need some help starting up.

[alexqxq]

ok guys, i am thinking of starting up pipe smoking, what kind of pipe should i get and what kind of tobacco do you guys like the best? and also i live in a soccer moms world here and i want to ask people that could give me a staight answer, what are the real dangers of smoking pipe (if any), as far as i am conserned my friends gandpa smoked at least a pipe a day and is 80.
thanks guys

 

[pstlpkr]

Welcome Alex,
I think a good place to start would be to purchase a Dr. Graybow pipe, one that catches your eye. (I prefer unfiltered pipes) A good starter tobacco would be Captain Black in the White package, or Paladin's Black Cherry. They have a good "room note" (smell nice) and taste good. They are good honest smokes, and won't bite (burn your tongue), but the Paladin may be a bit too sweet to start with. Some members will recommend a "cob" pipe. A cob will be the least expensive route, but you may not have a quality experience with them as a beginner.
Or another strategy would be to visit a good pipe store in your area, and ask the tobacconist any questions you might have. Handle a few pipes and see what fits not only your hand, but your personality. You can get a good smoking pipe for $60 and up. From the local B&M pipe store you can get a blend called "1Q". As has been pointed out recently it has a few "colloquial" names, e.g. Wilshire, Yorkshire and other names. All are the 1Q blend. Reasonable cost and is a good smoke.
Again let me say welcome and don't be afraid to ask questions, you will receive good advice and answers here.

 

[cortezattic]

Welcome Alex,

You ask:

what are the real dangers of smoking pipe

There are two diseases that you will contract: TAD and PAD
If your initial smoking trials result in tongue bite (you'll know it when it happens),

then switch to a tastier tobacco so you can smoke less, or less vigorously.

 

[chuckw]

First of all, let me welcome you to the forum and the pipe.

If you can afford $50 to $100 for a pipe, I suggest a Peterson System pipe, A Savinelli or Stanwell. A Dr. Grabow can be had for as little as $25 and a corn cob for about $5 to $15.

For a starters tobacco, the Capt. Black and Paladin tobaccos are good but I usually recommend Carter Hall. It doesn't have the sweet room note but does have good flavor. You can move on to more complex tobaccos and more expensive pipes if you decide to stay with it.

 

[shotokun16]

Welcome and greeting from the pipe community!
Beginner Pipe:

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GETTING a corn cob pipe. There are many corn cob companies out there but many pipe smokers claim ( and i have to agree that) that Missouri Meershaum are the way to go. If the corn cob doesnt have a lablel/sticker below stating "Missouri Meershaum" i would wait until the next shipment or just find one online.
NOTE: try not to be self conscious on the looks because this will be your practice pipe for the next 2-4weeks.
Tobacco
i would go to a specialized tobacconist and ask on recommendations on aromatic tobaccos. Avoid tins for now and get some bulk tobacco. you will save a lot of money
Pipe Tool Accessories

Get a Czech tool (i.e. has a needle/spoon/tamper)--you will need it and a butane lighter or matches. Avoid getting Zipos because they tend to eliminate or reduce flavor from your tobacco.
WARNING: NEVER USE a torch! like that blue flame, because 1) you will destroy the flavor on your tobacco 2) you will risk burning your pipe and the edge of your chamber.
Upgrading your pipe

After masterin the corn cob pipe i would get a pipe that is made out of briar wood and built with thick walls that could weight around 1.70oz (+2/-2). thicks walls prevent burnouts and keep the bowl warm and lit.
NOTE: Savinelli and Petersons are a good start. However, i've noticed many Peterson pipes have dye stains and it could take 20-30 smokes until the stain is completely smoked out. If you have dye stains in your pipe i would immediately doe a salt treatment
Post-Smokes and keep check on your health
I would probably bring a small Listerine mouthwash with you either in your car/backpack/laptop bag/etc. and vigorously gargle so you can get the tar or any residue that could potentially stick to your gums and enamel.
Move your pipe around your mouth and try not to clinch with your teeth. Sometimes whenever you puff try to avoid teeth contact. This may lead to a yellowing to the teeth that could be permanent.
USE FILTERS if you want to live longer. The most effective filter i think are carbon filters (9mm) and the 6mm filters just prevent gargle or saliva falling in.
And stay healthy brush your teeth 3x a day, check in w/your dentist 2x a year, floss, mouthwash, drink orange juice 3 course meal days, white/green tea, exercise 3-4x a week and youll do just fine.
Clean your pipe
Buy some high quality pipe cleaners. Get the regular and bristle ones and clean em every 3-4 smokes. ANd let your pipe cool for 12-hours until the next bowl. Treat your pipe with love and respect and you shall receive the same.
Enjoy
No need in rushing or researching just get down the basics drink some wine/beer/tea to compliment your hobby. Remember moderation. =)

 

[jcsoldit]

Welcome Alex... You've already received some good advice and great recommendation and I have to agree with Pstlpkr, 1Q is a good choice and hard to beat for a beginner when it comes to a flavor, price, and pleasing your those around you when it comes to the aroma.
Regarding the health aspects, sure there is the cancer concern, but is there much of anything that they don't speculate may lead to cancer these days. I'm beginning to think old age is the #1 cause... if you live long enough it will find you someday.

Anyway back to your question... Shotokun16 already recommended moving your pipe around when smoking it, and what we mean by that is just don't develop a habit of always holding it in one part of your mouth. You may have noticed an old-timer smoking a pipe and their bottom lip has flattened out in one spot from constantly holding their pipe in the same place for years, which is not a good idea because the constant heat and tobacco by-products concentrated on one area on the mouth could lead to oral problem such as cancer. Regular trips to a good dentist are always recommended. Nothing out of the ordinary just your regular 6 month checkup. A good dentist will always check your mouth for potential lip and gum problems and if wanted you could always mention to them that you smoke a pipe. It's not a big deal, all they do is grab your tongue and look around inside your mouth for potential problem areas.
Now on the health plus side… I can only speak for me, but I know that the hobby is good for my blood pressure, stress level, and overall attitude.
I hope you enjoy your new hobby and look forward to reading your posts.

JC

 

[unclearthur]

Including moderation

 

[alexqxq]

wow guys really good information thanks, i am about to see if i cant find a pipe i like ill be back to let you know. thanks again

 

[unclearthur]

Filters are a waste of money in my opinion. You are not inhaling as you would be with a cigarette.

 

[shotokun16]

ya--filters are trivial. however they do prevent "gargle" or "gurgle" whatever you call it.

 

[unclearthur]

Another way to prevent gurgle is not drooling in the stem . LOL!

 

[shotokun16]

lol-- i cant help myself. Ive noticed that straight pipes like my peterson tends to gurgle a lot. When i sip some coffee or OJ maybe a small amount of salivia makes contact after drinking. Then BAM i hear gurgle...hmmm

 

[jcsoldit]

It happens to us all... that's why God made pipe cleaners so cheap. Just run one down the stem until it hits the tobacco, it will soak up the saliva and then you can finish your smoke without the gurgle.