I think I have turned to the cob

[yoru]

definitely worth 20 USD, especially given that it came with the custom acrylic stem that's for the 11/32" filter system for cobs. Come to think, it came with a filter, I might try putting one in the next bowl and see if it can;t smoke totally dry with one. If it can I suppose I'll have to come up with a bit of cash for filters. . ..
What's also cool though is it fits the Old Hickory should I want a long straight stem for it some time (and the old hickory also came with a shorter straight and a bent). I think I might order a warden stem or two come fall and a few more cobs in case this one ever burns out. But that's at least 6 months off. I already spent all my pipe money and then some for this bi-annual heh heh.
Edit : correction, the cutsom stem cannot hold a filter, though it is for the filter models. However, both MM pipes did come with the original stem as well and a filter so I can still try it with the original stem and filter, if it works it may be worth using the original stem, preferably the black one that came with the Old Hickory for my Irish Creme. I'll update tomorrow after trying it.

 

[jayhp]

I have a couple in my rotation as well. Great smoking pipes.

 

[whitebriar]

as kids, well under 14, we made our own cob pipes and smoked whatever we could find, beg, borrow or steal in them--(including ground tree leaves-some leaves were better than others)--
at 14 i graduated myself to briars and smoked them alone for all these years--why i had to wait till the ripe old age of 66 to rediscover the cob i will never know, but rediscover them i have--
burley and cobs have a mutual admiration society--burley was meant for cobs, and cobs just love burley--in fact they love just about everything--
every form of pipe has it's place--it's up to the smoker to decide what pipe is appropriate for each occassion--if you have trouble making up your mind, fill and light a cob; go out and sit on the porch and consider your choices as you enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures--

 

[cornguy]

Whitebriar, very well said.

Like you, I came to know and love the cob in my 60s.

Better late than never, hey?

My cobs (all from MM) are consistently tobacco-friendly, unpretentious, comfortable and, of cousre, affordable.

They're a reliable companion and have added a significant measure of enjoyment to my pipe smoking.