Various online retailers offer pipe starter kits which usually include at least one pipe, a tin or pouch or several of tobacco blends of either similar or various kinds, a pipe tool, and pipe cleaners, maybe a lighter. I started with a pipe when I was over thirty having grown up watching my dad smoke a pipe, so when I went about putting together the pipe, tobacco and supplies, I somewhat knew what I needed and intentionally selected individual items to suit me, each selected for my own reasons or tastes, and all within a limited budget. Yet I often stop to study the kits to visualize what a new piper would gain or lose buying a kit rather than studying up and selecting separately. I've always been inclined to prompt newbies to select individual items, to learn about what they're buying, even if they spent a few bucks more in the process. Still, I can see the benefit both in economy and completeness in starting out with a kit, ready to go, to focus on learning to smoke a pipe rather than on the merchandise. I'd still choose to do it my way, but I can see the advantages of a kit. What are your thoughts, a pipe kit yeah or nay? I confess I enjoy visualizing the various kit offers and what I would include or substitute.
