What Are Three One-Liner Lessons for Newbies

[mso489]

Advice tends to come in a deluge for new learners in any subject. What one-line pieces of advice do you have for pipe-smoking beginners. Remember, it can't wrap into a second line, and you don't have to say everything, just key points that will help as they learn other key points.
Here are my three just for starters:
1. Buy tobacco in small quantities for a year or so, while you are learning what you like.
2. Buy a name brand pipe, new if possible to avoid inheriting problems; expensive may be nice, but quality is key.
3. Learn about filters so you know whether you want to use them, and what the different kinds are.
Okay, those are my three, intended to be useful. And no, everyone won't agree with all of them. Some think a big investment in a first pipe is a good thing. Others like to buy a lot of the first tobacco they really like. Not my recommendation, but do your lessons your way. What are yours?

 

[cshubhra]

All great lessons - specially #1 which I learned the hard way- I am currently cellaring 20+ ounces of various Lane Limited Aromatics, because I don't like them beyond the smell!

 

[johnbarleycorn]

Use a cob while grilling (as I am now).
I received this tip from my mentor and its great advice. You won't get BBQ juices all over your nice briar. And go ahead and cue up some Fleetwood Mac while you are at it. I added that part.

 

[Sjmiller CPG]

1) Smoke the tobacco you like.

2) Smoke it in a pipe you like.

3) The hell with what anyone else thinks about your tobacco or your pipe.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Avoid forums, they make you buy more. :mrgreen:

 

[saintpeter]

1 - Price does not guarantee quality.

2 - Do not buy because of a catchy name.*

3 - You will make mistakes; learn from them.
* Unless it has Kraken in the name or a picture of a Kraken, then all bets are off.

 

[bprivateaerdric]

I don't know that I should be giving advice, but I can say three things that helped me.
1) Read widely and watch videos.

2) Join an online pipe smoking group

3) Make friends with the owner of an old style tobacco shop who will disagree with everything you read or talk about online.
Something that didn't help - Ignore advice because you already know what you like.

 

[aldecaker]

1. Dry it longer.

2. Pack it looser.

3. Smoke it slower.

 

[nevadablue]

Thanks for starting this thread. Very useful to this newbie.

 

[mayfair70]

1. When I read about the evils of smoking, I gave up reading.

2. You can't buy the perfect smoke, but you can pay heavily for it.

3. Take my pipe....Please!
Thank you, Henny Youngman.

 

[johnbarleycorn]

To finish my list I will repeat my first tip:
1. Cobs for grilling

2. Don't over think it (i.e. Don't worry so much about relights, packing methods, etc.)

3. Music selection is one of the most important factors (not only in pipe smoking, but life in general - refer to "what music are you listening to thread).

 

[jpmcwjr]

One may grill with any manner of briar or meer, but since clenching is usually involved, make it a not heavy one.
1. Dry the tobacco more than you think right

2. Don't spend time Youtubing "packing methods". Just load it.

3. Pull slowly. If it feels like there's no resistance, tamp it a bit and relight.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

1. 2. and 3. Spend more time smoking than learning about smoking.

 

[johnbarleycorn]

^ I agree on the grilling. I don't always follow my first rule either.... but it is still good advice. You don't have to be as careful that way.

 

[warren]

Keep expectations low, there is a learning curve but nothing arcane or magical to smoking.
Proper packing, many methods of doing so, is essential for a satisfying smoke. Find it!
You learn by doing, not by reading, there is a learning curve, not to panic.*
A fourth: Not everyone will enjoy smoking, no matter hard hard they wish to nor how often they try.
* A wee bit of reading, or even watching a "how to" video makes it all the more important to keep your expectations low when beginning. There is a lot of misinformation and good information not well presented out there on the net. Pick and choose your poison carefully.

 

[sablebrush52]

1. Virgin sacrifice is not necessary, but can be helpful, in getting a good smoke from your pipe. Note to Californians: It can be quite difficult to find virgins...
2. Holly's Non Plus Ultra, made by Dan Tobacco, is the finest smoke you will ever experience.
3. The secret to successful pipe smoking is wet tobacco, hard packing, fast puffing, smoking to the bottom of the bowl, and making huge clouds of smoke. If your bowl isn't glowing hot, you're not doing this correctly.

 

[aldecaker]

I'm not sure Mark Twain endorses your third suggestion, Sable.

 

[sablebrush52]

I'm not sure Mark Twain endorses your third suggestion, Sable.

Feh...What did he know?

 

[pipesmokingtom]

Feh...What did he know?

I hear he was adept at driving paddle steamers and pissing people off.

 

[derfatdutchman]

Packing takes practice

Tamp lightly

Teeth marks happen.