@ Streeper541 I'm not sure I would qualify these as standards, but, at least what I look for on some level in pipe and tobacco choice on some level.
For pipes, as a visual artist, aesthetics play a key role. I enjoy graceful curves—I like the shape and proportion of Bent Billiards like the Savinelli 606 and 601; they also come to mind when I think of a classic pipe in my mind's eye. I love unique wood grain, whether it's Birdseye, Flame, or Straight. Visually, I also find myself drawn to Squat Bulldogs or Rhodesians. There's something about the low slung look that works for me; there's a certain grace to the lines that aren't there with traditional Bulldogs (which also appeal to me, just a little less so). Tying in to the artist's aesthetic, I've yet to see a 21st Century Skull Meerschaum pipe that appealed to me—I've seen none that adhered to enough basic anatomy, especially in the nasal area (I can't abide by the balloon ring I see on 95% of modern skull pipes), for consideration. This is part of why I'll be making my own if I ever get off my ass.
At one time, I thought it might be interesting to get at least one example of each classic shape of pipe—I still may, but, these days, I look for unusual shapes or features that aren't seen every day. For relaxation, I prefer a longer smoke, so, a larger chamber is preferable. I've gravitated toward an Author shape like the 320 KS for its chamber size and chunky feel in the hand. That said, I have some tiny French pipes from the '50s that are perfect for tasting singular components for blending. I have a GBD Colossus Ebony with a huge chamber—it gets quite warm, nearly hot to the touch when just sipping; I think the wall proportion provides insufficient insulation to the enormous ember. Maybe I need a 320 Super Duper KS to take its place.
Coming from cigar smoking, I enjoy full, layered, complex blends, something I find pipe smoking doesn't often deliver. I've come to accept the two are apples and oranges. More often than not, I find pipe tobacco is more about nuance and layers. It's akin to the bold in your face flavours of Lagavulin or Laphroaig Scotch as compared to the delicacies and subtleties of Hibiki 21 or Four Roses Cask Single Barrel Bourbon. A quality I've been enjoying lately is how well a tobacco burns with little drying time. It was an absolute treat to have Folklore recently—had I not had an interruption, I believe I would've smoked through the entire bowl with out a relight. I don't enjoy having to plan eight hours ahead and cube cut Full Virginia Flake. Smoking Cult Blood Red Moon last night was a treat; it burned really well and added to my enjoyment. I don't think I have a quintessential blend. I enjoy variety too much.
The simple answer when it comes to pipes is I buy what appeals to me; with tobacco, I pick up what sounds interesting and hopefully it delivers something I will appreciate.
