Some questions from a newbie

[jvs68]

Hi all,
I've been reading some of the posts and responses and it looks like this is the perfect forum for me. I am BRAND NEW to pipe smoking. Ok, not completely brand new. As a teenager I was really into Sherlock Holmes mysteries and I found some of my grandfather's pipes around the same time and messed about with them for a few weeks but never really got into it. These days I own my own business and with work being overwhelming I'm looking for a nice way to unwind on the deck a few times a week.
So here are my questions, my apologies if you've answered them all many times before.
1 - What should I expect to spend on an entry level pipe? I was just looking at pipetobacco.com and they had pipes ranging from $45 - $95. Should I be looking in the $45 range or is it better to spend a little more and get a better pipe? Or is there something for less than $45 that you'd recommend.
2 - What tobacco is good for a newbie like me? I need something mild that won't put me on my keester. I have never smoked cigarettes. I made the mistake of smoking one cigar about 20 years ago (a Cohiba robusto as I recall) and it was WAY too strong for me and left me wanting to vomit.
3 - Are filters necessary? Is there a preferred kind?
4 - Tamping tool... Necessary? Recommendations?
5 - Anything else I'm missing?
Thanks in advance gang!
John

 

[joshb83]

John, first welcome to the forums. There is a wealth of knowledge here that is reallly second to none. Second, we could go on and on about what different types of tobaccos and accesories and pipe style. However, i find the easiest bet for a newbie is something simple like the pipe starter kit from www.pipesandcigars.com they have a set that comes with a basic tobacco pouch with room for a pipe and tools, 2 pouches of tobacco, a pipe and a tamper multi tool. All you need after that is some fire and youre set. In my opinion, if a cigar was too powerful for you, you may want to start with a cheap aromatic like captain black. Its cheap, easy to get and pretty mild. Plus if you dont like it, you didnt waste much. Just my 2 cents, best of luck, and keep asking question!! Welcome again!

 

[pipefish]

Hi jvs68--welcome to the forums. Lots of friendly and helpful people here.
Searching the forums will get you lots more information about each of your questions.
1.) Buy a few MM cobs. Very cheap and you can "dedicate" a few of them to different blends (e.g. one for aros, one for Englishes, one for Virginias and Virginia-Perique blends. If you decide to "move-up" in the pipe world, then get yourself a reasonably price Stanwell or Savinelli.
2.) Aromatic--Cult Blood Red Moon; "Crossover English" (which is a mix of English and Aromatic)--Frog Morton Cellar or On The Town; Virginia--Orlik Golden Sliced. If you have a B&M nearby you might want to speak with him about some house blends such as 1-Q which is a mild aromatic. I didn't like it since it was like I was smoking hot air. A lot of aromatic blends are like this. They smell great in the tin and those around you, but they don't have any real flavor. I've found Cult Blood Red Moon to be a fantastic flavorful aromatic--cherries and chocolate--great stuff.
3.) Filters are not necessary; Sometimes I use them and sometimes I don't. I find that filters limit some of the flavor but also reduce a "bite" that a tobacco might have--this is especially true of some aros and Virginia tobacco blends. Try it both ways and see what you like.
4.) A tamper is necessary--Czech tools are available in most B&Ms and online. And they're cheap. You can also use a nail with a large flat head as well!
5.) Patience--and a LOT of matches or lighters as your pipe will go out more frequently than you'd like. Don't worry about this--you'll get better the more you smoke. Check out the various packing techniques on the forum and youtube. A lot of people rave about the "Frank method," but I particularly like this style, called the "Swirl Method." Plus, this guy's accent is awesome:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XHYPso7TXs
Welcome to the journey!!!

 

[mcitinner1]

Hello John, There are many 'how to' pipe videos on youtube.

 

[troutface]

John, I think pipefish has it exactly right. Pay special attention to #5-Patience. Do not puff faster and harder in an attempt to keep the pipe lit, you will gain nothing from it. The pipe will get very hot and possibly suffer damage. The tobacco will taste like crap and you will most likely burn your tongue. Relax, it takes some time to learn how to pack a pipe and smoke it. A good B&M or pipe club can be a big help. Tobacco is a universe in itself, so many types and styles to try. If you don't like a blend now, put it away for awhile, you may love it in six months. Have fun!

 

[jvs68]

Wow. Thanks everyone! Much appreciated!

 

[natibo]

Buy a Dunhill pipe and some 1792 flake and let me know what color your vomit is. :twisted: :nana:

 

[ericusrex]

Pipes and cigars has a corncob sampler for $25 but if you're a little more daring go on Missouri meerschaum's website and order their 10 pack of smokeable seconds for $30.

 

[mso489]

Welcome aboard jvs68. I'm only going to address the pipe purchase question and the filter question. I love Missouri Meerschaum cob pipes and think this is a great way to start. Note, some of them are filter pipes and others aren't. Most Forums smokers are not filter users. If you want to start out without filters, just be sure those are the kinds of corncob pipes you buy from MM. You can buy "Forever" stems for MM cobs, which cost a little more and make any cob pipe non-filter. You might want to buy at least one filter cob pipe to try; you can smoke them without the filters, but the draw is a little open; some like that, some don't. If and when you move on to a briar or Meerschaum pipe, you will get differing advice. Some say buy the very best pipe you can buy, save up and spend the most you can. I'd say, better to buy at least five or six pipes before you go in that mode, to learn more about the shapes, the brands, the sizes, and smoking characteristics -- and much more. You work hard at it, shop a lot before you buy anything, and visit pipe shops and pipe shows if you can. You can get excellent smoking pipes anywhere from $30 to $100, on up, and you can also buy cheapie pipes and poor smokers in that same range, so read a lot and shop a lot before you buy.

 

[hodirty]

Welcome to our great hobby. First off, the information collected here (pipesmagazine.com) could fill many, many books. This is the best place to learn and evolve as a pipe smoker. No question is a "Dumb" one. There is an old Chinese proverb I love, that is "He who asks is a fool for five minutes, he who does not ask, is a fool forever." If you have any problems at all, there are a ton of really nice and knowledgeable people who will be able to point you in the right direction. I would have to agree, that you should start with a kit from Pipesandcigars.com. they offer a wide array of them. Pick somewhere near your price range, and take a shot. once you've got your pipe, tobacco, cleaners, tamper, and flame; watch youtube videos and just play around. The basics are the hardest to learn when smoking a pipe. Have fun with it. Trial and error are the best teachers. Patience, patience, patience. That is the big one. Well, I hope I have helped. Enjoy the hobby. I hope you stick around. Josh S.

 

[jvs68]

Thanks guys!
Bo, I'll get back to you... :crying:

 

[jvs68]

Hi guys,
There is no pipe store close to me so I've been doing some research online. While I appreciate the recommendation to try some of the cheaper corn cob pipes so I don't get in too deep I just don't like the way they look. I've always thought pipes are beautiful and the corn cob ones don't really do it for me.
With that in mind I have a few in the $30 - $40 range that I like. Is there anything about them that I should be aware of or can a newbie use these:

--Baraccini dark walnut

--Dr. Grabow Lark

--Stanwell Vario
Thanks!

jvs

 

[beastkhk]

I just received my Vario 98 last week. I wish I knew about this pipe sooner on, great smoker. I love everything about it, size, weight, style and a price point that can't be beat either. It is a great feeling when you find a pipe or blend that just feels like it is "your" pipe/blend. The Vario 98 fits that bill for me. YMMV
I would highly recommend this line though.

 

[hodirty]

I have Dr. Grabows, and a Barraccini. All are winners. Stanwells , although owning none, have a great reputation. I would put my bet on the Stanwell. I have yet to hear any bad press about them. My Barraccini, is a great value pipe, but just feels sorta cheap. It smokes well, just not consistently. Most of my collection are Dr. G's. I would seriously consider either the Royalton or Golden Duke line Dr. G's. They are my best smokers, and look great doing it. But at the end of the day, dollar for dollar; I would go for the Stanwell. I hope this helps.

 

[seagullplayer]

I love my Dr. Grabow's and my Lark is a favorite.
Carter Hill is a blend you can find about anywhere and it is a favorite by lots of folks, including me.
I use the butt of my pocket knife for a tamper, I find a golf tee works good too.
Do yourself a favor and get a cheap lighter, you will relight dozens of times when starting out.
You said relaxing with a pipe is your goal, so don't sweet it, relax. :wink:

 

[jvs68]

Outstanding. Thanks again, everyone!

 

[hodirty]

Glad to help ::

 

[jvs68]

Okey dokey! I ordered a Dr. Grabow lark, a pouch of Prince Albert, a triple sampler of English non-aromatics and pouch of the Dunhill Early Morning. Very excited to have my first smoke on the deck. Thanks again guys!

 

[mso489]

jvs, sounds like a good start. If you want to look at other good but inexpensive briar pipes so you'll have a rotation, so you rest your pipes for a day or two between smokes, I suggest you look at tobaccopipes.com at Chapuis-Comoy. These are priced at $30-$50. Not all pipes are in stock, so look for the "Add To Cart" for the ones that are available. Also, PipesandCigars has brushed brown and black Stanwell pipes in a variety of shapes for $49.95; just be sure whether you are getting filter or non-filter, whichever you prefer. The Vario is also a good Stanwell available there. Smokingpipes.com has Rossi pipes, which are a part of Savenelli, for as low as $57.40, if I remember. Like Savenelli, these come with a balsa filter but can be easily converted to non-filter with an adaptor available at the same online retailer, a pack of five adaptors for four bucks. Some inexpensive pipes are good quality and will last forever, and others are just cheaply made and trouble. You'll learn more as you go along and will eventually be in a position to buy a more expensive pipe if you want, but a few of these could last you for years to come, and will still serve you if you move up to more expensive pipes, as part of your rotation and for travel, outdoor, or car pipes.

 

[jvs68]

Thanks mso489, much appreciated!