Hello fellow Pipers. For a long time now I have been following the myriad of comments and youtube entries regarding the fine art of Pipe Smoking. With that in mind I submit my Humble Opinions on the subject. Background: I am a 69 years old retired (37 years Intelligence Officer) US Military Soldier. I have been smoking pipes since age 16. I have owned more than 100 pipes during those 53 years. Everything from my first home made Corn Cob through various pipes such as Briars - cheap and relatively expensive. In the 1969-72 Time frame even smoked a 2-bowl in-line Straight Grained Savinelli. Twist the bit and could smoke from either the forward or rear bowl. Sold in '70 for $700. Dr. Graybows, Medicos, Ceramics, Clays, Apple wood, Cherry wood, Calabash, and Pressed and/or block Meerschaums. Savinellies, Dunhills, Peterson, J. Upshall, Nordings and others. I have a Turkish Block Meerschaum that was custom made for me while I was deployed (2 times) to Afghanistan. Once circa 2005) While I was in face-to-face contact with a Taliban Commander, we were smoking Shisha (water pipe) and afterwards, I broke out one of my favorite Corn Cobs (Missouri Meerschaum) and loaded it with Half and Half (That was all I could get that the US PX there). I offered him a toke and after a few sips, he went crazy happy! What should have been a 20-30 minute meeting, lasted about 2 hours. I ended up giving him the Cob and the rest of my tobacco. Anyway, about 3 weeks later, I got word that he wanted to meet me again. I met him in a small village near Surobi. After we finished negotiating a few political matters, he brought out a small, embroidered sack in which was a hand carved Block Meerschaum done in what he thought was my likeness. During those meeting I wore typical Afghan Garb to include Turban. Imbedded in the Pipe's carved head that remotely resembled me, was a 2 Carat Ruby. I am m now owning just 12 various pipes, and that pipe of course is amongst them. OK: here is my point. Of ALL the pipes I've owned and smoked in my life, it is the Corn Cob type that I truly enjoy the most. Function over type. $8.00 vs $100's. IMHO the cobs smoke the best. After all, isn't that the essence of pipe smoking? Cool, dry and tobacco enhancing. I have kept 4 Cobs, dedicated to time of day use. Noon, Afternoon, and Evening. I enjoy particular Tobacco blends for each event. So, of course, please buy any type of pipe that suits your fancy. That is the FUN part. I merely suggest that one keeps, uses, and maintains at least 4-5 various Cobs for overall pleasant, and enjoyable smoking sessions without disappointment. Money a'int everything. Cheers.
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