Pipes Not To Buy First

[mso489]

There aren't any rules on this, so don't worry if you've already bought one/some of these. But if you are just building a rotation, your first eight or ten (or three or four) pipes, here are some possible guidelines. Then of course, throw caution to the wind and do what you want. 1) Hold off on extra big (and heavy) and extra small pipes, though these are excellent to own for their purposes. 2) A churchwarden is a fine pipe in a rotation of fifteen or twenty, but wait on this until you have mastered the basics. 3) I love my estate pipes, but the advantage of buying a new pipe is that you won't inherit someone else's smoking style and problems -- find out how it goes with a good brand in a new pipe, and learn about pipes before you venture into estate (used) pipes. 4) Pay attention first to good smoking characteristics and not drama or elaborate carving, etc., to see how a medium size, traditionally shaped, briar, cob or meerschaum smokes, then later branch out as you will. 5) Go high or low priced, but stay comfortably within your budget; buying a first pipe shouldn't intrude upon any of your monthly bills at all or require a savings program; you can buy a good pipe within your budget, high or low, so don't break the bank about it. Okay, that's my avuncular (uncle-like) advice. Follow or ignore this advice, and may it bring you happiness in the New Year either way. And what are your cues, suggestions, bits of wisdom for new pipe smokers on buying pipes? (And Happy New Year!)

 

[Chasing Embers]

inherit someone else's smoking style and problems

:?:

You lost me there, especially since you can get restored estates.

 

[saltedplug]

Good advice but as above I'm not sure if I agree about buying new, especially as someone who is new may not want to commit to paying double for what they could have gotten for half the price in an estate. The qualification of inheriting another's smoking habits would obtain given a compromised chamber or stem, but any reputable seller such as pipestud, Marty Pulvers or smokingpipes will tell you this upfront; and in any case such pipes are in the minority

 

[cynicismandsugar]

I have mixed feelings about an estate for one's first pipe. I'm pro-estate, however I can see the multiple downsides to pre-owned market, especially first time out.
My first briar was a new selection that I obtained from a local B&M. The staff gave me many of the same opinions that you've suggested, and I was able to thoroughly hold and inspect the pipe before purchasing. The staff did suggest an estate as a cost-effective option, but they completely understood my desire for a virgin bowl, as any good shop would... however, my second briar was an estate (also purchased from the same shop).
You're suggestions are sound, sir!
I would like to stress that a first-time buyer should avoid hype and focus on comfort, quality of build, and personal esthetic. You're buying this tool for your personal enjoyment, not your buddy's final approval on YouTube or social media.
All-around great advice, sir! Thank you for sharing!

 

[saltedplug]

When I "quit" smoking in 2012 I sold all my pipes, among them a Savinelli Autograph Freehand with a huge chamber, a good blast and my favorite color, a dark maroon. I paid about $250.00 for it and had shopped estates to get a great pipe at half the cost. I don't shop estates first these days, but at the time my 70 pipes were at least half estates. I never felt I'd made a bad buy; instead, I often thought of buying them as my best avenue to affordable artisan quality.

 

[saltedplug]

Notice that we are talking amongst ourselves about what someone new might think about selecting pipes. So I will leave the discussion by saying whether new or estate, some of the best bargains can be had amongst the Italians, including a Castello Perla Nera billiard for about $233.75 on smokingpipes in their weekend estate sale.
I'd really like to but just can't. . .

 

[olkofri]

I'm personally anti-estate, but I won't preach about it. Personal decision stemming from hypocondriac tendencies.
For a first pipe, I'd second the recommendation about medium bowls.

 

[keith929]

My advice to a new pipe smoker? Think cob. :puffpipe:

 

[warren]

I'm one of those who wouldn't buy a used car, boots, saxophones, photo equipment, pipes, and on into a rather extensive list. Just not my nature I guess. Nothing against those that do. It has nothing to do with hygiene. I just don't buy used stuff, excepting certain antiques.
I think a first pipe should be inexpensive so, if the smoking experiment doesn't work out, one isn't out of pocket much.

 

[Chasing Embers]

My advice to a new pipe smoker? Think cob. :puffpipe:

Yep

 

[mso489]

Cobs are a natural choice (pun accepted) whether you are buying a first pipe or your three hundredth and something. Best of all, they are easy to smoke and fine smokers with any blend or cut. Given that much, I think some people associate them with some negative image, being too home spun or folksy, although people with objections would have more derogatory terms. To the contrary, I think a handsome corn cob pipe is good with any attire, and is a fine counterpoint to a suit and tie or tux. Especially if you are known for owning some up-market pipes, smoking a cob is a sure signal that you know your pipes. Reference fishnbanjo and his collection of breathtaking artisanal pipes and some exquisite cobs to go with them. With fish', I somewhat rest my case.

 

[mso489]

Not to double up on my posts here, but on the estate pipe question, I certainly admit that is the most negotiable point. I think new pipes, even with occasional quality control problems, are a good bet. A newbie needs to be focusing on smoking skills and finding their tastes in blends, and a new pipe reduces variables to some degree. If all newbies could be directed to one of our master pipe restorers, I might well give exactly the opposite advice. These guys and maybe gals are white-hot critics of pipes and near fanatics on selection, repair, and renovation. Their pipes end up looking better than new because they are. But because we are in a world of ebay and many lesser renovations, I'd still lean toward new pipes ... or a roster of our gifted restoration folks only.

 

[lestrout]

Most estates don't entail the break-in requirement that can spoil the first few bowls with a new pipe. (The discussion on bowl coatings can not ensue....)
hp

les

 

[Chasing Embers]

If all newbies could be directed to one of our master pipe restorers, I might well give exactly the opposite advice. These guys and maybe gals are white-hot critics of pipes and near fanatics on selection, repair, and renovation. Their pipes end up looking better than new because they are.

A number of e-tailers such as SPC restore estates before putting them up for sale.

 

[mso489]

chasing', yes, smokingpipes is excellent and I have bought an estate or two from them, and I believe I'd trust other sponsors as well, and other sellers recommended by members. But members have some fairly intense self-education on all this, whereas a newbie does not. Some could track down the experts, and others wouldn't. I'm trying to go with the best bet, but with good advice and a little luck, a newbie could go all the way with estates only, admittedly. I don't want to be a fuddy-duddy with "safe" advice. But I said in the original post ... no rules.

 

[Chasing Embers]

That is true. Was just implying that an estate could be as good as a new one, and far more economical.

 

[Chasing Embers]

SPC also explains their estates.

An estate pipe is a pipe that has been previously owned by someone else. Each estate pipe that we sell has undergone a thorough cleaning and disinfecting regimen before it is ever offered for sale. Estate pipes are generally far less expensive than a new pipe of the same make, thereby representing an excellent value for the money, and for many smokers, a way to sample the wares of pipe makers they might not otherwise be able to afford.

 

[tschiraldi]

A broken in estate pipe will be more forgiving and cut down on re-lights which cause many new smokers to give up the pipe. They're also more economical which allows one to acquire a better piece for the money. I love the breaking in period on a new pipe, but I think I'm in the minority.

 

[kola]

Avoid ? New Petersons.
Go after? Older estate Petersons

 

[warren]

And ... we're off!