"Natural" cobs are my preference and comprise most of my horde.
The Mark Twain, Country Gentleman, Regular and 5th Ave Diplomat, and even the Legend are great options depending on what you want.Is Missouri Pride Corn Cob a good option to dive into Pipe Smoking hobby? What other Missouri Meerschaum Cobs to look upon as a beginner Pipe Smoker?
brooklynpipeclub yes the only reason I want to begin with Cobs.The MM pride was my first ever pipe purchased 5 years ago and is still one of my best smokers. You can't go wrong with any of their cobs.
ray47 cobs do look unesthetic for some.. but one cannot neglect the quality they provide contrasting their cheap price!"Natural" cobs are my preference and comprise most of my horde.
warren to be honest, I would never. Cobs for me can be my mentor for now to teach me Pipe Smoking basics. But all along, I would never neglect the bright aspects of Briar and Meerschaum in Pipe Smoking arena!I treat them as "disposables", inexpensive and very capable of a decent smoke. But, do not judge all pipes by one material.
danimalia, yes I did heard of Forever Stems for MM cobs. I myself for now had no idea regarding the fine difference between Plastic, Vulcanite and Acrylic. But only that, Vulcanite and Acrylic are generally found with high end pipes!I like the Diplomat 5th Ave and Country Gentleman, myself. They're all good, with just some variations in terms of stem material and whether they have hardwood plugs or not.
Some people buy higher quality stems for them. The Forever stems from Walker Briar Works come in vulcanite or acrylic (my preference), and have a ton of great colors. I am not much of a clencher (someone who holds the pipe in their mouth), really, but I can mutilate the plastic stems that come with MM cobs pretty quickly.
Brobs, those all are great cobs. But for now.. I think my needs would get easily sufficed by Missouri Pride.The Mark Twain, Country Gentleman, Regular and 5th Ave Diplomat, and even the Legend are great options depending on what you want.
I would get Danish stems for them... I even prefer them to forever stems.
And they are cheap.
kg.legat0 Thank you for the insight.. yes Legends have thick refined and plastered walls that do helps in cool bowl when holding or smoking. And well said, I legit can't go wrong for MM. I hope I'll receive my package soon..You kinda can't go wrong with any of the MM cobs ...I would say though that the standard Legend bowls are great for starting out though because they have thicker walls. I started off with a Country Gent. and love it still but find that it gets really hot easily.
I find that the unfinished cobs are really good at dissipating heat, too ...I feel like the natural design of the corn cob is like a little radiator.
hymnchimney, the only reason I want to begin with Cobs is to hone the skills before taking to hobby to next level!I started with the country gentleman as well and your assessment of it getting hot easily is accurate. Still, feel like it takes a beating and was great for me to learn the basics of piping on without risking ruining an expensive briar.
mso489, I would never consider cob pipes to be used casually.. Its America's pride and many great visionaries smoked it with great affinity. MM special editions are in my wishlist but for now.. I think humble beginnings (a cob, one matchbox, some good tobacco) will be more than enough for me!I don't look at Missouri Meerschaum cobs as disposable. They can last for many years and give a fine smoke with most blends. Since a pipe can last for years or a lifetime, I would strongly suggest getting one of the special edition pipes that comes with an acrylic stem. These cost about $25 instead of $5 or $10, but you won't be buying replacement seems for it either, so it will be a savings over time and doesn't cost much to begin with. You may also replace the regular less durable stems with acrylic stems from Forever Stems, but these will end up costing a little more than just starting out with a pipe that comes with them. Some people think a cob pipe looks too folksy, but I'd smoke one if I were wearing a suit or tuxedo; they are classic pipes.
voorhees, yes.. it all began with a generous man, day's hard work, and cob pipe!I'm a 5th Ave Diplomat or General cob smoker. When I load up a cob I'm going to be busy outside and don't want to reload.