Bad Idea?
 

Is it a bad idea for me to start my wonderful "journey" in Pipe smoking with my new Mario Grandi pipe, rather than a cob?

Re: Bad Idea?
 

I'd say do whatever feels right to you; it's your smoking session, enjoy it :) however, being a semi-newbie myself, I have a lot of pride for the cob as a first smoker.

Their small size is good for trying portions of various blends. In addition, they don't really retain the different tobacco flavors like meerschaums do.

Personally, I would save the Grandi for when you decide to jump fully into the habit; your gained experience will allow you to properly use and cherish it more - if you know how to use it right, you'll want to use it often, and that's great.

But like I said, whatever you feel most comfortable with. Don't overfill the bowl, let the flame char the rim, knock your pipe against anything, especially when hot (you can crack it). Lastly, don't scrape too much ash from the inside - you can destroy the smoking prowess of your piece.

That advice applies to almost any pipe aside from cobs. You can treat cobs horribly while you learn technique, and so long as your tobacco is quality, it'll still be a great smoking pipe.

Re: Bad Idea?
 

Heck no. You can learn a lot from a new Mario Grandi about tooth-denting bits, scorching pipe rims, wet smoking from uncaked briar and fumbling/dropping a nice piece of wood that you'd never learn from a cob. :D

I started out with a briar and never had a problem (except for denting a nice piece of vulcanite - hey, I was stressed!) and scorching a rim and wondering where all the water was coming from. I still have briar pipe #1 and it cleaned up fine and smokes very well in spite of me.

If you start with a new briar, mind where the flame goes, smoke half bowls for a while (it's less wet that way) and, even if mid-smoke, swab with a pipecleaner as soon as it gurgles. Have a ball. :)

Re: Bad Idea?
 

I am a newb myself but if you already have the pipe why not use it and break it in?

Personally, I refused to go the Cobb route (too many Popeye cartoons as a kid).

Just take your time. Buy some softie rubber tips if you are worried about teeth marks.

This is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby, I think some people over-think things.

Re: Bad Idea?
 

Yall have frightened me lol.

I think maybe I will pick up a cob from the local rite aid..or pick up for $20 that other pipe they have in rite aid..look like a "real" pipe..I wouldn't mind that I suppose..cuz I shure don't wanna ruin my Mario Grandi..spent me $40 on that thing ;)

Re: Bad Idea?
 

No.

Re: Bad Idea?
 

Alright. I honestly don't feel like spending money on a second pipe heh. I might. However. If I was to just start smoking out of my new pipe i have a few questions.
1. How do I car the pipe?
2. How do I ensure that it doesn't happen?
3. Gurgling...can someone explain this to me in greater detail?
4. if It does gurgle..how do I deal with it?

Re: Bad Idea?
 

I hope your prices are wrong, buddy. $20 for the fake briar is high. They're generically called Dr. Grabow pipes, and can be had for around $5 in stores, even cheaper online; I order tobacco and a couple spares every so often.

Re: Bad Idea?
 

Meh I'm just going to go with the pipe I have. I might break down for a cob or something...but I just wanna get to my smokin! :pi

Re: Bad Idea?
 

Stuff the SOB and fire it up, then! Time takes care of the details.

All other questions are well addressed by crowds of experts at http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6366

Re: Bad Idea?
 

Mario Grandis come with pre-carbonized bowls so it already has a thin protective barrier in place. Just smoke it and enjoy it and if it starts to gurgle shove a pipe cleaner down the bit to soak up the gunk.