Don’t Leave Home Without It … Your Pipe
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Kevin Godbee - Dec 1, 2009
- 4 min read
"Don’t Leave Home Without It" was a popular American Express ad campaign for several decades. They obviously didn’t want you to leave home without your American Express Card. Well, I don’t want you to leave home without your PIPE. I’ve made an interesting observation about myself and others recently. I found that I was only smoking my pipes at home although there were several opportunities to do so in the park, walking around downtown and elsewhere. In last month’s article in this column, "Pipes Are For Everyone", one of the commenters said, speaking of his girlfriend that smokes a pipe, "…like a lot of ladies she is a bit shy and will not smoke in public or talk about it around people she doesn’t know." It’s not just the ladies either. I have also spoken to several male pipe smokers that have made similar statements.
When I was logged into the Pipes Magazine Twitter account, I made some searches on pipe smoking in an attempt to find some people to follow. I found several "Tweets" from non-pipe-smokers that had made comments such as; "I saw a 20-something smoking a pipe today. That’s weird." "How odd!" There were many similar comments. The good news is that there are younger people enjoying pipe smoking. It is also good that many of them are out in public doing so. However, it does seem that there are lots of closet pipe smokers. Apparently some of us are afraid that we will get reactions similar to the comments I saw on Twitter, that pipe smoking is odd or strange.
I have decided to be a closet pipe smoker no more!
I live in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Being in downtown, and in a warm climate, I have the opportunity to walk just about everywhere all the time, year-round. As of a couple of months ago, my pipe is my new companion in all of my travels. I work from home and I have a daily routine. The mail comes around 11 am. I get the mail, then go to the bank, the UPS store, shopping at Publix (the local supermarket chain), get lunch, then Starbucks and back home to the condo. All the while, I have my pipe. I smoke in between stops and then just hold the pipe in my hand, or put it in my pocket at each location. The smoke usually goes out quick enough that no one gives me the evil eye for smoking in a non-smoking location.
Do some people look at me like I am an alien from outer-space? Yes. Do I care? No.
Smoking a pipe shows that you are an individual, a thinker, an intelligent, confident being that knows what he (or she) wants, where we want to be and how to get there. We do not follow the crowd; doing something, or believing something just because everyone else does. We are not part of the weak-minded flocks of sheep that make up the general populace. We are pipe smokers that can think for ourselves. We know how to enjoy and make the most of our short time on this planet. We have the confidence and self-assurance that we do not need to prove anything to anybody. We are above the fray.
Does your pipe really say all these things about you?
Yes, it does. Not all of the people I pass while smoking my pipe have a confused look on their face. Some give me looks of admiration. While window shopping downtown on a recent Sunday, my darling girlfriend decided to go into a store to try on some clothes. I stayed outside to finish my pipe. Several people passed by. Some gave me the odd looks, but many gave me looks like "that dude looks pretty cool". Not that I care either way, but the best part was when I finished and went inside the ladies clothing store. Apparently I was carrying along some "third-hand smoke". (That’s the new Anti-Smoking-Nazi term for when someone smells like they were smoking.) A middle-aged woman inside the store saw me holding my pipe and commented; "I can smell your pipe and it smells so good! What is that? Cherry blend? I love it!" (I wasn’t actually smoking "cherry blend", but if that’s what she got out of it, then fine by me.)
So, where does this leave us?
If you were extraordinarily smart, would you not use your intelligence? If you were amazingly good-looking, would you hide it? I hope not. If you love smoking a pipe and want to find other people that do, and perhaps intrigue another worthy individual into trying it, then …
Don’t Leave Home Without Your Pipe!
Written by Kevin Godbee
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Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 488! Our featured interview tonight is with John Brandt. John is the owner of the Wilke Pipe Tobacco, which has been in existence since 1872. Wilke has a great history of pipe making and tobacco blending. John is the second owner, since 2017, after the founding family, and he continues to make some of the original tobacco blends from over a century ago. In the “Pipe Parts” segment we will have “Ask the Pipemaker” with pipe artisan Jeff Gracik. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 487! Our featured interview tonight is with Phil Morgan, the General Manager of the Missouri Meerschaum Co. Missouri Meerschaum has been making the original American-made Corn Cob Pipes for over 150-years. Phil is joined on the show by his daughter, Shannon Hock. She has been working at the company for several years and will be increasing her role there. We will also talk about Missouri Meerschaum’s take over of sales and marketing for Old Dominion corn cob and clay pipes, and the differences between the brands. In the “Pipe Parts” segment Brian will have a review of one our listener’s pipe collections. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
Something somewhat out of character has been afoot in the House of Pease. For more than a week, I have been smoking the same pipe every day, sometimes twice. What’s the big deal? Lots of people do that. I’ve always been a rather outspoken advocate for the “Well Rested Pipe,” and I don’t mean just setting it aside for a day or two between smokes. Typically, after I’ve finished a bowl, I’ll give the pipe a solid fortnight, often longer, before picking it up again. This may strike some as little more than a convenient justification for maintaining a large collection, and I wouldn’t deny this benevolent side-effect of a well worn habit. But more importantly, at least to me, I’ve always found that pipes just taste much better when they’ve had a little R-and-R. Smoked too frequently, they tend to deliver a harsher, more astringent smoke than I prefer. I’ve known many pipe smokers who feel similarly, but over the years I’ve also talked to those who are equally dedicated to the notion that the whole “resting” thing is a load of rubbish, and are content to smoke their pipes as frequently as they like without experiencing any ill-effects. I once talked about this with Larry Roush, who insisted that a good pipe should be able to be smoked bowl after bowl, and it will still taste just fine as long as it’s kept clean. (Honestly, I’ve always thought this a bit nuts, but de gustibus non disputandum est.) How can there be such a difference in perception? And, which side is right? So, here I find myself doing the opposite of what has been my custom for nearly as long as I’ve been a pipe smoker, and doing so in a couple of ways. First, for much of the past year, I’ve found myself rummaging through the “cellar,” and smoking a lot of the aged and vintage VA blends I’ve accumulated, which is a bit out of character for me. I really like Virginias, but I’m primarily a pretty devout latakiaphile, and always have been so it’s been something of an interesting change of direction to spend so much time deeply exploring outside the comfort zone of the smoky stuff, and in doing so I’ve gained an even greater appreciation, especially for well-aged Virginias, with or without perique. It’s been great to expand the horizons in such a concentrated way. But back on topic. For over a week, I’ve smoked the same pipe day after day, sometimes more than once. I didn’t set out to do this; I was just continuously drawn back to this particular pipe, and figured that as long as it continued treating my tongue well, I might as well stay calm and carry on. To my surprise, neither pipe, nor smoker suffered at all from repeated encounters. In fact, bowl after bowl, I enjoyed it immensely. Finally, after many smokes, the flavors the pipe delivered were a bit less than ideal, but still far better than I expected. A quick swab with a pipe cleaner dipped in alcohol, and everything was again right as rain. Wondering, then, if my old habit might perhaps be more superstition than reality, I grabbed a tin of one of my most beloved full latakia mixtures, and carried out the same experiment with another well seasoned and long-favored pipe. Off to a great start, the first smoke was ambrosial. But within a few bowls, that same harshness I’d experienced in the past grabbed my tongue in its caustic tentacles like an ill-tempered Cthulhu rising from the murky depths of R’yleh. Fending off the demon, I gave the pipe a good scrub, and tried again. No joy. At least with those fuller-bodied latakia mixtures, resting the pipe seems essential for the optimal smoking experience. How many who claim not to like latakia mixtures might feel differently if they changed the way they treated them? This old dog may have been taught a couple new tricks. While I am reluctant to over-generalize, there seems to be some evidence that what we fill our pipes with may have a significant role to play in both how we smoke and how we treat our pipes, and in turn, how our pipes treat us. Virginias have shown themselves to be more forgiving both of the pipe in which they are smoked, and of what I once would have considered pipe-abuse. Latakia mixtures, not so much. Retrospectively, this seems to make some sense. Those fellows who insisted pipes don’t need rest were mostly Virginia devotees. So is Larry Roush. The ones who were on my side of the discussion? They love their latakias. I realize this is anecdotal; of course not all pipes, nor all pipe smokers, are guaranteed to behave the same way, so your mileage may vary, and there’s often a sort of mystical synergy between briar and leaf that we might never fully understand. But maybe this experience can pull up the covers and let the rest debate rest, at least in my own head. Which side is right? It seems both are. We all have our traditions, our rituals, our unique taste, but maybe it’s a good thing to relax our grasp on them once in a while and explore the alternatives. There are many ways to enjoy the pipe, and none of them is right or wrong. Seems like this might be some generally good advice for life, too. Photos by G.L. Pease
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The holiday season has crept upon us again, and with it the urge, in me at least, to indulge in some unabashed aromatic smoking. In normal times, the holidays are a reason to enjoy feasting and the company of family and friends; aromatics of course make for a pleasant atmosphere for smokers and non-smokers alike, while the pipe itself hearkens to a sense of tradition and hearth concomitant with the season. In these uncertain days, while we may not be able to enjoy all of those things in the traditional manner, I do hope that our readers are able to find a reasonable facsimile thereof in some small measure. Looking back on this past year, I find something missing: Peterson special editions. It used to be I looked forward to them annually—summer, limited, and especially the holiday blend. Sadly, they are no longer, but some cellar diving did unearth a curiosity: a jar of Sunset Breeze dated 2014, my favored blend from their standard lineup, which it seemed only fitting to compare to a new production tin. With the K&P portfolio of blends being acquired by Scandinavian Tobacco Group in 2018, would it be the same old blend? Would it even still be palatable? My worries proved unfounded, as upon opening it, it smelled every bit as sweet and almondy as it should, identical in nature to a fresh tin, if only the slightest bit muted. Preferring the ideology of a tropical sunset to a winter’s chill, it all seems to come together perfectly for this smoke. Peterson tobaccos have never let me down, at least not in terms of smoking enjoyment. I am, however, more than a little heartbroken that their holiday blend series is a thing of the past. From my first tin in 2009 to the last, extremely difficult to obtain tin from 2019, the special editions were a sort of side adventure that I anticipated embarking on, both for the aromatic creations—some of which were remarkable, some wacky, some forgettable—but also for the tin art; tins that I now keep various trinkets, sewing kits, pens, and other odds and ends in, but which also encapsulate memories of those years within—the year I went to the Chicago show, the year I started writing for PipesMagazine, the year old Romeo passed on, the year I broke off an engagement. I daresay we pipe smokers tend toward being a sentimental lot, if anything. Just looking at the blood-orange red tin of Sunset Breeze evokes for me the sense-memory of its delicious amaretto aroma. The bouquet of the fresh tin as well as its color is, as expected, a bit more vibrant and bright as compared to the jarred sample, though the latter has retained the larger part of its aroma, if a bit more tempered and a smidge darker of leaf. Inhaling deeply nets a full bouquet of almond, orangey citrus, light cherry hints, and the faint nuttiness of the burley threading it all together. Pomander balls, those clove-studded oranges my aunt was famous for making, come to mind—recommending this blend suitably in the range of the traditional scents of the season. Speaking of the leaf, comparing the two vintages reassures me that STG has taken great care in its stewardship of the Peterson marque—aside from the darkening of the color, the cut and texture of the leaf from the samples are remarkably similar, and the aroma of the casing is spot-on the same. I see the same melange of lots of dark Cavendish with burley and Virginia crosscut, artfully arranged in the Peterson manner. From charring light to about mid-bowl, it’s all about the room note. The nose aroma for the smoker is enticing and spicy with a promise of sweetness, and is certainly a crowd-pleaser for bystanders—as prescribed, always an excellent choice to recommend for lighting up at any gatherings. Care and patience are rewarded with Cavendish-forward blends like these, for they can be a dangerous temptress, urging the smoker to puff a little too fast while chasing the translation of aroma to flavor, only to be rewarded with a sharply bitten tongue. To that end, I find that a double espresso, or at the very least a strong black coffee, makes a perfect accompaniment for tending the start of the bowl to balance out the alkalinity of the blend as well as a counterpoint to the flavors—perfect for the after-dinner cup. The second half of the bowl is the real reward for the patient smoker. The components of the blend by now have fully orchestrated and mingled into an earthy, slightly floral melange, redolent with the amaretto sweetness, and it is here the smoker will find those tastes they’ve been chasing while sharing them with the room. The nuttiness of the burley is perfectly suited to the almond casing, and is just slightly sour and sweet enough to satisfy the post-prandial craving. Smoked sparingly, it leaves a light and pleasantly soapy and nutty aftertaste on the palate, not unlike an almond in the shell. It’s always good enough to beg another bowl, so I’ll often find myself packing several in succession; usually smaller sized pipes, and there’s always a cob handy, which suits the blend well. I also find it does best prepared bone-dry for smoking. Enjoying the pipe after a holiday feast also makes a perfect time for contemplation. For my part, I’ll be spending what is likely the last holiday with an old friend, a companion for the past couple decades who’s been around the world and back with me, my cat Le Stryge. We’ll reminisce about the tastes of yesteryear, and not give too much thought to the year ahead, at least for now. We’ll give some thoughts to those who have left us, blessed us by their passing, and though it will be a quiet Christmas with just the two of us, we’ll be contented, him purring in my lap and fur smelling faintly of amaretto smoke.
Here we are on the cusp of a new year. Like Satchel Paige, I am just a bit fearful these days to look over my shoulder. Something might be gaining on me. With apologies to the great baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer. Actually, the new year is getting off to a decent start. Now, to all you New Year’s Eve party hounds who whooped it up, I long ago left that part of the New Year to the amateurs, as an old colleague of mine once opined. We did very well amongst ourselves in various bars and wherever, however. The Pundit’s idea of a wild and wooly evening these days is trying out a new tobacco blend and watching a movie from the 1940s. At least, I can understand the plot and what’s being said. People seemed to speak a little clearer and slower then. Or it’s just that my hearing has moved to a granny slow gear. But it is refreshing to wipe the yearly slate clean and start anew, isn’t it? Especially when it comes to pipes and tobacco blends, eh? Now, let’s just say the Pundit has become very persnickety when it comes to adding to the pipe herd or ordering more tobacco. It has to be something special and a missing link in the herd for it to attract special attention. Not saying that a beautiful, must-have pipe or blend, won’t make it to the shopping cart, but I’ve decided this is the year that the Pundit will be very precise indeed. No more wild flourishes of just adding a basketful of pipes and tobacco and then later thinking, “What was that all about?” The reason? After 45-plus years of collecting pipes and tobacco and smoking my beloved pipes, it has come time to reflect on the future of the herd. Not to worry. Pundit will never give up his pipes voluntarily. And the Pundit tobacco cellar is well-positioned to manage things should the regulatory tobacco apocalypse hit tomorrow, perhaps collapsing the industry as we know it today in one huge wallop! At last count, the herd was well north of 200 pipes. The cellar is prepared for the worst possible outcomes, barring meteor strikes. So, it would seem the Pundit is primed for whatever curves the new year might toss out on the tobacco and pipes front. But who knows what might bubble up in other confusing situations Sapiens insist upon as the world turns. On a more important note, this month marks the 142nd anniversary of the birth of one of America’s greatest World War II heroes, who also happened to be an iconic pipe smoker. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was born on Jan. 26, 1880, in Little Rock, Ark. Most of the world recognizes the famous American general as the one who guided the South Pacific war in WWII. He left the island of Corregidor with his family under orders from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, but then returned, as he said he would in his famous island farewell “I shall return” promise. He waded ashore in Oct. 1944, in the Philippines during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The general with the iconic long-stemmed corncob pipe had made good on his vow. Others will recall the general as the military leader who oversaw the Japanese surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Sept. 2, 1945. Probably one of the most famous photos of MacArthur is with his 5 Star General corncob pipe. He was rarely photographed without either holding or clenching that iconic large pipe. You can find the MacArthur 5-Star Corncob Pipe at Missouri Meerschaum, the legendary company that continues to produce the corncob pipe based upon a design the general sent to the renowned manufacture in Washington, Mo. That company has been making corn cob pipes since 1869. And if you haven’t fired up a cob, you are missing one of the sweetest smokes you’ll have. The Pundit, of course, owns several, including The 5-Star MacArthur General. To the Pundit’s way of thinking, that MacArthur is a 5-star smoke! Now for a couple of Pundit musings: As we contemplate a new season of possibilities, I am hopeful. Walking with my pipe in winter is a special moment. It seems to connect synergistically: nature to nature. Now, the Pundit isn’t the best at pontificating, but just being able to smoke my beloved pipes and tobaccos on a frosty winter morning on a brisk walk, seems to be a kind of connection that we all need. Let’s take a break from all the sad news and reflect on the good. For example, did you add to your pipe collection this past year, but long to see what talented pipe artisans have in store this coming year? The Pundit is chomping at the bit to see what’s on the horizon not only from pipe makers but also from the wizards of tobacco blending. Their pestle and mortar mixing various leaves of Nicotiana tabacum is such magic. It’s like having a tobacco apothecary in our midst to take care of our everyday needs in blends and information. In this time of discontent, the winter of our discontent—apologies to The Bard William Shakespeare and John Steinbeck for popularizing this famous quote—it’s time to look forward to all the goodness that is before us. Just think of all the new pipes and blends that hover on the horizons. Christmas and the New Year have come and gone. Presents unwrapped and parties are vague memories. But what is before us is more than what is behind us pipe smokers. Here’s looking toward a new year, new pipes, and tobacco blends. Here’s to new pipe smoking friends, and to you who keep our hobby so alive and interesting. Like you, the Pundit is aiming for brighter days and more pipes and tobacco. And now in parting, a quote from the general that may set the stage for our new seasons of 2022: “Life is a lively process […]
I was recently waiting outside a store while my wife was trying on some tops.
The security Guard came up ad told me that I could not smoke outside the store.
Mistake #1 he actually touched me, If I don’t know you don’t touch me.
Mistake #2 The store owners were towelheads and so were all the staff
I marched into the store with my pipe billowing smoke, and informed the owners what I thought of them, and there guard, etc.
I was in a Public Place minding my own business, but no someone had to object.
I am fed up of politicians, religious groups, do gooders etc telling me what to do.
I think the next time someone comments on my smoking I’ll just say
It was either have a smoke or have sex with you, and I’m not into Bestiality
Ha ha ha!
While I was writing this, I forgot that there actually are some localities with laws against smoking in public.
This article is a call to action for a rebellion against these laws, that in my opinion are unconstitutional.
I live just outside of LA near the heart of the dark lords of smoke nazis. Just over the Santa Susana mountains is a little hell hole of a town of big brothers called Calabasas. This is wealthy town of smoke belching factory owners that has banned all outdoor smoking. Even on ones patio or balcony. I’m am afraid the shitstorm is going to spread.
Great article Kevin!
I agree that pipe smokers should smoke there pipe whenever and wherever that they can.
I use to only smoke at a home or in the car (DWSAP – driving while smoking a pipe). Only in the past couple years have I started walking out and about in the city with my pipes going. I always have one or two in my bag. While I get plenty of looks some good, some odd, the biggest surprise has been the compliments I get from the braver people.
I am glad to hear that Dan!
It’s funny, since I’ve written this article and started walking around downtown with my pipe going, I have run into 3 other guys doing the same thing here in St. Pete.
Maybe we’re starting a trend already!
We’ve got St. Petersburg and Boston on the map!
Bob, you’re in charge of the DC / Chesapeake Bay area, and we all my have to visit Mick in the LA area to help battle the dark lords of anti-smoking.
I am working on it Kevin.
I hope to get some people interested in it at this event on Saturday.
I get a lot of strange looks as I smoke at work. They call me Popeye,or Sherlock, or Ahab, but I’ve found 3 or 4 other Pipe smokers on board my ship. Who would’ve thought a Sailor would get strange looks for smoking a pipe? Virginia’s no smoking in restaurant laws just took effect, and i find myself snarling when i hear the ads saying “breath easy, Virginia”
I just started smoking pipes a month or two ago, and I dont smoke in my car. I think I’m about to start though.
The sailors that don’t smoke a pipe should be the ones getting the strange looks!
That’s funny – my girlfriend started calling Popeye when I smoke my pipe, but she means it affectionately.
I agree with John. I too am sick of the discrimination (that’s what it is) against smokers. Well, pipe smokers anyway. Cigarette smokers we can do without (I smoke them from time to time, so I’m speaking of myself also).
I was also at one time worried about what others would think of my pipe smoking in public. It is a very freeing experience once you take your pipe with you in public. Make no apologies. Just do it. If someone doesn’t like it they can walk away.I personally haven’t met anyone who was against pipe smoking. Even people who hate cigarette smoke like pipe smoke. But also remember that pipes are “civilized”. Let’s try to act civilized. There is a certain degree of etiquette about pipe smoking. If we take our pipes in public and act like complete asses, people may associate pipes with jerks. I am glad to see a pipe revival though. Maybe we will all start seeing more and more people with their pipes.
I have no qualms about smoking where I please, so long as it’s legal and I’m not in anyone’s face about it. (I respect people’s space, but a public space is a public space nonetheless.)
Wherever people can smoke their cigarettes, then I can smoke my pipe. And I do. Without qualms.
If any of you guys are ever in the LA area I will give you comfort and smoke. We will definitely fight the dark lords. There is a few good B&Ms out here where we plan our revolts.
I may be in the LA area early next year. Possibilities include a trade show, photo shoot or celebrity interview. None are definite yet.
The original Tinder Box in Santa Monica should be of interest. Now known as Ed’s Pipe Shop which was opened in the mid 30s by Ed Kolpin. He was the founder of Tinder Box. In the Summer 2007 issue of Pipes And Tobacco mag there was an article about him, and his career in Tobacco, and also his passing at age 97. This shop served was the hangout of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Such as Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, George Burns, Pat O’Brien, James Whitmore, Ava Gardner, Yul Brynner and others. Ed’s daughter in law, Jeanette now runs the place.
I have also recently come out of the closet. For the first 2.5 years that I smoked, I was actually ASHAMED of smoking my pipe because there is so much anti-smoking thought out there. I recently said, “Screw it. I love this, there is no reason to be ashamed of something I love,” so I started smoking outside on walks and the response has been great! Most people will yell at me from almost a block away and catch up to me. The first time, I almost expected to be assaulted, but the person coming up to me only wanted a closer look at the pipe. “What a cool pipe!” they told me with glee. This then started a short, but pleasant conversation. Similar occurrences have happened since and it’s helped me to realize that the anti-smoking climate isn’t as violent as I thought. Now I encourage people to START smoking a pipe, especially if they’re as delighted to see me smoking one as they are, but absolutely if they are smoking a cigarette.
So far, I have turned about 4 people on to the hobby and one person has switched from cigarettes! Score 4 for pipes!
That’s great David! Power to the Pipe!
I have been absent for awhile, but a frequent event in Denver is to hear, hey, you can’t smoke here………
Since the law has passed regarding smoking within 15 feet of entrances to a business, non law-enforcement has gotten pretty brazen. Those business’ with fewer than x employees and deal in tobacco can have smoking in their business. Thankfully, I am close enough to one to go there when downtown. The other downtown tobacco shop is a pose and I do not give them my money because they do not allow smoking inside.
When told, I cannot smoke somewhere, I am no longer capable of being PC, so I ask them for their badge. Not a cop? you get the away from me.
I am fed up with these maggots and I miss America. Amerikka 2.0 frankly sucks.
In this area of the south, the coffin nail smokers are numerous. It isn’t uncommon that I occupy myself with the self indulgent pleasure of contemplation and my pipe while the wife and daughters indulge that all to womanly obsession shopping.
Various people will side-up to me and strike up an inquisitive conversation about my pipe. I have never had a negative experience during one of these chats and they always enjoy the arouma. The men will mostly be hesitant to experience what they perceive as extroverted activity. I just advise them give it try, and that they are the one’s who are missing out on a truly wonderful experience.
There are few pipe smokers in this area, but I know of four. We see each other during our various commutes, and always acknowledge each other as if we have know one-another all of our lives, an exclusive fraternity.
Thank you for this article. I’m new to pipe smoking and enjoying it very much.
I must admit one of my thoughts when I entertained the idea of taking up pipe smoking was the reception I might get when smoking out in public.
Look what political correctness has done to me !!
After reading this I’m going to bravely face the world with my pipe in hand.
If they don’t like it they can lump it!! Power to the Pipe(smokers)!!
I am a resident of Leesburg, VA. If you long for a place to sit back and enjoy a pipe with some good food and great beer, we have a place where you can still smoke! CHeck out the HAmburg Doner. I am out frequently with my pipe and get a mixture of reactions. Some are people surprised to see a man under 70 with a pipe, others quite pleased. I get stopped from time to time and do get compliments on how they love to see, and smell, people smoking pipes. Often I remind people of their grandfathers. I do think there has been a uptick in pipe smoking, but it is kept very quiet by those who indulge of the briar.
Here in LA that is just a ‘pipedream’..Ha!
Hello All from England. I’ve just joined this magazine and I’m already enjoying the posts. Here in England you can still smoke away on the street. I’ve been smoking a pipe on the street (as well as at home) for the last 20 years and since the ban a couple of years ago or so there are more people smoking on the street than ever!
A little story for you chaps. I once encountered a lady at a party who informed me in a rather high handed manner that she neither drank nor smoked. I replied simply, “Neither did Adolf Hitler. Remember him?!” She couldn’t think of reply.
Welcome to the site Kristoff!
That was a great comeback line that you used against that lady without getting rude and offensive! I am going to start using it myself!
I apologize Kristoff but, I absolutely have to borrow that line. I can’t wait for the next negative comment here in California.
Bob and Dunedain – please use the line to good effect! I may have borrowed it from somewhere myself 🙂
I smoke where I want when I want.
I haven’t yet smoked in public either! I don’t know what people would think of a 25-year-old smoking a pipe…
You may be surprised. I think many people will dig it. I would think it was cool to see a 25 year old smoking a pipe. Much better than a cigarette.
The last few mornings, I have been going down to the train station. I sit reading my newspaper, and smoking my pipe. I have had nothing, but some pleasant smiles. I am not 25, I am 46. I just look 25. Ha!! Bad joke. I know.
I take my pipe with me to work everyday and have at least 1 pipe before clocking in for work. I do get some weird looks sometimes but i dont really care because frankly im enjoying my pipe too much to really be bothered with what others think.
Another great article on this fine website. I have been smoking a pipe at work for quite a while now and the vast majority of the comments have been positive. I am in Las Vegas and that does make a difference, but it should be the individual’s right to make the choice as to whether to smoke or not, not the government’s. For the non-smoker the casinos have non-smoking sections for those that have issues. In the end it should be the individual’s choice to smoke or not.
I smoke in my truck back and forth to work, usually while at home after everything has calmed down, and every now and again @ work when it is slow. Only complaint I get is from my wife mixed with “At least you aren’t smoking a dog turd. That pipe smells a lot better than those stinky cigars you used to smoke.”
I’m never without a pipe and tobacco. IF and I say IF I lay my pipes down to pick something up before walking out the door and forget my pipe I know there is always a drugstore somewhere nearby or a godforsaken cigarette outlet that sells corncobs,($5) and cheep effective tobacco. Prince Albert, Half and half, Capt Black to name a few, $3-$5. They get the job done. I get the looks too but many seem to be admirable. Maybe it’s the full white beard, bald head, and I’ll be 55 next month. At this age not too many people have the nerve to tell an older cuss about smoking it seems. I’m very young at heart but I DO play the old fart card once in a while just to demand my props. And I need also say that I am considerate of others in closer quarters and if outside in public I will make an attempt to position myself downwind of others. It doesn’t alway work though. sorry about their luck eh?
I am 24, pipe smoker for three years, and I am an unashamed public pipe smoker. Of course I respect peoples space, and make sure not to cloud someones lunch with plumes of OGS, but I have no problems strolling around the parklands puffing away.
One day I had my picture taken whilst I was lighing up, probably due to the sheer novelty of a young guy smoking a pipe.
I keep a pouch of SWR and a cob in my car and my truck so I’m never without in public.
Well stated and certainly an article “for the times” in which we find ourselves.
I do and will continue to have pipe and pouch with me almost all the time.
I actually got my first compliment on a pipe yesterday, that was nice — since the only other comments on my pipes, or cigarettes or snuff, or anything tobaco have been either that it was gross or would kill me or it was either her or them (I have chosen tobacco over the woman 5 times and counting, and 2 of those times it was someone I’d been with long enough she had any business saying something like that)
Anyway easing back on topic — great article and I never leave home without mine myself. I usually carry 2 briars and a clay in fact with how long I am usually in town.
Always carry my AMEX card and my pipe. Usually a large noticeable pipe. It fits in well with my noticeable beard and stache. Sometimes I even wear a ten gallon stetson. So when I get the nod, or the smile, I have to wonder….is it the large pipe, the large hat, the face, or the look of contentment that causes jealousy? We all can’t win the lottery but there is no reason not to look like you just did. A pipe is classy!
my pipes will travel. always have 5 or six pipes in my truck and a couple tins.
I normally take my pipe and smoke in the car while waiting to pick up my kids from school….on school property! OMG…Haha, never have been told to put it out and haven’t gotten any strange looks either. I try to take my pipe with me whenever I think I will have some time to enjoy it. Otherwise, I leave it home. Besides, it’s sort of hard to keep track of 3 kids, a wife, and a pipe out in public.
“We have the confidence and self-assurance that we do not need to prove anything to anybody. We are above the fray.”
That’s what I’m talking about! I have a special tobacco pouch I carry when I’m out, either in my hip pocket or my pack. I always keep a great smelling aromatic in it along with a pipe, a lighter and a nail for a tamper.
After lunch at work I’m often seen sitting against my motorcycle, drinking iced tea and puffing on my pipe. Not a care in the world.