New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart

[Bill86]

Okay I'm working part time at a local cigar shop (we sell A LOT of pipes, well they are available at least) So not to feel like an idiot and heck I'm quite interested anyways.......

1. What's the deal on the tobacco? I'd gladly buy a few tins of Dunhill/Davidoff if that's the "good stuff". Once I open the tin, what is the shelf life?

2. Do you really have to let the pipes cool down for days? Or no, because honestly....I smoke quite a bit. Probably on average ~400 cigars a year. Definitely one every day.

3. What's the reason some pipes cost $30 and some cost $400. (yes they probably go to like $10K but you get the point) What am I paying for ? I understand most of them are Briar but what's the deal?

4. Those house blends are they worth a $hit? My thought has to be no because Dunhill tins are like $20 for 1.75 ounce and house blends are like $5.50 for 2 ounces.

5. Corn cob pipes are like $10 at the shop, I hear you can start here. Do you need a different pipe for every tobacco or can I clean the sucker out and use it for everything. I'll never be an elitist or a pro, this would just be a change of pace type deal from cigars.

6. Do I need a different lighter? Can you use a torch? Does it ruin the pipe? Or just grab some matches and call it even?

I THINK that is it for now. School me, I really want to get into this. If anything just to smoke daily at work.