I would like to start smoking from a Pipe

[tlag77]

JD I am newto pipes also, I've been really smoking for about 2 months, all I have is one MM cob right now and it seems to me to be a pretty good smoker. Just my very limited opinion.

 

[numbersix]

I don't know the Stanwell Relief line, but it looks like a good pipe at a good price

+1
I'd pay $40 more for a Stanwell.

 

[phil67]

As said, good advice on purchasing a few MM cobs. Better a few of them rather than a poor briar. Don't for one moment think that aromatics will taste like they smell as more often than not they will NOT. Also, keep in mind that there is a learning curve to pipe smoking and don't be discouraged by the need to relight over and over again. It's all part and parcel of pipe smoking and it's quite rare that you will light up a bowl just once and smoke it to the end. With that said... you certainly came to the right place and welcome aboard. :wink:

 

[tad86]

JD, being very new to pipe smoking too I thought I'd tell you what I've did.
Pipe wise, don't get a cheap one. I got a £60 Peterson pipe (over here in the uk I dont know what that is in dollars) and it is a great first pipe. Since then I bought some very cheap pipes and they don't smoke as well, so to get the technique right I suggest you save up for a decent pipe.
And tobacco wise, aromatics are a good start, but coming from cigars I find the non-aromatic blends better. I suggest a nice English blend to get you started (and not just cus I'm English!) But go pay a visit to a good tobacconist and see what they suggest
And also read these forums, the advice on here is a great help

 

[foggymountain]

You will have a much better experience if you get a good pipe. To me, "good" starts at about $150, very good at $250, excellent at $400. For a good pipe I suggest a David Jones or a sandblasted L'Anatra. And adding a few cobs is a workable plan.

 

[layinpipe]

Foggy, you think David Jones are just "good" (in terms of smoking quality and quality of briar)? Are you basing this solely on price or any other factors? The reason I ask is I have a David Jones poker arriving tomorrow and if you have experience with them, i'd like to hear your opinions. Thanks!
Sorry, don't meant to derail the thread but foggy's post just caught my attention.

 

[carcosa]

I would recommend Petersons pipes. pipe tobacco is cheap, but good pipes will cost you so it balances out . Also as far as lighters are concerned, unless you are ready to blow $100 on a good one, bics are cheaper more reliable and last longer, and you dont have to refill them all the time. I learned that the hard way.

 

[jdmack09]

@Carcosa I did end up ordering a Peterson Shannon Pipe For a Briar Pipe. I love Peterson's Pipes and the fact that they are made in Ireland. I was planning on just using a bic, but I heard if you are not careful you can scorch the rim Of the bowl. I guess that is true with all lighters though.

 

[andystewart]

And another welcome, JD. This site and the layers of articles, videos and posts will provide all of the advice and guidance you need about pipes and tobacco for some time, believe me! Ask lots of questions and use the Search facility and you will wonder how anyone ever picks up a pipe without coming here. The guys and girls are exceptional and form a real community. It's a fact that with picking up a pipe - as with any new hobby - you'll have moments of wonder and disappointment as you move brought the different facets of our world. That's part of the fun and the best thing about this forum is that not only do you get folk to share it all with, but you get mountains of different guidance and opinions on any (pipe-related) topic you like! Just look at this thread!
Welcome again. Andy

 

[jdmack09]

@Andy Thank you very much for welcoming me. Yes, this site is full of information. The site and it's senior members have helped me greatly already with questions and concerns I had to start pipe smoking. Now all that is left is for my Pipes and Tobacco to get here so I can finally start smoking lol. It has been 10 days now, and still patiently waiting.

 

[hawke]

Hi JD, Great site here. Ive been smoking about 2-3 months now. I have a dozen pipes, all estate pipes which allowed me to make mistakes and not lose much investment. I found Kaywoodie is a good pipe and aged for 100yrs before they even carved them out. Now Im speaking of the old ones. The biggest thing to me is learning to smoke slowly. Keeping the pipe bowl cool is huge for me. After learning the cadence I have begun to find tobacco's which bite and not bite to my own PH factors. There is no magic solution for this. One must find his/her own blends or flavors. I have just now been able to smoke Virginia Flakes slow enough to not get tongue bite. It really is a pleasant change from the roll-your-own cigarettes I was smoking. There was a period of adjusting to the lower nicotine from pipe smoking but I now am quite satisfied with a nose exhale nic hit. The flavors and rituals that go with pipe smoking make it quite enjoyable verses just satisfying the nicotine cravings. I can now see it as a hobby that I often heard mentioned by other pipe smokers. Experience of just the 2 or 3 months has given me options whereby I can tickle the taste buds and truly relax with a bowl.
Welcome Sir and may you find the pipe pleasing.

 

[sablebrush52]

I was planning on just using a bic, but I heard if you are not careful you can scorch the rim Of the bowl.

The solution for that is simple. Before applying fire, whether a lighter or a match, moisten the rim with a little saliva. A little on your fingertip, spread it around the rim, and fire up.

 

[jdmack09]

Hello,
Just a update to all of those that gave me advice. I am still currently waiting for everything that I ordered from my "Starter Kit" To arrive. Hopefully, it will be here soon, because the P&C Thursday Special "Eric's Lost it Pipe Kit" has arrived. I ordered this a few days after my "Started Kit". I will post pictures once I can kick off my combat boots, relax, and smoke a bowl from the pipes. I imagine though my "Starter Kit" will take longer to get through customs, because of the amount of Tobacco in it. Below is a List of everything in my "starter Kit" so you don't have to scroll up to find it.
4 MM Pride Bent Cobs

150 Pipe Cleaners

3 3 in 1 Pipe tools (I have a bad habit of losing small items like this)

2oz of Russ' Snow Drift

2oz of Russ' Yule Log

2oz of Russ' Cinnamon Roll

2oz of Lane 1Q

2oz of McClelland No. 401 Darkest Caramel

1.76oz tin of Peterson Irish Whiskey
Best Regards,

JD

 

[Perique]

Lots of great advice above. I'll add my two cents: instead of shopping for new pipes, look at estate pipes from reputable dealers. These pipes will arrive clean and sanitary, you'll get two-three times the pipe for your money, and it will already be broken in. This will go a long way to enhancing your early pipesmoking experience. Also I would recommend smoking those aromatics only in your cobs, and reserving your briar for your non-aromatic tobaccos as you begin experimenting and figuring out what styles of blend your prefer.

 

[jdmack09]

Hello,
Another update. I just got all of my starter kit today. I smoked one of the pipes already with Snow Drift in the bowl. This Tobacco was very Delicious and a huge pleasure to smoke. I can't wait to try the other Tobaccos that I have ordered.
Best Regards,

JD

 

[carcosa]

I should have warned you to wipe the bowl out with alchohol, especially with a Pete to get the stain out or it will taste funny for a while. You can still do it (I use whisky) but make sure not to take any stain off the outside of the bowl!

 

[jdmack09]

Carcosa,
Thank you for the advice, but sadly I am unable to get alcohol where I am currently at. This certianly does explain why I wasn't enjoying my Peterson as much as my Stanwell. Hopefully after the break in of the bowl this funny tastes goes away, but till then i'll just have to tough it out.
Best Regards,

JD

 

[carcosa]

Maybe you could use isopropyl rubbing alchohol, its not normally recommended because you cant drink it, but somone else on another thread cleans his pipes with it apparently with no problem. I might try it as a one time thing, vut not regularly.