Complete beginner to smoking. A little overwhelmed.
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I'm interested in your journey, as I'm going to try to help one of my uncles into the hobby, get him off his stinky little cigarettes.
Sometimes I think it would be better just to start him on cigars. Lot less overwhelming.
But then, no. He's recently retired. He has time for this. So... I'll keep notes on your steps, ease him into it, too -- rather than try to teach him what he can use his whole retirement to learn, all in the same day. Little at a time. First thing's first.
These guys'll help ya -- and I'll steal notes while they do!
Sometimes I think it would be better just to start him on cigars. Lot less overwhelming.
But then, no. He's recently retired. He has time for this. So... I'll keep notes on your steps, ease him into it, too -- rather than try to teach him what he can use his whole retirement to learn, all in the same day. Little at a time. First thing's first.
These guys'll help ya -- and I'll steal notes while they do!
Welcome Simon! I'm 27yo as well and the pipe has become one of my favorite things. As far as you saying what kind of pipe tobacco you want, it wouldn't hurt to go with aromatics - BUT if you do, go into it knowing that most aromatics will not taste like how they smell. Aromatics are for, well I hate to be Cpt. Obvious, the aroma. There are some aromatics that will taste how they smell, however, don't get me wrong, but most of the reason aromatics get such a bad rap is because when they smell vanilla, they expect it to taste like vanilla. Anyways, just like bryanf said, look toward Lane 1Q. Really a good tobacco, tastes good (you can even pick up some of the vanilla), and has a nice room note, all with little nicotine.
It can be overwhelming, but for me, it was a fun and good overwhelming. If you have a local tobacco shop, start off there. They can get you going for a real good price and it's always nice to build a relationship with them.
Good luck and enjoy the pipe world!
It can be overwhelming, but for me, it was a fun and good overwhelming. If you have a local tobacco shop, start off there. They can get you going for a real good price and it's always nice to build a relationship with them.
Good luck and enjoy the pipe world!
Lots of good advice, lots more if you randomly browse the forum.
My input is to relax and enjoy and learn. Certainly learn from the more experienced smokers, but feel free to learn on your own over time. For example, I initially had a difficult time keeping the pipe lit, and tried to get very scientific and particular with packing and drying methods, and met only minimal success. Now, a few years later, I know my pipes, my favorite blends, and what they require pretty much on instinct. Keeping the pipe lit is no longer an issue. And my packing method is pretty much "push it in with the finger til it feels right". (Which is also what she said).
You will probably play around with blends for a few months, and settle on one or two and soon grow tired of them and get on a new kick. You will worry about cake, cleaning, and if you can really taste zippo fuel. Soon enough you will be arguing about the merits of straight over bent, and why cheap estate pipes on Ebay are a sin or the blessings of the Most High.
My input is to relax and enjoy and learn. Certainly learn from the more experienced smokers, but feel free to learn on your own over time. For example, I initially had a difficult time keeping the pipe lit, and tried to get very scientific and particular with packing and drying methods, and met only minimal success. Now, a few years later, I know my pipes, my favorite blends, and what they require pretty much on instinct. Keeping the pipe lit is no longer an issue. And my packing method is pretty much "push it in with the finger til it feels right". (Which is also what she said).
You will probably play around with blends for a few months, and settle on one or two and soon grow tired of them and get on a new kick. You will worry about cake, cleaning, and if you can really taste zippo fuel. Soon enough you will be arguing about the merits of straight over bent, and why cheap estate pipes on Ebay are a sin or the blessings of the Most High.
Again thanks for all the replies I didn't expect such a warm welcome and am very glad that I stopped by. I certainly do over think everything in my life. Maybe it because of the stress I have had to endure but either way I also find solace in my thinking.
I will take the advice from the masses here and not overthink it. Take it easy and enjoy the process! :
:
I think I am going to start a thread somewhere about my adventures into pipe smoking as it really does feel like it will be an important part of my life. Just as is taking a stroll to the local tea shop and selecting my favorite blends. A few years ago I was in South Korea working in the tea fields at Jeju Do and it was a great feeling drinking the tea that I myself had selected.
The feeling, I hope will be somewhat reminiscent of those times. If I can start a thread here somewhere I would love to do that. Alternatively I can always start a new blog. Everyone is welcome of course : )
I will take the advice from the masses here and not overthink it. Take it easy and enjoy the process! :
:I think I am going to start a thread somewhere about my adventures into pipe smoking as it really does feel like it will be an important part of my life. Just as is taking a stroll to the local tea shop and selecting my favorite blends. A few years ago I was in South Korea working in the tea fields at Jeju Do and it was a great feeling drinking the tea that I myself had selected.
The feeling, I hope will be somewhat reminiscent of those times. If I can start a thread here somewhere I would love to do that. Alternatively I can always start a new blog. Everyone is welcome of course : )
Hey Simon, welcome to the forums! Before I picked up a pipe, I was in the same boat as you, not having smoked or drank anything. I've found it to be a wonderful hobby that I look forward to immensely. The biggest thing I found, having never lit a cigarette, was that I was a bit clumsy with the entire process. Striking a match or lighter and trying to tend the flame was tricky. But, just take your time and enjoy the ritual and I think you will find a lot to love.
I'm pretty much in the same boat (29 and pipes are my first experience with any substance stronger than coffee). In the last few weeks I've read almost as much about the damaging effects of smoking as I have about smoking, and my conclusion was that smoking a pipe once a week should be fairly safe, and if you stay closer to once a month it should have next to no effect.
Barring your first bout of tongue bite, that is. I literally burned my mouth and couldn't taste for days. It would have helped if someone had told me "never, under any circumstances, draw hard". A gentle draw should still be enough to get the pipe lit, let the fire do the work and not your mouth.
I should add that I will never smoke a cigarette, inhaling smoke is just a bad idea.
I would only worry about Nicotine if you are a lightweight. The effects of Caffeine on your system are probably a good indicator of how much Nicotine you can take (which for me, sadly, is near zero for both. Zero effect that is, I can drink a pot of coffee and go straight to bed just fine).
The health effects of Nicotine itself seem to be varied but generally minimal, with the exception of pregnant women, to the extent that I would actually get angry at someone for smoking while pregnant.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you first start out. Don't get too hung up on it. Relax and enjoy! Getting to know your pipes and tobaccos is most of the fun, don't fret over the specifics. Get acquainted with some packing, lighting, tamping methods and take it from there. Every smoker is different. Find what works for you.
And I also started out liking only bent pipes. I've come to appreciate straights as well, so don't rule them out entirely. Besides, straights are usually easier to run a pipe cleaner all the way through while smoking, which has been a great help to me. Don't be afraid to use some pipe cleaners while smoking to soak up some excess moisture
And I also started out liking only bent pipes. I've come to appreciate straights as well, so don't rule them out entirely. Besides, straights are usually easier to run a pipe cleaner all the way through while smoking, which has been a great help to me. Don't be afraid to use some pipe cleaners while smoking to soak up some excess moisture
Welcome to the forum and Community Simon.
I am 26 and have only been smoking for about 2 years. I was similarly overwhelmed by the prospect of thousands of blends and pipes staring me in the face. I watched a million YouTube videos and read this forum like a fiend. Packing techniques, tobacco reviews, pipe maker reviews: I lived and breathed it that first year. Then I went home to visit some family over a Thanksgiving holiday. My dad, also a pipe smoker, was sitting with me out on the porch. He with his ancient stanwell, and me with a Nording. He stared at me dumbfounded as I fumbled around with my pipe restuffing it several times, messing with pipe cleaners, never setting my pipe tool down, and fidgeting with the lighter. He looked me dead in the face and said, "Boy, you're thinking about it too much. Just smoke the damn thing." So I did.
Starting out in pipe smoking is much more enjoyable if you just go with the flow. Everything can get picked up just by experience. Ask for suggestions to problems or when looking for new blends sure, but make sure that relaxing hobby of yours is actually a relaxing experience. This second year I just do it. Take my monthly self-appointed allowance, and branch out to find stuff I like or haven't tried. Patience and persistence will make smoking a pipe an experience you won't want to live without.
I'll also add that beginning smokers get in their heads what they think they will like and not like. I think eventually, again through experience, we find out what works for us. I was really put off by using a cob pipe when I started, but I found over time that nothing was better for me to use in the car when I needed to clench. Go with a simple aesthetic you think you might like, and then think about what you like and don't like about the function.
I recommend a lower end savinelli, peterson, or stanwell to start if you want to go briar. Plan on spending 60-80 dollars American on a new low end, or look for estate pipes on eBay or etsy for awesome deals. Avoid a poorly made basket briar when you start. I would hate for a poor pipe to put you off. Cobs are also a great way to sample tobacco as well.
I am 26 and have only been smoking for about 2 years. I was similarly overwhelmed by the prospect of thousands of blends and pipes staring me in the face. I watched a million YouTube videos and read this forum like a fiend. Packing techniques, tobacco reviews, pipe maker reviews: I lived and breathed it that first year. Then I went home to visit some family over a Thanksgiving holiday. My dad, also a pipe smoker, was sitting with me out on the porch. He with his ancient stanwell, and me with a Nording. He stared at me dumbfounded as I fumbled around with my pipe restuffing it several times, messing with pipe cleaners, never setting my pipe tool down, and fidgeting with the lighter. He looked me dead in the face and said, "Boy, you're thinking about it too much. Just smoke the damn thing." So I did.
Starting out in pipe smoking is much more enjoyable if you just go with the flow. Everything can get picked up just by experience. Ask for suggestions to problems or when looking for new blends sure, but make sure that relaxing hobby of yours is actually a relaxing experience. This second year I just do it. Take my monthly self-appointed allowance, and branch out to find stuff I like or haven't tried. Patience and persistence will make smoking a pipe an experience you won't want to live without.
I'll also add that beginning smokers get in their heads what they think they will like and not like. I think eventually, again through experience, we find out what works for us. I was really put off by using a cob pipe when I started, but I found over time that nothing was better for me to use in the car when I needed to clench. Go with a simple aesthetic you think you might like, and then think about what you like and don't like about the function.
I recommend a lower end savinelli, peterson, or stanwell to start if you want to go briar. Plan on spending 60-80 dollars American on a new low end, or look for estate pipes on eBay or etsy for awesome deals. Avoid a poorly made basket briar when you start. I would hate for a poor pipe to put you off. Cobs are also a great way to sample tobacco as well.
It is overwhelming. As suggested, get down to St James's street.
I don't think it really matters whether it's an aromatic or a virginia, but it is worth making sure it's a milder tobacco in terms of nicotine.
If you do find you enjoy it, beware the addiction... Addiction to buying more and more pipes and trying more and more tobaccos!
The main 'addictive' thing I find about pipe smoking is that I am addicted to finding the time to sit and relax with a pipe. It's not so much about getting a nicotine fix, it's more about the hour or two of quiet contemplation.
Healthwise, I've been concerned about oral and dental health after getting tongue bite. However, this has usually only ever happened after smoking my pipe excessively whilst under the influence, which isn't a problem you should encounter. I do recommend avoiding combing fizzy drinks with smoking a pipe. Stick to a nice cuppa.
I don't think it really matters whether it's an aromatic or a virginia, but it is worth making sure it's a milder tobacco in terms of nicotine.
If you do find you enjoy it, beware the addiction... Addiction to buying more and more pipes and trying more and more tobaccos!
The main 'addictive' thing I find about pipe smoking is that I am addicted to finding the time to sit and relax with a pipe. It's not so much about getting a nicotine fix, it's more about the hour or two of quiet contemplation.
Healthwise, I've been concerned about oral and dental health after getting tongue bite. However, this has usually only ever happened after smoking my pipe excessively whilst under the influence, which isn't a problem you should encounter. I do recommend avoiding combing fizzy drinks with smoking a pipe. Stick to a nice cuppa.
It is an addiction, but a good kind of addiction. Great post, Redstar !
I think some tea goes well with some tobacco. Orlik Golden Sliced with Earl Grey is a good start to a day for me.
Welcome Simon!
I agree with Eric. Go with a couple of MM Cobs (stay away from Chinese) to start with. They are forgiving, inexpensive, and with the addition of a Forever stem (from Walker Briar Works) an outstanding pipe that you will reach for again and again (most of us have at least 2). Buy two or three of them and you have an instant rotation - they have a variety of shapes. I'd recommend one straight and one bent stem to start with. Don't fall into the "snob" factor, cost doesn't equate a great pipe. Buy the cobs, save your money up for when you know your taste, and buy one or two good briars later. (We all have opinions on what makers are best).
Technique? Practice makes perfect, slow and easy. Who gives a damn what other people think?
Lastly, yield to temptation, it may not pass your way again.
I agree with Eric. Go with a couple of MM Cobs (stay away from Chinese) to start with. They are forgiving, inexpensive, and with the addition of a Forever stem (from Walker Briar Works) an outstanding pipe that you will reach for again and again (most of us have at least 2). Buy two or three of them and you have an instant rotation - they have a variety of shapes. I'd recommend one straight and one bent stem to start with. Don't fall into the "snob" factor, cost doesn't equate a great pipe. Buy the cobs, save your money up for when you know your taste, and buy one or two good briars later. (We all have opinions on what makers are best).
Technique? Practice makes perfect, slow and easy. Who gives a damn what other people think?
Lastly, yield to temptation, it may not pass your way again.
Wow I really really never expected the thread to be this lively! Such healthy conversation is always a joy!
I tried to read up a bit on 'tongue bite'. Is it because you draw to quickly from the pipe somehow burning your tongue from any metal parts or the tip of the 'mouthpiece' so to speak. Or is it a natural occurrence that comes with smoking the pipe? I of course don't like the idea of being burnt :P.
From what I could get from reading on the forums and elsewhere its quite a hot debate of whether it is just beginners not being patient or based more scientifically on the acidity within the tobacco.
@Plateauguy I am happy you said that the cost does not equate to the quality. I am sure that it will at some point become a relevant factor in my pipe smoking but not right now. I honestly want to spend about 50 euros/ pounds on the pipe while getting a decent tobacco to start with. I think its a reasonable amount for a beginner pipe.
6 days until the pipe museum in Amsterdam!
I tried to read up a bit on 'tongue bite'. Is it because you draw to quickly from the pipe somehow burning your tongue from any metal parts or the tip of the 'mouthpiece' so to speak. Or is it a natural occurrence that comes with smoking the pipe? I of course don't like the idea of being burnt :P.
From what I could get from reading on the forums and elsewhere its quite a hot debate of whether it is just beginners not being patient or based more scientifically on the acidity within the tobacco.
@Plateauguy I am happy you said that the cost does not equate to the quality. I am sure that it will at some point become a relevant factor in my pipe smoking but not right now. I honestly want to spend about 50 euros/ pounds on the pipe while getting a decent tobacco to start with. I think its a reasonable amount for a beginner pipe.
6 days until the pipe museum in Amsterdam!
Welcome, Simon
Along with excellent advice already given id like to ad just a couple of notes
Tongue bite can be caused by many different things, some already mentioned. There are some other possibilities including loading a pipe with too moist tobacco. This had happened to me and the correction was quite easy, but it involved patience - removing the tobacco from the tin or jar and letting it dry out for up to an hour in some cases. The old test for readiness is to pinch a bit and let it drop. It should not clump. This made a big change for me in improving the experience.
In addition, there are some folks on this forum who have a bad reaction to red Virginias - some type of chemical thing- making their tongue not happy. I think it is a small percentage of folks.
Best of luck, and enjoy the journey
Along with excellent advice already given id like to ad just a couple of notes
Tongue bite can be caused by many different things, some already mentioned. There are some other possibilities including loading a pipe with too moist tobacco. This had happened to me and the correction was quite easy, but it involved patience - removing the tobacco from the tin or jar and letting it dry out for up to an hour in some cases. The old test for readiness is to pinch a bit and let it drop. It should not clump. This made a big change for me in improving the experience.
In addition, there are some folks on this forum who have a bad reaction to red Virginias - some type of chemical thing- making their tongue not happy. I think it is a small percentage of folks.
Best of luck, and enjoy the journey
Hello sorry I haven't wrote here in over a week. I have been in Amsterdam buying my new pipe! And ultimately destroying also ha ha. I started a new thread called 'A beginner's Pipe Diary. Follow me on my pipe journey' over on the general discussion area.
Please do join in and hopefully we can continue to have a lively discussion and share some fond moments with our pipes. I have wrote about my first experience, the highs and lows I encountered and much more there. Thanks for all the support which helped me to purchase my pipe and tobacco and enjoy my first experience!
Simon Thomas
Please do join in and hopefully we can continue to have a lively discussion and share some fond moments with our pipes. I have wrote about my first experience, the highs and lows I encountered and much more there. Thanks for all the support which helped me to purchase my pipe and tobacco and enjoy my first experience!
Simon Thomas
It was easier when I started a long time ago. There was no internet, a limited number of tobaccos and not nearly as many pipemakers. Just keep it simple. Get one good briar and a basic tobacco, something readily available. Smoke it, judge how you feel about the taste, then make decisions about what you might prefer. Such as "I like this pipe but want a bigger one." Or "this tobacco tastes perfumed. I will get one that is not aromatic." Making these adjustments as you go will get you enjoying your smoke before long. A word about pipes: usually you get what you pay for. If you get a $75 pipe and dislike it after it is broken in, try a really good one. In my experience the best buy is a high level factory pipe, such as a Dunhill or high end Savinelli.
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