Just started yesterday. Loving it too much?

[hitmannumber86]

I must have smoked five or six bowls yesterday evening alone. It really bugged me having to pack half bowls to break in the pipe I purchased. I smoked one a few minutes ago, and I can't wait to get another. I think I got hooked from my first puff. But I am concerned about getting too hooked.
I use to smoke two packs a day, full flavor, sometimes filter less, and have been vaping with some satisfaction for a year, with the highest nicotine I can find (18 to 32 mg/ml). I see a lot of people do this all day, and I found one uncorroborated data point from a 1964 Surgeon General publication correlating positive health benefits to pipe smoking.
Should I stop before I get in too deep? Am I gonna kill myself? Could anyone supply citations to publications regarding the health and safety of pipe smoking?

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Are you inhaling the pipe smoke?

 

[hitmannumber86]

No, I'm not. I've found one study, that I have to look more into later, that shows a significant decrease for those who don't inhale, but the data is presented strangely. https://goo.gl/edwdAa
A research study analyzed 5600 case patients, but only qualified 117 for the data of the study, which is much too small a test group. https://goo.gl/S2vA4M

 

[newbroom]

You will quickly reach a point (most likely) of palate or mouth fatigue if you smoke too many bowls in training.

The heat alone, tends to cook your tongue.

Reaching for that nicotine hit? I don't blame you one bit. Get some Big 'n Burley and keep something to sip on handy.

Pacing is the best place to focus.

 

[mso489]

Your delight in discovering the pleasure of the pipe is understandable. See if you can slack off, maybe to a couple bowls in the morning, and in the evening. See how that works. You might keep it to two or three per day, but one step at a time. Some folks smoke more or less all day, especially if they combine it with work like our jiminks. Find a set-point that works for you, and you can probably adjust it at will as you go.

 

[hobie1dog]

Anyone who smokes 2 packs of cigs a day should be able to handle about anything. Enjoy.

 

[sablebrush52]

It's like with women. You start off with three to six times a day, and years later you're down to a couple of times a year.

 

[cshubhra]

Welcome to the hobby!

 

[Chasing Embers]

It's like with women. You start off with three to six times a day, and years later you're down to a couple of times a year.

Or preferring alcohol, tobacco, and old books. As to the original post, You don't have to smoke half bowls to break one in, get some Missouri Meerschaum corn cobs to allow your new pipe to rest for a day or two, and to me, your experience sounds normal. When I first started back in '91, I almost constantly had a pipe in my jaw. Don't inhale, practice smoking slower, and enjoy the hell out of it. Welcome to the hobby, and the forum!

 

[lasttango]

I say every cigarette you don't smoke is a victory.
I think some decent burley blends will help fight mouth fatigue... If you've been a vaper... then you already know a lot about mouth / flavor fatigue.
When I smoke Burleys I inhale a bit.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Just what Lasttango says

 

[craiginthecorn]

I'm shocked you were able to smoke that many bowls, Day 1. Most would be frustrated by learning to keep the pipe lit and in the process get a nasty case of tongue bite. You must be the determined sort! Welcome!
Regarding health, I've done some digging, as I only started smoking a pipe a couple years ago and was well into my 50s by that time, but had never smoked at all previously. If you want to feel good about pipe smoking, try to find the British study from the early 1960s which showed that pipe smokers actually had longer expected lifespans. Other studies I've seen show pipe smokers at 2x and 3x the probability of getting one of several less common cancers, like tongue, mouth, and throat. There's risk, no doubt.
In my case, I only smoke during warm months, as I don't' smoke in the house.. Here in Chicago means roughly May through October. I smoke maybe one or two bowls per day right now, but I expect that will taper down over the coming years. I'm still in TRY EVERYTHING mode. Different pipes. Different tobaccos. Different lighters. You get the picture. My point is simply that I don't expect that in my remaining expected lifespan, I don't think my limited pipe smoking is much of a risk. What worries me is the many references to an "all day smoke." I imagine that someone regularly smoking a pipe much of the day would, indeed, be at risk for tongue or mouth cancer and maybe gum disease.

 

[cortezattic]

Sounds like you're looking for stronger and more full-bodied blends. G.L. Pease, Sam Gawith blends, or many Cornell & Diehl Perique-forward blends would probably fill the bill. Some dark fired blends might slow you down too.

 

[hillbillyjosh]

I agree to all above. Don't inhale and try one or all of the "Heavy Hitters Lineup"

A running list compiled by fellow BOTL.

 

[kodos44]

Welcome hitmannumber86! Sounds like you are off to a great start. Definitely look into the "Heavy Hitters" list for stronger tobaccos. If you smoked 2pks a day and did the vapes you probably are looking for that good nic hit and those will give it to you without inhaling. Much of the folks above have given great advice.
@craiginthecorn I'm outside Chi town as well and our experiences are extremely similar. I only smoke outside so I don;t smoke all that much if i'm forced to "bundle up" to go outdoors. Also, I'm not sure when the Try Everything mode goes away, lol. I've been smoking pipes for only 6 or 7 years but I'm still in that mode