Update on Non Pipe Smoker, Now Pipe Smoker

[corncobbler]

Okay fellas...I had a rough day today. My plan was to go to the best tobacco shop in my area figuring they would Missouri Meerschaum corn cobs and some good tobaccos. I was wrong.
No corn cobs or even a cheap briar pipe..Cheapest pipe was $105. They looked nice for sure and if I had the money I probably would have bought one.
They did have Lane 1Q though which is what I was looking for thanks to all you guys...So I bought some 1Q, some bulk amaretto tobacco and an English. Also a some pipe cleaners and that was it.
I cruise around town to 3 more smoke shops. They either have nothing or complete garbage. And me being new to smoking pipes I thought they were garbage so the average pipe smoker would have probably laughed in disgust.
So I go to all these smoke shops and no one has any semi decent pipes or corn cobblers...But now I'm on a quest...My plan for the day was to get the essentials go I could get my first smoke. So I got the tobacco and pipe cleaners, that's it.
So now I'm desperate. I go to Walgreens. They have a Dr. Grabow for $29.99..I know you guys are gonna laugh at me for it being such a crap pipe and also over priced but I had NO option lol. I just wanted my first smoke.
So I buy the Dr. Grabow for $29.99..Seemed like a rip? Is it? I'm positive it is but I'd like some reinforcement.
Anyways, so I buy it JUST because I want to smoke today and I got the tobacco.
Go home and spark up the 1Q. After getting advice and watching videos I think I packed the bowl at least decent. It lit well. Did the char light and tampered it and lit again. It stayed to the end of my bowl.
I was very impressed I have to say. And actually my expectations were exactly what I was waiting for and assuming for. No more no less.
I was happy, very happy. The smell remind me of my gramps like I said. And even my sister came into my house as I was smoking and her EXACT WORDS were, "It Smells like Grandpa Groves in here". Lol..And that my grandpa I was Talking about lo...I did not mention ANYTHING to my sister about my quest for pipe smoking or tell her anything.
So that really made my experience THAT MUCH BETTER! lol...I was excited. What I was looking for was reinforced by my sis.
That was the 1Q by the way, if I didn't mention.
So I wait a little bit and empty the bowl eager to pack a new bowl of some new tobacco. I new I shouldn't do this but HEY I excited and I just did it. lol..
So I pack Captain Black White Pouch...I enjoyed my experience fully but to be honest the Captain Black White Pouch tasted identical to 1Q in my opinion. If you handed me 1Q or Captain Black White Pouch I for sure wouldn't be ab;e to tell ONE difference.
But don't get me wrong, I'm not that naive. I know I've never smoked before and I don't have a good palate for tobaccos. So most, I would assume would laugh at this but as a beginner I could not tell in the SLIGHTEST BIT, AT ALL....WHATSOEVER...
But anyways, I did enjoy my experience a lot and look forward to learning more about different tobaccos and trying them for myself to see what fits my needs...
Thanks guys for the help...
Don't be afraid to talk shit lol..I don't care, I'll take it as constructive criticism. Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions I would love guys whether they be bad or good!
THANKS FELLAS!

 

[kashmir]

Hey, you did good. Better than good. Dr. Grabows, once broken in, make fine smokers. And Lane's 1Q is a perfect smoke, for an aromatic. So you done well. Very well. Just remember to go slow, and sip the pipe, and before you know it, you'll have developed a fine cake. Don't be afraid to clench the pipe either. And welcome to the forums.

 

[cobguy]

Congrats Corncobbler!
I love my bent stem Dr. Grabow (Duke maybe??)
Actually smokes wayyy better than a $30 pipe.
Did you remove the filter?

 

[dervis]

Its easy to see you are excited about your new hobby. That is fantastic. Nothing wrong with Dr. Grabows either , even the new ones. Experience with tasting different blends comes with time. Sometimes though a nice uncomplex tobacco just hits the spot. I say well done on all accounts.

 

[pylorns]

Yeah no shame in Grabows, I've smoked them, have a couple somewhere. Sounds like a perfect start!

 

[lifeon2]

Nothin wrong with a grabow (I have several dozen of them) and 1q is in just about everyones cellar welcome aboard.

 

[corncobbler]

Thanks fellas....
I did not remove the filter, which I contemplated removing..My thoughts, being a dip man and cigarette smoker I thought I should remove that because it would ruin the integrity of the smoke..Do you guys think it would be better if I removed the filter?..
By the way, I'm perma tongue bite from dipping chew for years, so I don't think I can get tongue bite from pipe smoke
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_RZ1O6Bcno

 

[mso489]

Most Forums members own Dr. Grabows and enjoy them. I'm impressed with the workmanship on my bulldog Royalton,

nicely shaped and good fit and finish. Not a thing wrong with it. You can use the filter or not. If you don't use it, draw

a little easier. You have some good tobacco. Read some of the articles on the Pipesmagazine home page on packing

your pipe and smoking technique. A pipe tool ($3) or pipe nail ($1) is necessary as are pipe cleaners and matches.

That's about all you need. Eventually another pipe or two for rotation, but no hurry on that. Other tobaccos, but no

rush on that either. Now, relax and enjoy. That's the real point of it all.

 

[sablebrush52]

Hi Corncobbler,
Welcome to the forums! I read your post with great pleasure. You know what is the most important aspect of this hobby, in my humble opinion?
Let's start with what isn't important. Having rare and costly pipes isn't important. Having rare and costly tobacco isn't important.
What is important is an enjoyable smoke. And THAT is what you had.

 

[nsfisher]

Nothing wrong with a Grabow mate. 90% + of us have at least one of em. After you get it broken in, you will enjoy it for years. Just a bit of advice though, if you use the paper filter, keep a fresh new one in at least every 2 smokes. Better yet, opt for the 6mm Balsa Wood filter.

 

[fnord]

Corn:
I've got a couple of forty to fifty year old DGs that are superb smokers. One of them, a Viscount, is my go-to pipe for every new tobacco I try.
Dr. Grabow pipes are about as true and honest as a Shop-Vac.
I'm sending you a PM - aka a Private Message.
Welcome to the forum, pal.
Fnord

 

[craig94yj]

Welcome Corn, There is nothing wrong with smoking with a filter, especially a beginner. I have some pipes with them and some without. The ones that take the filter I change every smoke. I get them for $1 for ten so I feel I'm worth a fresh filter every time. They do help absorb moisture from both ends and what ever you might be losing in the flavor or quality of draw, you will be enhancing with lack of moisture from your aromatics. Enjoy and happy smoking.

 

[latbomber]

Awesome and welcome! Dont worry, I horrifically overpaid for my first pipe and tobacco from a local b+m.

 

[cigrmaster]

corncobbler, welcome to the site and I am very happy to hear that your first experience was such a good one. As everyone else has said, there is nothing wrong with a Grabow. You might want to try it sans filter just to see if you like it better. I have owned many filtered pipes and smoked them all without the filter with great success. Keep reading all you can and ask as many questions as you feel necessary, we are here to help.