Beginner help?

[kabong30]

That guy is awesome. He makes me want to take a nice nap or something.

 

[gmwolford]

Packing hasn't seemed to be an issue for me. I realized from my years of cigar smoking that good draw is critical to a good smoke. I've tried both the three-step and Frank methods, or close variations I should say, and have had no trouble. I think I may have started packing I touch loosely but am coming along good I think. My last two bowls I didn't even have to relight :0)

 

[gmwolford]

Oh, and where ever I saw the photo someone kindly posted of the dottle (pardon me if I got that word wrong) that was a big help to know what my endings should appear like.

 

[numbersix]

Good on you—I am still getting the hang of it. Probably trying too hard. :-P

 

[thesmokindragon]

High quality bacci+cob pipe works wonders
or
High quality bacci+high quality pipe (from the masters like; Sav, Stanwell, Pete, Boswell, Hackert, Balkovec; Tinksky, Cavicchi, Ser Jacopo, Dunhill, Ardor, Radice, Rad, etc just to name some; $50-and $up in range so they fit all PAD budgets ;-)
but one thing remains....high quality bacci ;-)

 

[gmwolford]

I'm hoping to upgrade the pipe soon, been trolling eBay looking at the estate pipes. After seeing some of the other threads I'm thinking I need to check out the cobs.… Also looking forward to upgrading my tobacco. Starting out with the low end stuff hasn't given me much taste, let alone flavor. I know from cigars that when I upgrade there I'll taste a world of difference. In the meantime, I'm enjoying learning and the relaxation of the hobby.

 

[ohiopuffer]

If you have a local tobacco shop I would suggest trying some of the tobacco from there or checkout Boswell's online. I know they are mentioned on here alot but that is for a good reason they blend great tobacco.Great people to deal with too.I have never smoked CBR so I can't really comment on that specific baccy.Myself I have stayed away from the stuff that looks like drug store tobacco.I just recently tried Bear Blend from Boswell's and have to say it is my favorite one from them so far.Also +1 to smokindragon's post and I would add Nording pipes they are great pipes for the money I have several and they all are great smokers.

 

[numbersix]

hehe, I am pretty much in the same boat. I started with a relatively cheap Czech pipe. Now that I can see that this hobby is a keeper, I am on the hunt for the accoutrements! Picked up a gorgeous glass pipe ash tray on eBay-probably dates back to the late 40s.
Now I am eyeing a Peterson pipe. My grandad was from Ireland, came to the US in the '20s and smoked a pipe all his life (lived to 92). I always loved the smell of his tobacco. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if he smoked a Peterson.

 

[notabene1]

Welcome, docturknowles. Here's another pretty good basic instructional video. It's enjoyable to watch him light up his thirty-five year old Savinelli Nonpareil.
"So, You Want to Smoke a Pipe, eh?"

 

[gmwolford]

Ohiopuffer, I don't think I have a tobacconist nearby; when I was a regular cigar smoker I had to order from the net or stop at places while we were out of town, so I figure I'll have to do the same with pipes/tobacco/ect. - I can't even find a pipe tool locally!

 

[mluyckx]

Number Six:

cheap Czech pipe

Ditto. And I still have it and smoke it. If you keep it clean and reamed, it actually performs quite nicely. It's become more of a beater pipe while doing chores around the house, but it still smokes nicely.

 

[terry]

You have to let your taste buds adapt to the pipe tobacco experience. I got the same results as you did on my first pipe. Just like you...It tasted just like you said...chewing on a piece of charred wood. Now, I can actually taste the difference in the different types of tobaccos and flavorings. You just have to give it time. ::

 

[numbersix]

Thanks Mick. It's not a bad pipe really and funny you should say it, but that's my thinking too. Should make a nice traveling pipe.

 

[ohiopuffer]

It is a bit of a hike for me to get to a local tobacco shop too so I just order most of my tobacco online.Once and a while I make the trek to the baccy shop.

 

[cigrmaster]

Having grown up smoking cigarettes and cigars, I thought when I picked up the pipe it would come naturally. It didn't. I could not believe the learning curve involved with pipes. Luckily this forum exists and has all kinds of great info and people willing to help. I still learn new tricks and tips and I have been smoking a pipe since 2000. Just keep trying and don't give up, eventually it will all come together and you will be glad you stuck with it.

 

[judcole]

Welcome aboard! You've gotten a bunch of good advice here, but this is the part I like best:

High quality bacci+cob pipe works wonders
or
High quality bacci+high quality pipe (from the masters like; Sav, Stanwell, Pete, Boswell, Hackert, Balkovec; Tinksky, Cavicchi, Ser Jacopo, Dunhill, Ardor, Radice, Rad, etc just to name some; $50-and $up in range so they fit all PAD budgets
but one thing remains....high quality bacci

 

[igloo]

A lot of time goes into rhythm . Set a pace slower than you think and count it off . Once you find a happy rhythm were the pipe does not get hot and the tobacco stays lit you will be on your way . A clean pipe is a happy pipe . For more flavor try exhaling through the nose . I recommend http://www.peterson.ie/pipes/tobacco.html not because I think they are the best .But because you can sample a spectrum and find what you like in 17 blends not counting the summer and special blends . 8)