I'm interested.....
 

After years of smoking cigars, i'm looking to try pipes. My wife says she enjoys the aroma of pipe so I'm looking to give this a go.

I have a couple of questions maybe someone can help me out with.

1. Cobs- I heard they are great starter pipes
2. Beside a cob, what is a good beginner pipe to work with.
3. Tools?
4. Lighter - will my gar torches work?
5. Baccy - what is a good blend to try. I'm a seasoned cigar guy. Does it matter? I just don't want to buy the Phillie blunt of pipe tobacco.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm going to do some reading now, there's a ton of threads...

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Welcome to the dark side!

I would totally suggest starting with a cob, make sure it's a Missouri Meerschaum. Some of the random off brands can be very low quality and have the bottom come out of the shank come out.

Only tool you'll need is a pipe tool, but a nail works just as well. Most places have a pipe tool and they shouldn't be more than $5 tops.

For tobacco. You actually may want to start with the Phillie blunt. Unlike cigars there is actually a bit of skill in packing and keeping a pipe lit. Because of that, the "drugstore" brands are a good starting point. They aren't bad by any means, but maybe not as nuanced as some of the more expensive blends. My favorite drugstore brand is Carter Hall.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

You want a soft flame lighter. It doesnt have to be expensive and a lot of folks like zippos.

I like the Mis meerschaums myself. I must have 8 of them by now. They are great cobs. If you burn them out who cares. If you bite thru them who cares. I chew them and love it. I have 100's of dollars worth of pipes and use the cobs most.

I like bulk tobacs a lot myself. Trout stream is awesome and as milk as you can start with. Your wife should love the room note. It may even get her frisky for you! Another like it is Stokkebyes peaches & cream. Chick magnets. tasty, mild, and softly aromatic. Mac Baren Scottish Blend is for when you crave some higher power nic and power. It smells good too. Thats the thing with pipes. Too many great choices!

Re: I'm interested.....
 

See Above!

Re: I'm interested.....
 

See if your taste goes towards aromatics or English blends and let us know.
BTW - estate pipes are often good values. Can get into a nicer pipe for around half or less the cost of a new pipe.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Check on Youtube. There's some good videos on how to pack a pipe, lighting a pipe etc. Good for beginners.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Thank you all for the info. This is a great starting point and answered many of my questions.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Pretty much what Spencer had to say Armondo:

1. I'd go with a Legend and/or Mark Twain cob. Any Walgreen's carries both at around $7 bucks + local tax. Both have filters, so you may want to pick-up a box or two of Dr. Grabow filters. Filters should be replaced after 5 to 6 bowls have been smoked per cobb.

2. A Czech 3 n 1 tool is the "basic" all you will need tool, and will last you a life time too. You can tamp tobaccy and dig around in your bowl and shank with this baby.

3. BIC soft flame lighter (a dime a dozen at *almart).

4. Tobacco: Nothing wrong with the Carter Hall, but... if you get numbers 1 through 3, shoot me your addy via PM and I will get a very small sampler out your way to take care of #4.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Thanks Mark! Will do, the amount of blends and pipes is daunting....I feel like I did back when I first began with Cigars. lol

Re: I'm interested.....
 

...:tu

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Keep in mind pipes and cigars are two completely different smokes. keep your draw slow and low. Pulling too hard will overheat the tobacco ruins the flavor and can possibly give your tongue a nasty bite. Finding the right rhythm is key and this can change from blend to blend and pipe to pipe. You will learn what combinations work best together. Another thing regarding the tobacco, if it seems on the moist side, let it air dry a bit before packing. The water in the leaf will turn to steam when combusted and sizzle your tongue.
There is a wealth of knowledge here so please keep questions coming. We like bringing new blood into the hobby.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Lots of learning - and I still don't have it right!!!

Tongue burn sucks :)

Re: I'm interested.....
 

My local puts together a starter kit for $12 or $13. Includes a cob and everything you need to get started. Cobs are a great starting point because they don't beeak the bank.

I have a Xikar pipe lighter with all the tools built in. Soft flame and I love it. Most retail shops will let you sample open tins or bulk of you take your pipe in. That way you can get an idea of what you enjoy before committing.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

On some pipes and some tobacs I tend to over driving the heat. I find I do it more with the lower nicotine blends. Maybe I am just trying to pull in more nic. I came back to pipes after 7 years away and cigars certainly had all the nic I could handle.

When I start to do that I go to a stronger tobac in the pipe. Bullseye or Scottish Blend. You cant do it wrong really. Just do what you enjoy the way you enjoy it and thats the right way!

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Thanks again everyone for the great advice. I got on pipesandcigars.com and got a starter pack with three cobs, a tool, and a tin of baccy. I'm gonna head to my local b&m, they have some pretty nice smelling blends there I want to give a try.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Sounds like a good start. I like buying from them. They have great deals all the time so sign up for the emails. Personally I smoke aromatics. If I want something else I just smoke a cigar. But I like a sweet pipe and if you do to I highly recommend some McClelland Holiday Spirit. The flavor of rum, cocoa, and pecans and it is amazing. I have a huge stash of those in tins.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Ok Armando. Managed to squeeze a couple of samples into a #10 envelop tonight, and this will be heading your way tomorrow morning. Hope one of em gives you a woody brother:D

Re: I'm interested.....
 

On its way Armando:tu

DC# 9505 5128 5821 5209 0226 10

Re: I'm interested.....
 

Thanks Mark, I've got yours ready to roll. It's on it's way out in the morning.

Re: I'm interested.....
 

...:tu