New smoker. Need advice.

[blackbloodtroll]

Hello. This is my first post here. I am a fairly new pipe smoker, and need some advice.
One: I am looking to have a good travel pipe, preferably one I can use "hands free" at times. What do you suggest?
Two: I started out with a Metal pipe, but am looking to move on, and upgrade a bit. What's a good next step for a beginner?
Three: I am looking to find a tobacco that's "just right for me. Is there a place I can get a sampler of sorts?
Thank you all for your help.

 

[papipeguy]

First, figure out what you can spemd on a pipe. There are some good ones for under $100. I think Savinellis and Stanwells are great starter pipes. You can't go wrong with those. As for sample packe; most of the sponsors listed here offer sample packs so call them and ask for recommendations. most new pipers start with aromatics but don't get yourself hemmed in by that, Order a variety of things and see what you like. Many will suggest Lane Ltd.'s 1Q since it is a mild aro with a slight vanilla casing. A good starter blend. On the more advanced side are the English blends that most of us define as latikia based. Think campfire and you get the picture.

Good luck with your endeavors and let us know about your progress.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your time here. This is a wonderful resource for the hobby.

 

[irishjedi]

Welcome to the forums! You have definitely came to the right place. As a fellow new guy, this site has been such a help making the transisition from cigars to pipes. Easy peasy. As far as your questions...here's my .02
1. I have a nice brandy shape that is pretty "hands free" if you will. Kinda has been my go to "working" pipe if you will.
2. As far as your next pipe, what helped me was this site, and just going out to the local shops and seeing what was out there and talking to the folks at said shop.
3. As far as samplers, I went kinda "wild" and tried one of each of the "drug store" brands, and then went to 4noggins.com placed and order of 2oz here and there, and same goes for the local shops where I live, 2oz here and there and just took notes on what I like, and how the tobacco smoked and such.
But overall just have fun with it, and enjoy it. Hope this helps.
Mike

 

[cortezattic]

Welcome to the forums, and congrats on writing your first post! :clap:
1) a three-quarter or full bent pipe offers the best jaw leverage for clenching a pipe in your teeth (hands free);

and an army mount pipe is handy for travel because the stem can be rotated for a more compact shape in a bent pipe.
2) You had a metal pipe? Unless it was a Falcon or similar metal-stemmed pipe, I'd say you need to start over again.

Check with the list of advertisers in the left hand column of this page for something that catches your eye.
3) As with the search for a pipe, check with the advertisers, or buy 1 oz. of each bulk that sounds appetizing.
Browse some of the many threads archived in the beginner's subforum.
Army mount bent pipe:

 

[buster]

You can find some inexpensive pipes that will smoke just fine. Thirty to fifty bucks for a starter pipe should do ya just fine. I second the 1Q as a good place to start from.
Question for you would be, " what kind of flavor are you looking for in a tobacco?" Sweet, fruity, smokey, un flavored, vanilla, chocolate? Nicotine content?

 

[05venturer]

Best advise/suggestion I can give is to go to Missouri Meerschaum's website and order the $30 bag of smokable seconds , you will get a good rotation of pipes for very little money. Then as said by a few others here give some of our site sponsors " sampler packs" a try. Also " Welcome to the Club"

 

[blackbloodtroll]

I like a smokey flavor. I didn't even know there was chocolate. Is there a molasses flavor? I figured I made a mistake with the metal. I suppose it's all part of learning. I used to be a smoker, and I am slowly switching over. My girlfriend really likes the smell, and likes the switch.

Few more questions:
Outside of matches, what is a good way to light my pipe?
What is a good material for my next pipe?

 

[rmason]

I second the MM Smokable Seconds here is the link. A good lighter that is not a jet lighter ( it will burn the rim of your pipe) bic, DJeep, or Zippo with a pipe insert are fine. Brair is the best material for a pipe then corn, but if your new to pipe smoking I would go with the cobs that are in the link, they are cheap, expendable and give you and instant rotation. Good Luck and I hope you stay with us.

~Ron

 

[boudreaux]

My recommendation would be to call Carole Burns at Pipeworks & Wilke, web site is vtpipes.com

She's a master blender, and she can send you a sampler pack for $40 shipped. She has many good aromatic and non-aromatic blends.
Every one I smoked that she recommended, I liked, especially her Rumcake blend. She also added an extra small sample that was a nice surprise. In addition, she has many estate (pre-owned) pipes. I bought one of these from her and it was a great smoker. This would save you some break-in time, if you go with a briar to start.
Best of all, you are getting to talk to the blender directly. She's patient and her recommendations are accurate.
IMO, I started back to pipe smoking by getting an MM cob, and did not particularly like it because I felt the draw was "too easy." I say this, because as a new pipe smoker, you may draw too forcefully or too rapidly, and yo may get a hot smoke and tongue bite, depending on blend and puffing speed.
I'd Google for some threads on "sipping" on this forum. It has been a topic often discussed, and will prove to be key to your enjoyment.
Also, there are many members on here who will give you solid advice on every aspect of blends, pipes, lighters, and even making your own. From what you read, ultimately you'll have to try some suggestions and decide what suits you best.
Welcome to the forums. There is no such thing as a naive or stupid question. Members here may refer you to links if a topic has already been addressed many times, in the interests of expediency or variety of viewpoints.
Lastly, check out the list of acronyms (abbreviations) by clicking on the link provided toward the upper right corner of forum page (Check on Home page). This will be of great help in understanding the answers to questions you may have that cause you to ask yourself, "What the hell are they talking about?" By this, I mean phrases like PAD, TAD, VaPer, SP, etc.that are often used in comments to refer to member purchases, blends, or vendors.
Have fun with this! ::

 

[latbomber]

Another recommendation for MM cobs here. I dont think there is a need for a fancy lighter either, I just use wooden matches. I'd try as many different classes of tobacco as you can! Welcome btw.

 

[mso489]

'Depends what you want in a travel pipe. Do you need something that is very compact like a pocket pipe,

something that is average size but not too expensive in case of lose, or is there some other requirement?

For a nice briar pipe that is not a filter pipe, nor a cob, I'd take a look at the Chapuis-Comoys at our

sponsor tobaccopipes.com. The inventory is a little depleted right now; check for the "add to cart" text

to know what is actually in stock, but there are plenty of handsome pipes available. These are good briar

pipes with quality stems. The zulu I bought (I'm not sure there are any of that shape left right now) is

good as pipes twice or three times the price. Impressive.

 

[blackbloodtroll]

Thanks again you all.

The grab bag looks a good way to start with finding the pipe just for me.
I will check out some of the other pipes suggested as well.
I will also investigate sipping, and thanks for link to a blender.
I have been looking for a good "pocket pipe", and later, something more for relaxing at home.
This is a very welcoming community, and I think I should have no trouble finding the right pipe, and right blend for me.
Again, thank you.

 

[judcole]

I will only add: Smoke the best tobacco, and the best pipes, you can afford.
Welcome aboard, and enjoy the journey.

 

[cmdrmcbragg]

I like Cortez's advice: try a little bit here and there. I buy 2 oz. of anything new pretty much. I put half in a smaller mason jar (compact for storage and cheap) and smoke the rest when I feel like it. Basket pipes aren't bad, but they aren't the best either. I stick with cheaper new pipes or buy estate and put some work into them. Just pack your bowl well and don't torch the tobacco. Also, I have no problems with the "drug store" pouches. You can't go wrong with the Captain.