How Do You Guys Become Knowledgeable About the Hobby and Community?

[mngslvs]

One thing I learned on this forum, a really invaluable tip, has to do with smoke odor in the house. My wife is not a fan of my smoking, so anything I can do to minimize smoke odor (mostly using an expensive air filter), I do. Someone posted here, can't recall who, that when he was young his parents used dishes of white vinegar to neutralize smoke odors after a party. I keep one shallow dish of the stuff in my smoking rrom, and by god this actually works. And, I built a nice cabinet for my pipes, and put in a bit of white vinegar in a tiny one ounce container at the bottom of the cabinet. Once it evaporates, I know, since the pipe smell when I open the cabinet is powerful. So time to refill the vinegar.
Point is, I would likely never have learned this tip had it not been for this forum. Just one example of the collective knowledge available here.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Why stop at 202? I'm 20 in and now I'm wondering what happens at 202?

When it comes to industry types and people who can share historical information, I've found the first 200 or so episodes to be more bountiful. Not to say later ones are devoid of such, but Brian does make a point to explore the lives of pipe smokers beyond the hobby itself.
The two part interview with Mike Mcniel is 200 and 202 I THINK. It's one of my favorites and thus seemed like a logical cutoff.

 

[cigrmaster]

I bought my first pipe in 1997 and have been learning ever since. It began with the old newsgroup alt.pipes, a yahoo chat room, then smokersforum.uk and then this place. There are so many different types of pipes and mfgs learning them all would take a really long time. Same with tobacco blends and the mfgs of those.
One of the most important sites for me is tobbaccoreviews.com. I found many of my favorite blends because of that place. Sure many of the reviews are kind of silly, but if you find people with similar tastes, you can find many favorites there.

I also read all I can about the hobby. This place and GL Pease are invaluable places of knowledge as is pipedia.com. I have read a few books, I read some blogs over at smokingpipes.com and I never think to myself that I am done learning.

 

[oldred]

When it comes to industry types and people who can share historical information, I've found the first 200 or so episodes to be more bountiful. Not to say later ones are devoid of such, but Brian does make a point to explore the lives of pipe smokers beyond the hobby itself.
The two part interview with Mike Mcniel is 200 and 202 I THINK. It's one of my favorites and thus seemed like a logical cutoff.

Cool thanks for the reply!

 

[augiebd]

I’ve been smoking a pipe for going on 5 years, so am not knowledgeable. I just keep learning each day and enjoy learning and don’t worry about it too much. I can have a tendency to go overboard with interests and let them become too “serious”and consuming. I don’t want to do that with pipe smoking, I want it to be about enjoyment, relaxation and reflection. I enjoy the experience, ritual, history, craftsmanship, learning, community, etc. but I won’t get serious about it. It will all come in time, it is what it is.

 

[voorhees]

Knowledge is passed on from the most veteran of members.

 

[Stoic__Smoker]

I'd recommend two things.
Stay away from the "ytpc", as it's mostly comprised of egotistical charlatans.
Listen to the first 202 episodes of the Pipes Magazine Radio Show.

I enjoy Matches timberdrifter stuff n things and a couple others. There all good guys. Other than that yeah I stay away from a lot of it. Will check out the radio show. Thanks.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I’ve been smoking a pipe for going on 5 years, so am not knowledgeable. << Snipped bits out >>

I'd say you are knowledgeable- at the very least, seeking info, sharing it, and learning.

There are folks who've smoked for 50 years and don't know jack about pipes, tobacco, FDA, and on. But hopefully they are happy smokers, and that's what counts in the end.

 

[hauntedmyst]

How Do You Guys Become Knowledgeable About the Hobby and Community?

It's actually pretty easily. cshubhra owns like nearly every pipe and tobacco book ever made so I just sneak into his house at night (his door lock may as well be made of jello), fill a bowl with some of his tobacco and borrow one. I bring it back in a few days and get another one. He sleeps like a rock and never knows the difference (unless I leave a box of donuts or cookies behind or I forget to flush after a short stop over). Oh yeah, that and reading this forum.

 

[saintpeter]

Or you could buy a pipe stand. After you do, then you have a Pipe Holding Devive (PHD) and everyone knows if you have a Phd you are knowledgeable.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Er, uh, ah, I know a few PhD's who can't distinguish their posteriors from the joint between the forearm and the upper arm..

 

[weezell]

Er, uh, ah, I know a few PhD's who can't distinguish their posteriors from the joint between the forearm and the upper arm..

Educated idiots are the worse...?

 

[condorlover1]

Don't know. Just born that way I guess! Here is an early picture of the Condor family enjoying a discussion on the meaning of String Theory whilst smoking their pipes

 

[condorlover1]

Here is another one that we don't talk about.................

 

[sablebrush52]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9) - Bob

I have been a pipe smoker for about 4yrs now. I have read and, studied most of the beginner knowledge. I have the classic books by Carlton, Dunhill, and those guys. And I keep up with the popular guys in the ytpc. Like Matches. Timberdrifter, Stuff and, Things.

But I feel like I still know so little about this hobby and, culture. It feels like I dont know who is who. Who are the great pipe makers? The history behind blenders? The master blenders. The people that have shaped and, impacted this hobby and, shaped it. Grown it. The news. The real important people in the community.

I feel like a total newb to this culture even after smoking for 4yrs. How do you guys keep up with news knowledge history and, such? How do you get deeply involved in this? I want to get into this culture, history, hobby, and community as deep as I can. Pipe smoking is one of the most beloved things in my life.

Thanks everyone.

In a word, participate. In more words, smoke your pipes and experiment with prepping, packing, and cadence. Check out forums like this one and ask questions or share observations. Join a pipe club if there's one in your area. Attend a pipe show. Check out sites like Pipedia or pipephil. Join NASPC and get their newsletter.

 

[perdurabo]

Keep Smoking. There is always more to learn.