So, I decided to give pipe smoking a try. Like many, I was a cigar smoker that was seduced by the smells of pipe tobacco and thought I would try my hand at it. I didn't know quite where to begin so I ordered the collegiate starter kit from smokingpipes.com. I was impressed with the value of the kit. It was only around 30 dollars and came with everything you need to jump right in. However, I smoked the pipe just twice and noticed two large cracks already forming on the bowl just along the stem. Mind you, I wasn't expecting the Cadillac of pipes for the price but I did hope it would last long enough to be part of a rotation. I cleaned the pipe after each use with pipe cleaners dipped in grain alcohol to remove the excess at and residue. I also polished the bowl with a dab of olive oil as a protective coating.
Was this type of cleaning too harsh after each smoke? I let the pipe rest before cleaning and waited 1 week in between smokes. Am I at fault or is this just the downside to the drugstore wholesale pipe? The brand was Lucienne if that makes a difference.
Also, where could I get a pipe online that is a sturdy beginner piece? I'm not ready to shell out a couple hundred on any one pipe just yet. Smokingpipes.com offers a wide selection but not so much within the 50 dollar and below price tags. I don't have a tobacconist near where I live so unfortunately buying one in person is not an option.
Sorry for the long winded soap boxy speech. I'm just a bit heated because I enjoyed the two smokes I did have very much.
Was this type of cleaning too harsh after each smoke? I let the pipe rest before cleaning and waited 1 week in between smokes. Am I at fault or is this just the downside to the drugstore wholesale pipe? The brand was Lucienne if that makes a difference.
Also, where could I get a pipe online that is a sturdy beginner piece? I'm not ready to shell out a couple hundred on any one pipe just yet. Smokingpipes.com offers a wide selection but not so much within the 50 dollar and below price tags. I don't have a tobacconist near where I live so unfortunately buying one in person is not an option.
Sorry for the long winded soap boxy speech. I'm just a bit heated because I enjoyed the two smokes I did have very much.