Hi, welcome to the pastime! I’m newer to pipe smoking as well but have found that there’s always more to try and more to learn and as you go you develop your own preferences and routines around how you enjoy pipe smoking.
As others have said, it might be a good idea to start with pipe that you are less concerned about damaging. I charred the rim of one of my first pipes before I figured out the whole lighting procedure. Personally I’d choose a briar one, for me there’s something about the marriage of briar and tobacco that just feels right. but also smoke whatever pipe calls to you, that’s part of the fun!
as far as ghosting and pipe dedication goes, again, everyone has different preferences and it depends on what you like to smoke and how much you care about not mixing flavors. I mostly smoke Balkan/English blends with varying degrees of oriental and Latakia so most of my pipes are for those. I have a couple pipes where anything goes and a couple for straight Virginia’s. Depending on how many pipes and tobaccos you have, you could start by smoking each tobacco out of a different pipe and see what you gravitate towards. Or alternatively you could start with one blend that appeals to you and try smoking it in different pipes to really get a feel for it’s nuances. Ultimately though do what strikes your fancy. Its about enjoyment so explore and have fun!
Good luck!!
