New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by Templeton

Hello guys,

This will be my first post, I have a few questions all at once. I have been smoking pipe+tobacco since 2003 and just never had any friends that shared my interest.

Welcome and ask away with your questions. I am a pipester since 1980, so I do have a tad bit of experience. Hopefully, some of my comments will help.

1. With a new pipe, what is the process in simple terms, of treating the wood to extend it's life? I have had a few pipes crack from I assume over heating.

I have never treated any of my pipes, they should be ready to go right out of the box. Never had a pipe crack either, and I used to smoke my pipes very hot (I used to smoke cigarettes and needed copious amounts of smoke and huffing heavily, makin a pipe hot, was the only thing that satisfied) Although, pipes need time after each smoke to rest and dry out before you smoke them again. This is why many pipe smokers have a rotation of pipes. I usually let mine air dry 3-5 days before smoking again. Care of the pipe while, and after smoking is import - use pipe cleaners - during the smoke and after.

2. Method of lighting tobacco, match, butane lighter, or zippo? Why? I have always preffered wooden matches, but zippo for ease of use.

A horse apiece. If you don't mind the flavor of a Zippo, go for it. If you use butane, stay away from torches - these can, due to the high temperatures of the flame, indeed burn your briar. Otherwise, it is your own preference. I personally use a soft butane flame or matches.

3. What are some quality pipes that will not break the bank? I have spent anywhere from $20-$200 and been happy with my product. I do not know too much about what the wood was or who the maker of the pipe was.

I personally own Castello (estate Castellos fit that price), Radice, Ascorti, Don Carlos, Tinsky, (my favorites) and then I also have some Savinelli and Stanwells. A couple corn cobs get into the rotation as well. There are many other quality manufacturers out there - these are simply what I have.

I feel amazingly "noob-ish" for the last question, I have good pipes and know what I like. The last time I went out with one of my pipes, a gentleman asked me if my pipe was a ______ and I felt ignorant for truly knkowing nothing about it other than I like it.

By the way, usually the maker of the pipe puts their name on it somewhere. Hope this helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Gabe215]

I'd like to try to smoke a pipe occasionally and have two questions:

One is: I tried this before and was told to use a corn cob first as it is easier to break in as a started pipe, is that true?

Second is : I currently am a seasoned cigar smoker and when I started smoking cigars I was told to start off with milder cigars and work my way up gradually. But for me I hate mild or even medium smokes from the start, I feel it would be the same with a pipe, what is a nice strong, sweet flavorful blend to start with that is relaxing at night time? Anything helps, thanks! - Gabe

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by Gabe215

I'd like to try to smoke a pipe occasionally and have two questions:

One is: I tried this before and was told to use a corn cob first as it is easier to break in as a started pipe, is that true?

Cobs break in easily, and are cheap if you find that you do not like smoking a pipe.

Originally Posted by Gabe215

Second is : I currently am a seasoned cigar smoker and when I started smoking cigars I was told to start off with milder cigars and work my way up gradually. But for me I hate mild or even medium smokes from the start, I feel it would be the same with a pipe, what is a nice strong, sweet flavorful blend to start with that is relaxing at night time? Anything helps, thanks! - Gabe

Strong vs mild is different with pipe tobacco. What do you mean? Strong taste or nicotine strong?

I don't know which of these I'd call "strong," at least not compared to cigars. Each of these varies a bit. But do not expect the same volume of smoke from a pipe as you'd get from a cigar. If you get the same volume from a pipe as you get from a cigar, you will probably be frying your tongue - not a pleasant feeling.

These are a most of my favorite non-aromatic (tobaccos w/out some sort of flavoring added) tobaccos.

Escudo
Esoterica: Dorchester, Penzance, Durbar, Stonehaven
Gawith & Hoggarth: Lousisiana Flake, Bright CR Flake, Mixture #12, Bob's Chocolate Flake
McCelland: 5100, 2000, 2010, 2015, 2015, 2035, 5115, 5110, Christmas Cheer
Rattrays: Hal O The Wynd, Marlin Flake, Old Gowrie
Samuel Gawith: Full Virginia Flake, St. James Flake, 1792
Peter Heinrichs: Strong Dark Kentucky

Hope this helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.