Do I Really Need A Cob?

[judcole]

I have several. The only thing I smoke in 'em is burley forward blends - especially things like Lane RR, Chestnut, etc. Just seems right.

I like the Country Gent/Mark Twain size. The General is too big, for me.

 

[jerwynn]

Come to think of it, I don't know any pipe smokers that DON'T have at least one cob. I have four active at the moment with a couple in reserve. I like to keep a couple new, unsmoked cobs around for pipe-evangelism. The last one of those I gave away was to a chimney contractor who commented whilst here about really enjoying the aroma of my bakkie that day... he related fond memories of his grandfather who smoked a pipe and always a cherry blend and how much the whole family missed the abiding aromas when he finally passed on. I asked him if he'd be interested in trying the whole thing, he said yes, so I gave him a cob, an aluminum pipe nail, a box of matches, a couple of pipe cleaners, and a baggie of G&H Top Black Cherry that I happened to have around. You should have seen the man beam!! Worth ten times the price of admission!

 

[sjfine]

I'll chime in. I have several cobs, and although there are some that I just don't like, there are two universal truths when it comes to cobs: they smoke well, right down to ash, every time; and they make most blends, if not all, taste a little sweeter.

 

[jpmcwjr]

No more than cob smokers "need" to buy some briar. Unless you're making a snowman, then you need one.
But sure, go for it.

 

[jvnshr]

Grab a Mark Twain and a Country Gentleman while the July sale is on. It will set you back $15.

It's 15%. Well, in case you buy something for $100, then for sure it will set you back $15 Cheers.

 

[pipedreamin]

Lots of good replies that cover the primary symptom of the problem which may, at a fundamental level, be the inability to accept your inner Huck Finn. I suggest a reading (or, marginally possible, a re-reading) of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn with an open mind and heart. It cannot be an audiobook listened to while driving or some such. It needs to be a book, real dead trees, held in hand and occasionally sat upon a table or stump while smoking(you may start with briar or meer), preferably done in a minimally populated area near water, the kind that moves in one direction would be best. This should solve the issue
Pompous psychoanalyst voice off: Yes, as others have said, you need a cob!

 

[stanlaurel]

The price of 2 pipes will be $15

 

[aldecaker]

You may not need one, but there's no good reason not to try one.

 

[voorhees]

In the beginning of my pipe smoking journey, I also considered the cob "hokey" or too "hee haw". Only bought one for grass cutting and outdoor use. Then received one as part of a slow smoke competition. I came in third and later won first place (and a Nording pipe) with that same cob. So it has endeared itself to me. I put in a forever stem and its a regular in my rotation. I got over the presumptuous attitude from before and I'll smoke it along side my briar.

I do still use them for grass cutting....just in case I drop it.

 

[northernneil]

I guess I am the odd one out here. I have some cobs, but never use them. Even when gardening, I still reach for my briars.
My cobs smoke fine, but I prefer my briars.
Hell, I also do not like estate pipes. But like I said, I'm the odd one out on these topics.

 

[mso489]

Since the cost is so modest, even for some of the larger pipes with acrylic stems, it seems like it would be conspicuous by its absence. For travel and work place pipes, they are good expendable smoking tools, but once you get to like a particular one, and maybe upgrade to an acrylic add-on stem, you've invested a lot, emotionally if not in money. For classic Americana blends -- Va/Bur/Cav's for example -- or tobacco forward aros if you like 'em -- a cob is irresistible. But go your own path. Skipping cobs may be your way. I avoid Meers, but only because I don't want to dive into a whole new world of PAD. If you could see the pipe shop in my study, you'd forgive me.

 

[stranger]

I first bought a cob to try out what smoking a pipe was all about. I couldn't get over the look of it as I never remembered my Grandpa smoking a cob so before I tried it I went and bought a cheap briar. I struggled with the briar for over a year before I thought of trying the cob. What a difference! I still have the nostalgia from the briar and I prefer my new Brigham pipe but the cobs are what I find myself reaching for 9 times out of ten. Great smokers and I'll bring them places that I wouldn't want to bring a nicer pipe. It's worth the expenditure!

 

[didimauw]

My cobs are my favorite because I don't have to think about the smoke. They smoke themselves, and before you know it, the bowl is gone.

 

[hakchuma]

Cobs are my best smokers. Yes get a cob. You need one.

 

[derfatdutchman]

One of the first "Ah ha" moments I had as a pipe smoker occurred while smoking a cob. They are very plain and humble, but preform so well.

 

[oldsalt]

I have to admit, I had a good laugh over the number of fast replies. And frankly, I knew what most of you were going to say. Soooo.... YOU WIN!!! YOU WIN!!! I see a Country Gentleman in my near future. :D

 

[bigpond]

Only if you want to be associated with that sort. I mean, what are the odds that any of the above posters even owns an ascot?

 

[pipesmokingtom]

I'll speak for myself when I say the odds are 0%.

 

[dochudson]

Not unless you are a farmer or hipster.

 

[tuold]

I'm not currently smoking cobs but I do keep a couple around for curious visitors who want to try pipe smoking. I have a few Andrew Jackson hardwood pipes for the same reason. People seem to go for the cobs.