How Does Meerschaum Compare to Cob?

[zippocob]

I just got into smoking a pipe after more than fifteen years of cigars. This has led me to have a preference for a very cool, dry smoke. I'm getting fairly good results with a Missouri Meerschaum cob, but I'm curious about actual meerschaum. Is there a difference between all-meerschaum and meerschaum-lined? What are some brands I should look for or avoid?
Edited by jvnshr: Title capitalization (please check Rule #9)

 

[olkofri]

Some Meerschaum-lined pipes use pressed Meerschaum, instead of block Meerschaum. The former is lesser quality than the latter.
There was a recent discussion on this topic. Here: http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/briar-pipe-with-meerschaum-lined-bowl
Welcome to the forums!

 

[madox07]

Hmmm ... as olkofri you should check the discussion with regards to meer lined bowls. As for comparing cob and meerschaum.. you can't really. Apart from both delivering a fairly dry smoke, there is hardly any other term of comparison. I have experimented once with Dunhill 965 in a Dagner Cob vs a pressed meer pipe that I own. The taste was quite different. I am not saying one is good, or the other one bad, I am just saying that in my experience they deliver differently. Should you prefer one taste for the other, well that's up to you to experiment.

 

[olkofri]

One thing they both have in common: you don't want any cake on either.

 

[madox07]

That too oh and I can think of one more, they are both light pipes - as in weight, meetschaum being the lighter of the two.

 

[crashthegrey]

You may also want to try a clay. That is as dry as a bone. But don't overlook briar pipes. If you have a quality pipe, they smoke cool and dry.

 

[zippocob]

Thanks for the quick and helpful replies. I'm going to keep a lookout on eBay for a good estate meerschaum.

 

[cortezattic]

Whoa! Before you shop for an estate meer, check out

http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/put-that-in-your-pipe/the-thrill-of-the-hunt-a-guide-to-estate-meerschaums/

 

[zippocob]

That was an informative read. Maybe I'll just buy a new one from a reputable seller instead. Or buy a couple of clay pipes.

 

[jeepnewbie]

I second the clays they are quite nice. Took a bit of getting use to for me as I like clinching the pipe with my teeth.
I personally love both the cobs and meer pipes. Be careful with meerschaum in the colder weather. I've had a couple crack on me, one was a cigar holder I forgot in the car one night. Got to freezing and it cracked in a couple of spots, but it is still useable.
Welcome to the forums and keep us posted.

 

[crashthegrey]

There is a fleabay seller from whom you can buy lots of German clay pipes. If you watch his sales sometimes you can get a lot for less than $25, often a dozen or more pipes. He uses family moulds that are over 100 years old.