about a decade ago, at 15. skoal vanilla (blech!). I've been on and off chewing tobacco since then. Been on for awhile now.
1st pipe at 20. didn't really know what I was doing until just over a year ago. Thankfully, this website has really opened my eyes. No more tongue bite, barely any re-lights, no more overly moist tobacco, started appreciating and enjoying non-aromatics, learned different ways to prepare flakes, trying match lights, tamping properly, packing properly. The list goes on and on.
And it's all thanks to you, my brothers of the briar (and cob, and clay)! Thank you so much for all your help, insight, and wisdom.