Best Pipe for Beginner That Can Take Abuse

[pipesmoker99]

hi i am the noob who ruined a nice pipe by burning bayleaves. I made a pipe out of bamboo and it works ok but it is getting old. should I get a clay or porcelain pipe?
do they take much more abuse than a wooden pipe?
Also is it safe to smoke out of a porcelain/clay pipe with an acrylic stem.
I found some corncobs at a smoke shop but the cashier said not to buy them because the stems are glued to the bowls making it unsafe because of burning glue fumes.
-thanks for your insight.
RULE 9- Please Capitalize Your Titles... Thank you, Zack

 

[olkofri]

I had a similar concern about cobs recently, upon buying my first one: glue in cobs
Turns out it's not an issue. I'd second that with advising you to buy a Missouri Meerschaum cob, which are good quality.

 

[ray47]

Clay pipes are good for sampling new blends, but be careful the bowls do get hot. Cobs are the answer for a durable inexpensive pipe for beginners. The cashier at the smoke shop evidently doesn't know much about cobs. I'd avoid any further advice from that person.

 

[mso489]

I think the acrylic stems/bits on a clay pipe are a good idea. The clay itself has been believed to be a health hazard directly against the lips; I'm not sure how much actual evidence there is, but it has been claimed. Some other stem/bit material, other than clay, is preferable I think. MM cobs and Old Dominion cobs (with reeed stems) are both good pipes, for starters or for anyone. Other good, durable pipes include Dr. Grabow (I recommend the Royalton series) or in a small pipe, EWA at Iwan Ries, among a number of others. You can get a good briar pipe for under $40 or $50 if you go with good traditional brands. I like the Dagner/MM poker nose warmer for about $24, with an acrylic bit and a good big bowl. I bought mine from the MM site, to support them. For durability, the Dr. Grabow's are good. There are many junk pipes out there, but if you stick with good brands from reputable retailers, you'll likely do fine.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Cobs are the answer for now, and Missouri Meerschaum the best in class. I'd avoid all clays as they are quite breakable. A used pipe "estate" for a few bucks is also a good answer to your question. Or was it the beginner that can take abuse?

 

[cortezattic]

I agree with the advice given so far, but if by "abuse" you simply mean smoking it a lot without proper rest, then a meerschaum will serve you well. Just be sure to buy one with a conventional-pipe style mortise and tenon design like this:

...and not like these draft-restricting monstrosities:

 

[aquadoc]

Cortex, I have one with a screw in tenon that I opened with a file. Can the regular tenon/mortise be retrofitted?

 

[aquadoc]

Cortez... I really hate my autocorrect.

 

[mikethompson]

A Missouri Meerschaum cob was my first pipe and there is no reason why it shouldn't be yours. They are fairly inexpensive and very forgiving.

 

[deathmetal]

The answer is: cobs.
They are good friends when learning about everything.
You will find yourself looking upon them fondly in the future.

 

[nevadablue]

Not sure what to say. Most beginners can't take abuse.
... throw the cow over the fence some hay...

 

[phantomwolf]

MM Cobs are great. If you wan't to experience briar though, grab a Grabow or a Mr Brog- If you somehow manage to ruin the pipe, you aren't really out much($15-20). Breaking a pipe in is a lot less complicated than you think.

 

[newbroom]

We're they McCormick's or Bada's? Sometimes you get a different quality from different vendors.

 

[cortezattic]

Aquadoc

I have one [meerschaum] with a screw in tenon that I opened with a file. Can the regular tenon/mortise be retrofitted?

You can ask Norwood's Pipe Repair, or get a referral from them. If the diameter of the pipe's shank is too small you may not be able to have a conversion done.

 

[arty]

Corn cobs all the way! Get you hands on good quality cobs from Missouri Meerschaum. I've smoked in one and there's no glue fumes or anything. Can't say the same about poor quality China-made cobs though.

 

[wasnsfisher]

Go with MM and avoid the China like the Plague

 

[fitzy]

Yup wasnfisher is correct. DO NOT BUY A COB MADE IN CHINA!
I would say only buy a real Missouri Meerschaum or an Old Dominion cob.
Also seriously you smoked bay leaves? Just stick to pipe tobacco. lol

 

[jndyer]

I wondered who would call out the elephant in the room and address the fact that the OP smoked bay leaves.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Think the OP has left the building.

 

[jorchamp]

On the recommendation of an experienced smoker, I started with an estate pipe. I would suggest going to an online dealer eg. Smokingpipes, choose a brand you recognize (or someone suggested).and a price your are comfortable with. You should be getting a pipe that already broken in and probably a decent smoke, and in good condition to smoke.