I Want to Start Smoking Pipe Tobacco

**Doc Robinson** · 12-13-2009, 02:29 AM

I don't know a thing about it. It just seems really cool and relaxing. I enjoy cigars, love cigs (but stopped because of the health risks, etc.), and am always looking for the next vice. It isn't something I would do on the daily. I know there are still cancer risks.

I have been researching pipes and tobacco for the last hour or so...as with everything, there is a WHOLE WORLD of stuff out there.

Does anyone else smoke pipes? Any advice for someone looking to spend $50 or less to start?

**doggage** · 12-13-2009, 03:09 AM

I started when I stumbled on pipes from my grandpa, and I like it better than cigars. You can easily get a nice pipe, some different tobaccos, and a cheapo bic lighter (or wood matches) and be good to go. Two things you don't need: a tamper (use your finger), and a torch lighter (use a regular one or match).

**Domminigan** · 12-13-2009, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggage

You can easily get a nice pipe, some different tobaccos, and a cheapo bic lighter (or wood matches) and be good to go. Two things you don't need: a tamper (use your finger), and a torch lighter (use a regular one or match).

Agreed on every point.

My Grandad used to smoke pipes as well. I've got a few from him and two that I bought myself. I would advise browsing the internet and looking for a site for beginners. Perhaps the pipe smoking guide at notsoboringlife.com

Any problems that you may have with it will eventually disappear with practice.

philrose · 12-13-2009, 05:14 AM

If you can find it, Wessex brigade original is my favorite. Has a light cider taste. Not at all artificial tasting. Very mellow and relaxing.

chefmike · 12-13-2009, 05:30 AM

The money on a good pipe is well spent.

I find the key is to smoke slowly and keep the pipe cool. No huffing.

and taking the time to condition the pipe will lead to smokes of 1.5 to 2 hours of bliss.

Like brewing... it is a process that is worth the investment of time, patience and a little learning to maximize the experience.

**azscoob** · 12-13-2009, 06:28 AM

I have a collection of pipes, all of them fall into rotation during the winter, I smoke a blend of vanilla and cherry that I buy at the local smoke shop. pleasant aroma without any notable bite. my favorite one is a preachers pipe, long bent stem with a stand to hold it during a sermon. very easy to keep cool and it has a great draw and even burn. I will have to post pics of a few of my favorites in my gallery if I get a chance. as for the money, 50 dollars can get you a nice starter pipe, or if you can find a restemmed second hand one, you can get a good quality pipe for little cash and the bowl has already been broken in. or just buy an ok pipe, give it a whirl, if you like it, buy a good pipe and enjoy the pleasure!

gratus fermentatio · 12-13-2009, 08:13 AM

Do yourself a favour & spend the $20 or so on a straight stemmed starter pipe (easy to clean); that way you can see if you like it enough to upgrade to a finer pipe. BTW, Meerschaum is not a starter pipe. Get yourself a pack of pipe cleaners and a tamper to go with it. I know others have said you don't really need a tamper, but it's under $2 and will keep your finger from getting sticky or coated with ash. It's handy to have on hand for cleaning too & for $2 or less, why not? You should be able to get everything you need to start, including a few different (quality) tobaccos, for under $40.

Don't bother with any of the pipe tobaccos you'd find at the grocery store, go to a reputable tobacconist for your tobacco. I've always liked cherry blends, the vanilla blends are nice too. Not sure if you'll be able to find any of the John Kent blends, but if you can, try the #3 & the #7, they're tasty; so is Mac Baren's Danish Plumcake. Part of the fun is trying all sorts of tobaccos & finding out which ones you like. Often tobacconists will let you try a blend or 2 before you buy, all you have to do is ask. Often tobacconists will have their own house blends, sometimes those are pretty tasty, sometimes not so much. You can blend your own too.

There is something to be said for taking the time to sit & smoke a pipe. I always found it to be relaxing, gives you time to think... And the girlfriend at the time loved the way it smelled, some women seem to have a thing for guys who smoke a pipe & the smell of pipe tobacco. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Regards, GF.

philrose · 12-13-2009, 08:38 AM

I like the tamp too, makes a nice keychain

**Doc Robinson** · 12-13-2009, 01:19 PM

Wow! Thanks everyone. I told my wife last night that I wanted to go to the local smoke shop to look at pipes and tobacco. Her response:

"Could you please just pick up one more bad habit while we're married?"

Sure can!

**Domminigan** · 12-13-2009, 04:09 PM

Pipe smoking is a requirement for reading the paper outside in the springtime. It's not a bad habit.