New Guy Looking For Advice

[nabottle]

I have smoked cigars for several years and now I want to give pipes a try. My Dad and Grandpa both smoked pipes and I've always thought it was really cool. I am a total newbie and if anyone has advice to give, I will appreciate it. I am thinking of buying a couple of Petersons( I like the B10, 05, and the System 305 to name a few). I've been told that a new guy should get an Estate pipe since they are already broken in and are usually less money. I have no idea if this is true or not. I've already bought 3 books,a pipe lighter, clean & cure, pipe cleaners(brush and extra absorbent), cork pipe knocker, and 3 types of tobacco. The tobacco is some of the aromatic blends that I bought from Edward's Pipe Shop in Lakeland, FL. I've been scouring the web for info for about a week now and I think I'm on the right track. However, real people give the best advice. Thanks for your time.

 

[yuri66]

Well some may disagree with me but being a total newbie to Pipes, I would not spend a lot of major cash on new pipes, I would start with a Dr. Grabows (any pharmacy has them) they are pre smoked and very inexpensive (some starting at under $30), now that said they are not POS pipes, I own several and still enjoy smoking ones I bought over 20 years ago.

 

[hobie1dog]

Read the 3 books first. Buy a cheap pipe as yuri66 said and practice drawing in the smoke as slowly as possible. Relax and try to milk out the tobacco as long as possible. Puffing fast will get you a case of "tongue bite". Don't be afraid to also try an English blend as well.
Welcome to the forum too. :D

 

[unclearthur]

A cob would be a way to get things started cheaply.

 

[nabottle]

Thanks a lot. I will take the advice and head to Walgreens. I'll see what they have.

 

[maduroman]

stay away from the bulk wallgreens tobacco, it is vile.

 

[nabottle]

Thanks maduroman. Will do. I found a local shop that sells Dr. Grabow and Corncobs. Hopefully they will have some quality tobacco. Any recommendations on tobacco?

 

[papipeguy]

Hang around pipe smokers. Almost all will be willing to mentor a new piper. Visit this forum frequently as the amount of info here is astounding. I've been smoking a pipe for over 40 years and learn something new here every day.

As hobie said, take it slow so you can avoid tongue bite. I don't necessarily agree about startng out with inexpensive pipes, you may want to include some as you grow into the hobby but, what the heck, treat yourself to someting nice that appeals to you.

Arthur suggested a cob and they are a great way to try new blends that you may not be sure about; plus they're pretty good smokers for the money.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

 

[pstlpkr]

Welcome Nabottle!

Great post.

I have to say that Peterson makes great pipes, but I would be a little wary of P-lip stems. Some of us love them, those like me who munch or clench have some difficulties with them. My first E-bay purchase was a Dr. Grabow and I love it... I (as do many here) have some "high dollar" pipes as well. Don't let the cost guide you because my Dr. Grabow smokes as well as those I have 50 times as much... I won the Dr. Grabow for $5.50.
Here are some tips for buying a good pipe from you local B&M that I use to insure that I am satisfied with the purchase:

1) If you see a pipe that appeals to your aesthetic sensibilities consider it first and foremost... You will be happier with a pipe that suits you over one that may be recommended by your tobaccanist. The pipe you select should feel good in your hand.

2) Look closely at the finish and inside the bowl. Look for imperfections in it. A pit or bad grain may be an occasion for a burn out/through.

3) Inspect the inside of the bowl, it should be smooth and the draft hole should be free of any tatters and should be located at the very bottom of the bowl in the center.

4) Run a pipe cleaner through the stem into the bowl... If it will not go all the way easily it may develop moisture and be a "gurgler". (It is always advisable to run a cleaner through your pipe after you finish a bowl to remove the excess moisture.)

And here is an FYI: The Parts of the Pipe

Welcome to the fraternity!

 

[nabottle]

Man, you guys are great! Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it.

 

[tiltjlp]

You might consider trying a burley tobacco such as Carther Hall or a burley/Virginia blend, such as Half & Half to start. They are mild but flavorful, and fairly inexpensive. Also, here are the pointers my dad gave me over 50 years ago which still work for me.
Dry your tobacco more than you think you need to.

Pack it looser than you think you need to.

Smoke it slower than you think you need to.

Tamp it less , and more lightly, than you think you need to.

Clean your pipes after every smoke, using pipe spirits of some sort.

Don’t worry if you have a few relights.

 

[nabottle]

John,

That sounds like great advice. I will take it. I will also try the burley and the burley/virgina blend. I can't wait! Thanks a lot.

 

[antipodesman]

As a relative newbie myself, I'm going to make a recommendation that others may not agree with and that is to find some of the very good pipe vendors on Ebay. There you have an opportunity to see a wide variety of excellent pipes. The better vendors will not sell you a damaged pipe and provide excellent photos to show you what you are getting. If you prefer a particular brand you can see all the Peterson pipes for example.

 

[lonestar]

Great advice so far on pipes. I'm a fan of corncob pipes, so I recommend one or two of them. Its also true my Dr. Grabow Omega really is a great smoker.

If you were considering buying a few Petersons, then you've got a few bucks to spend.

I like what Lawrence has to say. When you go into the smoke shop, look for the pipe that appeals you. Dont worry so much about the cost, just find the one that jumps out and says "pick me". My experience is that I smoke the pipes that I like to look at. No matter if they smoke better or not, in my head they do Hence the fact that people will spend hundreds or thousands on a pipe when there are lots of good smokers for less money.

For tobaccos, definitely go straight to the good stuff.

Without breaking down all the individual blends, you wont go wrong with tobaccos from Peterson, Cornell and Diehl, GL Pease, MacBaren, Hearth and Home. Just stick with the big names and you will do well. Its hard to tell you what the local store will have in stock, but I'm sure you could get a lot of great tobacco suggestions from members here.

 

[pstlpkr]

nabottle... See what I mean? :D

 

[nabottle]

Wow. I never expected this kind of response. This is really great and I am taking notes. This is by far the best forum I have ever been on. Thanks guys.

 

[schmitzbitz]

This

Don't be afraid to also try an English blend as well

and this...

Dry your tobacco more than you think you need to.

Pack it looser than you think you need to.

Smoke it slower than you think you need to.

Tamp it less , and more lightly, than you think you need to.

Clean your pipes after every smoke, using pipe spirits of some sort.

Don’t worry if you have a few relights.

There is also a whole ton of awesome information contained in the links found to the left (blogs and articles).
BTW - since no one else has mentioned this; flip any cob you plan to purchase over, if it doesn't say Missouri Meerschaum on the bottom, put it back and walk away.

 

[nabottle]

An English Blend will be on my list then. And I'll check the cob for the MM brand. Thanks a lot.

 

[maduroman]

do not be afraid of the old blends. there is a reason prince albert, carter hall and the rest of them have been around so long. i smoke alot of expensive blends, but i still love prince albert, it reminds me of the old farts i grew up around.

 

[pstlpkr]

Hey!
I resemble that remark.

:D