Forgettable first smoke

[judcasper]

If it is a plug or a flake, don't pack it.

It's much better to stop, dump out your pipe, and start fresh.

Duly noted, gentlemen. Thank you.

 

[weezell]

But even though Popeye smokes them I can't consider them because they're so damn ugly.

That my friend is to bad. Give them a chance and you may find for a very low investment you have a fine smoking experience(just sayin)...

 

[mikethompson]

The learning curve is very steep with pipes, some of us are still trying to figure it out.

 

[paulfg]

G&H flakes and plugs are difficult to light and keep lit.They require drying and drying again as suggested above.I love them but it took me ages to master them.Im still not sure i have completely.

definitely try some ribbon or shag cut tobacco to start your journey with.

 

[bullet08]

i'm new to pipe smoking. to my taste, moist tobacco is harsh, but too dry isn't all that good either. pinch good amounf of tobacco every 5 to 10 min to notice moisture level. if the tobacco is moist or feels "cool", dry some more. i pack like you do. but last few times, i packed too tight. now i try to put longer ribbons first to keep more air/opening at bottom.

 

[judcasper]

Thanks for the additional hints, tips and advice, everyone.
And I may just try a cob... it can't hurt, can it?

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I do consider plug tobaccoes are better designated for what they call'seasoned smokers,Yes I do like these type of tobaccoes especially Gawith/Hoggarth offerings but what I do not like that much is that they require time and patience to prepare and get in smokable condition,so my advice is to get something like medium forte ribbon or ready rubbed blends,

 

[carolinachurchwarden]

And I may just try a cob... it can't hurt, can it?

Nope! What's the worst that could happen? You spend a few bucks on a cob and either you like it or you don't, but either way, a cob is a great instrument for smoking tobacco from. Been done for a very long time. I have more cobs than briars, and would smoke one anywhere, anytime. I actually get more compliments on my tobacco and pipe when I smoke my cobs than I do when I smoke my briars.
Just make sure that if you buy one that uses a filter to actually use the filters, otherwise you will have a very open draw. Stems without filters are what I enjoy the best.

 

[rdavid]

I do consider plug tobaccoes are better designated for what they call'seasoned smokers

Yeah... thinking Coniston Cut Plug would certainly be somewhat of a struggle for a new piper. Took me awhile to figure out flakes and a plug requires even more careful preparation, drying etc.
Not saying it can't be done but a more beginner friendly ribbon cut seems to be the ticket here?

 

[cranseiron]

>
I'm from Mississippi and I'm hugely offended by the derogatory "redneck". I much prefer "hick"-- thanks. ::

 

[jpmcwjr]

Well, if you were from Florida or 'Bama, you could be called a cracker if you wished.

 

[cranseiron]

Dirt floor cracker at that! :lol:

 

[mrmachado]

The learning curve is very steep with pipes, some of us are still trying to figure it out.

This is one of the reasons I enjoy pipe smoking.
With cigars and cigarettes, it's so easy that there's almost no fun... I love to learn new tricks and new things to improve my experience.

 

[mrmachado]

I wouldn't say so. I've heard nothing but good about these cobs. But even though Popeye smokes them I can't consider them because they're so damn ugly.

They are not the best looking pipes, but since Embers says they smoke as great as Dunhills, I believe him.
I will try a cob soon. They cost $12.50 here.

 

[krizzose]

Just take your time and refine your techniques. I’d say it took me a good year to get to where I could expect a pleasurable bowl instead of that being something I hoped for.

 

[judcasper]

Just take your time and refine your techniques. I’d say it took me a good year to get to where I could expect a pleasurable bowl instead of that being something I hoped for.

Just a quick update to say I'm getting there, slowly. I've just enjoyed a small bowl of what has been my most pleasurable smoke to date. A lot of the dislikes I've experienced so far were eliminated (tongue bite, constant re-lights, accidental inhaling, mouth tasting like I'd just eaten the contents of an ashtray...) and a lot of things I'd always hoped for from pipe smoking were present (those wonderful room notes I remember from sitting next to pipe smokers as a kid, cool smoke, no burn or bite, fewer re-lights). The only negative is that I develop toothache after a smoke, from sucking air into my mouth, but that's more down to oral hygiene than pipe smoking - need to get some molars filled I think.

 

[rdavid]

Sounds good. Which tobacco did you smoke if I may ask?

 

[judcasper]

Which tobacco did you smoke if I may ask?

Of course. S&G Coniston cut plug.

 

[olkofri]

Oooo! Starting with the strong stuff, eh? And we have an innate Lakeland fan to boot.

 

[judcasper]

Oooo! Starting with the strong stuff, eh? And we have an innate Lakeland fan to boot.

I honestly wouldn't know - Tobaccos, along with pipes, are things I still know very little about. If Coniston is a strong one, then that stands me in very good stead for something milder. I don't like anything too fierce, in whatever form, so if I've started strong and enjoyed it, then all's good.