr. Grabow Omega. I dunno how much they cost where you live, but here in Maryland an Omega runs around $40.00. A Dr. Grabow Savoy is another good, cheap pipe that runs around $25.00. PipeandCigars.com also has some cheap pipes that are decent starter pipes: http://www.pipesandcigars.com/babrpi.html

    If you find that you enjoy smoking a pipe and are ready to step up a few notches in the pipe world, I highly recommend one of these deals: http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pigisetpatir1.html#.UPjwiycUW9s and http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pigisetpatbj1.html#.UPjwjScUW9s

    As for 'baccy, I recommend the following blends, none of which are overly expensive and are all blends that I personally enjoy:

    Captain Black Regular/White
    Captain Black Royal
    Sir Walter Raleigh
    Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic
    Carter Hall
    Dunhill Nightcap
    Dunhill Early Morning Pipe
    Dunhill My Mixture 965
    Hearth and Home Black House
    Hearth and Home Cerberus
    Hearth and Home Magnum Opus
    Frog Morton On The Bayou
    Brigadier Black Gettysburg (a peach-flavored aromatic, but pretty good)
    Brigadier Black Alamo
    Brigadier Black Bull Run

    And for sites, http://www.smokingpipes.com, http://www.pipesandcigars.com, http://www.cupojoes.com, and http://www.hilandcigars.com are all great sites to purchase pipes and tobacco from. I find cupojoes to be more expensive on most items than the other three, but it's still an awesome site.

    There's my two cents. Welcome to the community, and I hope that you enjoy pipe smoking as much as the rest of us do!

    I'm so awesome, I make myself jealous of myself.

    Posted 4 months ago #
17. 

    Eric
    

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    Josh, that corn cob pipe you linked is utter trash do not buy it! http://www.corncobpipe.com and http://www.aristocob.com are two places to buy the real deal. There is a big differince between a Chinese made cob and an American made one. The MM cobs have a special corn grown just for them that is especially resistant to heat and lasts way longer.

    As for the baccy, get whatever looks good, if you don't like it, trade it to someone who does for whatever they got over the forum. If your new, a lot of people will give you samples of blends you might like as well, or you can trade a baccy for smaller amounts of several to get a taste of something new.

    "The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time."
    Mark Twain - Eric (taerin): nickname (username)

    Posted 4 months ago #
18. 

    josh420
    

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    You guys know your pipes, I'm surly going to grab a top notch pipe when I get back to work, shouldn't be longer then 2 and a half months from now.. Thanks for all the recommendations on cheaper pipes, I'm going to ponder over them all this weekend and thanks guys

    Posted 4 months ago #
19. 

    05venturer
    

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    A MM Corn Cob, and ONLY a MM cob. No generics, because they are 99.99% crap.

    
    +1 rondyr
    I made the mistake once of purchasing a chinese cob, burnt out in less than a week and didn't smoke at all like a MM. Never again. what was I thinkin?

    Posted 4 months ago #
20. 

    fitzy
    

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    I would absolutely recommend Lane's 1-Q and their RLP. Also Villiger Mid-Day is another nice aromatic.

    
    Midwest Wood Creations
    Be sure to check out Gecko13's handiwork when in the market for any of your pipe accessory needs such as tampers, cabinets, pipe racks etc.

    Posted 4 months ago #

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