My first go-round was with some cherry tobacco and a small Grabow my mom sent me in Afghanistan. Smoking helped keep the flies at bay.
When I really picked up a pipe, I went to the Tinderbox in Tacoma. I got North Sea, which is their name for a Lane blend, I believe, 1-Q that they also renamed, but can't remember, and finally McClelland Coyote Classic. I still smoke all 3, but not often...and I am almost out of Coyote Classic.
My first 3 pipes are still around, too: a Pete 03 from a bic lighter set, a Sav autograph 8 prince with a cumberland stem, and a Stanwell whose stem lasted 2 smokes before I bit through it because it was buffed to paper thin. I got another stem and it's in my stable. I smoke the Pete the most. 03 is my favorite shape of theirs.