I say go for it, but unless you're dropping 1200 bucks on one, some of us may question if your heart is really into this. 
Meerschaum for Beginner?
- Thread starter franzkfk
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If you don’t learn the basics of smoking, then a $1000 meerschaum (or briar) will not do it for you.
Having got that out of the way I see no reason why a beginner should not start with a meer
Just don’t expect it to give you a magical experience just because it is a meer
And no, the length of the stem will not give you a cooler smoke.
Or less tongue bite
I have not. I am eager to try a pipe, but I am also overthinking it I guess.
I suffer from the same malady. Take your top [number] pipes and a dice with the same number of sides. Roll that puppy and see what you get. You can drive yourself bonkers very fast if you get caught up in paralysis by analysis. You're looking at getting your first pipe, not your last.
Or, better yet, head to your nearest B&M with a modest amount of local currency. Walk out with the cob of your choice, a couple ounces of what they call 1Q, anything else from the jars that tickles your nose, and an example or two of fun tin art. Or you can bring a little more and swap the cob for a basket pipe. While you're there, a small bundle of cleaners would be a good choice. They should give you a box of matches and you can find a roofing nail anywhere. Now you have something to smoke as you're dreaming of your first "real" pipe.
The quality of the pipe comes into play. As said before it has to be drilled right or the draft won’t be good. I have recommended this seller on eBay that I trust. Her pipes are excellent. It may be more you want to spent but you know you are getting a good pipe. She goes on eBay as meerschaumpipes.
Meerschaum is not as fragile as some people make them out to be, just don’t drop them on a hard surface and go easy with reaming. I smoke mine no different than any other pipe aside from being a little more diligent keeping the cake to a minimal.
After smoking I wipe the bowl with a damp paper towel and ream with a piece of paper towel or tissue waded up.
After smoking I wipe the bowl with a damp paper towel and ream with a piece of paper towel or tissue waded up.
A good meer is hard to find. Some are crap. Also stem work sometimes leaves alot to be desired
They are solid pipes and I have a couple. Personally, I would say start with a cob to get your techniques down, but just know that you could pay $50-200 for a good meer, whereas a cob will set you back $5-20. Cobs, clays and meers are good starters because they are either hard to screw up or cheap. I started with cobs and now I have all types, cobs, briars, meers, clays, etc. and I enjoy all of them.
I’d say a meer is a fine pipe to start with. You might want to try to find one with the briar-style tenon connection as the screw in inserts can be a bit of a headache. Any pipe would work honestly.
Buy an old plain one on eBay. Advantages are (a) someone else has done the heavy lifting of breaking it in for you (b) if you hate it you can cross this off your bucket list and only be out $50/60.
Amen, I haven't come across a decent meerschaum for less than $ 150.and even then stem button shaping.in all probability, leaves something to be desired.Furthermore,prior to buying anything make sure that the stem has a standard push in tenon.
