New Smoker Looking For Advice

[needsomeadvice]

Hello All,
I'm a fairly experienced cigar smoker, but looking to get into pipes. My great-grandfather smoked his pipe frequently and I want to do the same. I've only smoked a pipe once and I enjoyed it, but I have no idea where to start. I know a little through my research online, but I get confused about all the different things I need besides a pipe, and I'm not sure I understand how filters work with pipes, which pipes need them, etc.
I'm also unsure about buying a pipe. I have no problem doing it online, but if I get an estate pipe, since I'm new, I'm not sure what I'm looking at and I don't want to get ripped off. Does anyone have any advice on that?
Thanks so much for any advice and time you can spare.
Brian

 

[classicgeek]

I'm not exactly the most experienced smoker around here, but I'll bite. You need a pipe, a pipe tool (tamper, pick, reamer), pipe cleaners and wooden matches. I know some of the folks around here smoke corncobs as well as or instead of briar, but I've just got briar. Corncobs are relatively cheap, so nothing lost if it doesn't work out.
Only some pipes have "system" filters or similar. My Brigham pipe has a maple filter that absorbs tar. I run it with the filter in only about half the time. Don't know the health risks are any different with it in or out.
Best case scenario: find a good brick and mortar retailer near you who can help you out. That's what I did. For about $70 I was kitted out with everything, including a pouch of reasonably good tobacco that I still have in my rotation. I understand that buying online is cheaper in the U.S. (I'm in Canada, duty kills), but if you can establish that relationship with a good tobacconist, it's a great thing.
Estate pipes: dunno. I might try someday, but they haven't come across my radar yet. There's a page here that describes the reconditioning process. I'm sure there are others right here on this site.
Simon

 

[jonesing]

I agree that a cob is a good way to dip your toe. Corn cobs smoke quite well and give you a chance to get your feet wet with little cash outlay.
There are also some remarkably good buys in "brand name" new factory pipes. You can pick up a Savinelli Duca Carlo or Venezia for less than 50 bucks and a Stanwell for less than 70. In either case you know you're getting a good solid pipe that you can smoke pretty much forever if you keep it clean and don't hammer nails with it.
Or as Phil points out thousands of Dr. Grabow smokers can't be wrong.
Also, this guyhas some old unsmoked Comoys for 31 bucks. If I was buying a first pipe right now I'd give them a hard look. I'd want to confirm the chamber size. But I bet they are 3/4 X 1.50 plus, which is a pretty standard size. The guy who runs the site seems like a good guy and knowledgeable. I'd bet he'd give you the straight scoop if you tell him your a newbie.
Also you might keep an eye on Marty Pulver's site. He pretty much gives pipes away in his specials section. Many times 4 pipes for like 35-40 bucks. Many well thought of brand names and if they are junkers Marty will say so. Usually his specials pipes are just a bit off somehow. A nice pipe with the old owners initials on it. Maybe a replacement stem. Or it could be a no name that will be a great smoker. Marty knows if it will be a good one and really doesnt' seem to sell junk. He's hit and miss with updates. But it's worth keeping an eye on because his pipes pretty much sell the day they go up. He's due to post some good specials again soon. This is a great way to build a quick cheap herd.
Ebay estates are great too. but you need to know what you're looking at and then know the basics of cleaning up a used pipe, unless you pay more for a reconditioned estate from one of the more active resellers and/or consignment brokers.
Some basic advice. If an ebay pipe has a little silver colored ring between the stem and the shank don't buy it. These are screw together pipes usually with a metal stinger. I'm just not convinced any pipe with metal plumbing can smoke well.
Also, look at the rim, the chamber and the stem closely and make sure they look in decent condition. Signs of heavy smoking are in some ways good, Likely means its a good pipe and the previous owner smoked it a lot. But advanced heat damage, heavy bit chewing etc. can make a pipe unsmokable. But typical rim darkening and a few teeth marks on the stem are not deal breakers.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Rick

 

[admin]

Keep asking questions too.
We welcome everyone here except for pipe and tobacco snobs.
There is no such thing as a dumb question either.
Everyone here is extremely willing to help a new pipe smoker.
If possible try to find a local tobacconist with a physical store you can walk into.

 

[chuckw]

All good advice so far. I would recommend staying away from E-bay until you get a little more experience under your belt. As for e-tailers like Marty Pulvers and Smokingpipes.com, you can trust them to do an excellant job of refurbishing and sterilizing their estate pipes so you don't have to.

 

[maduroman]

thanks from me too... i have been futzing with pipes on and off for years, maybe this info will help me quit futzing.

 

[surfmac211]

Comoy at smokingpipes.com are great pipes for the money. I have 5 of them now and love them as a everyday pipe for a good price. If you don't mind not having a briar pipe get a cob to try out otherwise I recommend the Comoy if your willing to spend a few bucks.

 

[igloo]

Spend your money on baccy and then the the pipes will follow . Try as many blends as you can .Marty Pulvers at Pulvers Briar is a good , honest man .

 

[needsomeadvice]

Awesome, thanks for all the help so far. There's only one tobacco shop so far I've been to that sells pipes, and every time I go in and ask, whoever is behind the counter says they don't know anything about them. I usually prefer to ask someone I know about this stuff, but since my great-grandfather is no longer with us, I appreciate you guys being so approachable about this stuff. Thanks for all the suggestions for where to buy, and what to buy. I'll probably stay away from ebay until I get more experienced, but the online deals are great.

Does anyone know of anywhere that has a package deal with pipes and pipe tools?

Are the pipe cleaners I would use actual pipe cleaners, like I used in elementary school art class?

 

[igloo]

Best to use real pipe cleaners BJ Long , Dills ,I like a Czech Tool 3n1 about five bucks . Try here for a starter kit http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pipes.html .

 

[surfmac211]

That Peterson package is looking good if you can spend the money. They have good tobacco in my opinion.