Pipe Smokers Unite!

[Miles Borocky]

...and read this article, from 2005, from the Washington Post, which speaks, in my mind, as to why we need to revive this dignified hobby:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/18/AR2005061801145_pf.html

[Geesie]

I'd love bring my pipe out again to but I think that I'd get 25-life here in California.

[shortbow]

That is an absolutely smashing story. Pretty much manages to sum up what draws me to the tackle, trim and values of times past.

[John Boyer]

Yes. This is an excellent story. I have been a pipe smoker for nearly twenty years. I have found that most people I meet, while smoking in public, very much appreciative of the pipe smoker. Just recently while smoking my pipe in public, a relatively old lady commented, "it is nice to see a man smoking a pipe in these days". John

[LocktownDog]

Been lighting the briar (and clay ... and cob ...) for going on 12 years now. As much as I miss Oregon, its so much more acceptable to smoke in public here in Nevada. Least of the legal sins, I guess. Quite often I'll be walking down the street puffing on some cubed burley blend, wearing an eight-panel cap and leather braces ..... onlookers usually think I'm part of one of the historical tours here in town.

[shortbow]

Thinking about this story some more, I realized he made one error, in implying that all pipe tobacco smells good. I do not favor aromatics, and must have latakia. I do not get good comments about the aroma. Most often compared to the smell of burning tar.:D

[Miles Borocky]

Well, I have to admit that for all of the things I don't like about Texas, the permissiveness I find as a pipe smoker is a plus. It's amazing to me that I can smoke my pipe in a bar here. I was in California for a conference last year and was completely self-conscious about tobacco smoke the whole time.

The thing I like best about the Post article is the relationship of pipe smoking to how we conceive of time. That is, to smoke a pipe is to clear a space for some quiet meditation. It's not the quick fix of a cigarette. And that's a good thing. :)

[astaire]

Even reading the article made me more relaxed.

I'm in the period of trying to quit cigarette. My pipes have been sitting too long in the drawer since the early 90's.

The article made a very good point: nowadays, it is difficult to make time to smoke a pipe and be alone by yourself to contemplate about life. This is something that i must start again.

[Kermez]

I'd like to smoke my pipes more, but never seem to be able to do so.

Mainly, it's because pipes burn hotter than cigars (for me, at least), and the taste, while good, tends to stay with me an inordinate amount of time, thus affecting my palate. This is a serious deterant, as I like to taste the full flavors of the foods I eat (especially of I cook, as I like to think I do so quite well, thank you very much), as well as my semi-usual after-dinner cigar and/or "adult beverage".

Of course, sometimes it is a moral imperative to enjoy a pipe, such as when reading a book or watching a movie where pipe smoking is prevelant (Sherlock Holmes, hobbits, etc.) :cool2:

[Steven180]

As I was exploring I came upon this dated thread that would be timely right now with the many recent posts and subjects concerning pipe smoking.

An exceptionally written article with eternal relevance and common sentiments. Even if your endearment for pipe smoking is not covered here, this will lead you back to it. Thanks to Miles Borocky.

M.

[fortworthgal]

Great article! My husband is a pipe smoker. I must say that I love the aroma and I do think it is somehow more "dignified" than cigarettes and even cigars.

[Fairlane]

I agree with fortworthgal, it does seem to be more dignified than cigarettes. I smoked cigs for almost 30 years, quit one day, then two years later I picked my pipes back up. That's all I smoke now, sometimes a cigar, but not too often. I do enjoy the rituals of pipe smoking.

[MikePotts]

I'm a cigar and pipe smoker. I find myself only smoking my pipes at home due to those very rituals and the associated accoutREments mentioned above unless the weather co-operates and I can wear clothing with many pockets.
Here is a picture of some of the tinned tobaccos I've tried. The 'Early Morning Pipe' being my absolute favourite.....the
'Durbar' tin is almost full - and will remain so :eusa_doh:

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/StuartCowley/Pipes%20Tobacco/P1010108.jpg

[St.Ignatz]

Thanks for reviving this thread brother.
Tom D.

[Terry292]

As you can tell from my avatar photo, I, too, am a pipe smoker. I've been smoking a pipe since 1966, when my parents gave me a Dr Grabow Duke and two ounce tin of Sir Walter Raleigh for Christmas (how the times have changed).

[LocktownDog]

That's an old tin of Durbar, as they stopped producing it a few years ago. Its in my top 5 all time favorites.

I may have to buy a christmas present for myself of a beauty of a 1/4 bent bulldog I saw at a local tobacconist.

[dkwrtw]

I've decided to take up pipe smoking, I just bought my first pipe today.

[DonW]

I don't smoke, never have but my father used to smoke a pipe, he had several but the one I remember best was his Peterson, a silver banded pipe made in Dublin, I have since built up a small collection of Peterson's, all bought from car boot sales for not very much, these were all once someone's pride and joy and since my father died his Peterson now sits proudly with the others. The article was great, the faint smell of pipe tobacco is truly a memory provoking triger, should I try and fire up one or two of the Peterson's just for fun, what would the family make of it mmmmm?

[St.Ignatz]

Breaking in a Mitchell Thomas with Petersons "Old Dublin". My second Thomas and probably last since I heard they stopped producing thier TH labled pipes. Too bad they are nice pipes with great shapes, fine grain and super prices.
Tom D.

[Greyghost]

I am breaking in a new nording from Iwan Ries, If your ever in Chicago the shop is amazing. Smoking Trout stream baccy tonight watching the snow fall in Northern Wisconsin.

Ghost

[Johnnysan]

I am breaking in a new nording from Iwan Ries, If your ever in Chicago the shop is amazing. Smoking Trout stream baccy tonight watching the snow fall in Northern Wisconsin.

Ghost

I second your opinion of Iwan Ries in Chicago. Don't be fooled by the shabby first-floor entrance...the smoking lounge there is not to be missed!

[ButteMT61]

I'd love bring my pipe out again to but I think that I'd get 25-life here in California.

I started smoking mine occasionally on my front porch. I'm waiting for someone to call the cops thinking I'm smoking dope! :eeek:

[ButteMT61]

I've decided to take up pipe smoking, I just bought my first pipe today.

I got some 1930's German briar pipes on ebay - new, unused and beautiful! Great prices too. Thoroughly enjoying them...
Have fun. I guess we should post some pics here :)

[dkwrtw]

I got some 1930's German briar pipes on ebay - new, unused and beautiful! Great prices too. Thoroughly enjoying them...
Have fun. I guess we should post some pics here :)

Dang that sounds classy. I picked up a Churchwarden style pipe at my local tobacco store, I've yet to try it out.

[LocktownDog]

Rumor has it that Santy Claus is bringing me a brand spanking new Nording bent bulldog with an inlaid horn band. If so, I will need to get rid of one of my other pipes, because I only have room for 26. Maybe this will give me an excuse to buy a new rack though.

[ButteMT61]

Rumor has it that Santy Claus is bringing me a brand spanking new Nording bent bulldog with an inlaid horn band. If so, I will need to get rid of one of my other pipes, because I only have room for 26. Maybe this will give me an excuse to buy a new rack though.

Your wife lets you buy a new rack? lol
The new one sounds great. I think we should start posting pics. I'll take some later and post!

[ButteMT61]

Dang that sounds classy. I picked up a Churchwarden style pipe at my local tobacco store, I've yet to try it out.

They are, but really, they're just neat - being old and new.
I'm wondering though if you can find filters for old pipes like these? They have the aluminum insert that does very little...but maybe that's a good thing :)

[LocktownDog]

Your wife lets you buy a new rack? lol
The new one sounds great. I think we should start posting pics. I'll take some later and post!

Wife? I'm a dedicated bachelor, sir! :D

[ButteMT61]

Wife? I'm a dedicated bachelor, sir! :D

lol
Sorry, just the first thing that came to my mind!

[LocktownDog]

Bought this for myself last night. A beautiful flawless Nording. It'll be broken in tonight with some Old Hollywood. For many many years I've gotten used to buying myself a little gift, as I have never received a gift from my family (even from my wife, when I was married). But today my sons gave me a present ... albeit not much, but its a first ever!... and a long letter telling me how much they care. They got their mother nothing at all. I'm a bit weepy and the Nording means just a little bit less now, but its still lovely and I can't wait to fire it up.

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/LocktownDog/P1000551.jpg

[Andarius]

I just saw this thread, and read the story. The thing that hit me was this sentence..."Pipe smoking is going the way of the shaving brush, the straight razor, the fedora, the Freemasons, the liberal Republican" It may as well have been a "Check all that apply" I would be 10 for 10, figurativly speaking.;)

[DavidJones]

Very interesting article, I did not know pipe smoking was in such a decline. I only smoke my pipes at reenactments. Clay pipes for 18th century events and a
wonderful old Dublin pipe for my WWII events.

[St.Ignatz]

http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/hh418/StIgnatz/jpgs015.jpg

[LocktownDog]

Mmm. That's a good smoke. From your personal stock or recently ordered? Production is having a bit of a problem with the whole "supply and demand" thing. :D

The pipe's a beauty. Who's the carver?

[Marc Chevalier]

.
How I miss this! Out of production for years...


http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u290/crosby_square/balkan-sobranie-open-tin.jpg

[St.Ignatz]

Mmm. That's a good smoke. From your personal stock or recently ordered? Production is having a bit of a problem with the whole "supply and demand" thing. :D

The pipe's a beauty. Who's the carver?

Mitchell Thomas. I've been told they are no longer going to produce their briars. At $50.00 a real steal. My local B&M got four tins in. I managed to score two at 15 per.
Tom D.

[ButteMT61]

Question - how long do the tinned tobaccos generally last - assuming they're stored and closed properly?

[1961MJS]

... The 'Early Morning Pipe' being my absolute favourite.....the
'Durbar' tin is almost full - and will remain so :eusa_doh:

Hi

So, what was wrong with the Durbar? Just curious. I have found that some of the best smelling pipe tobacco in the store, smells like a teenage boy's sweat socks while burning.

Later

[MikePotts]

Hi

So, what was wrong with the Durbar? Just curious. I have found that some of the best smelling pipe tobacco in the store, smells like a teenage boy's sweat socks while burning.

Later

Y'know I really can't remember why I found it so objectionable at the time, one's tastes change I suppose. Locktown tells me they haven't made it in many a year so I doubt that I'll be trying any more anytime soon ;)

MP

[Lefty W.]

Question - how long do the tinned tobaccos generally last - assuming they're stored and closed properly?

Depends greatly on the cut of the tobacco and your relative humidity. I've had tins of shag-cut tobacco go dry within a month of opening them, and I've had pressed flake tobacco last a year or more after opening. The good news is that most tobaccos can be re-hydrated in a humidor. That's one of the factors that drew me back to pipes when the great cigar scare of the mid-90s hit; dry cigars can be very difficult to re-hydrate, while a few days in a good humidor can bring the driest of pipe tobaccos back to life.

[LocktownDog]

Question - how long do the tinned tobaccos generally last - assuming they're stored and closed properly?

As long as the tins are sealed and remain dry (rust-free), the will stay stable for decades. I find that the rectangular tins lose there seal far more easily than the circular ones. All of my tins are stored in individual freezer bags and then in a cool dry storage closet. Once any tin is opened, it should be smoked or resealed in a mason jar. The aging process ceases after oxygen hits it.

[LocktownDog]

Y'know I really can't remember why I found it so objectionable at the time, one's tastes change I suppose. Locktown tells me they haven't made it in many a year so I doubt that I'll be trying any more anytime soon ;)

MP

Its wonderful. Very heavy on the oriental leaf, so there's a sour bitterness that underlines the smoky latakia. There are other blends with a similar taste, but Durbar really strikes something with me. Always has. The nearest flavor equivalent I have found is McClellands Oriental #8. Still not the same, however.

Thanks again, Mike!

[St.Ignatz]

Once any tin is opened, it should be smoked or resealed in a mason jar. The aging process ceases after oxygen hits it.
Good advice Dog. I picked up a case of 1/2 pints recently for my bulk blenders. I'll try a "food saver" vacuum seal on them.
Tom D

[Doublegun]

Where, other than eBay, can one find vintage pipe stands? I am looking for a stand(s) with hunting/fishing themes and just posted a WTB in the Classified forum but any advice/direction would be appreciated.

Cheers,

JDG

[St.Ignatz]

Balkan Mixture from Kendal Tobacco (Gawith Hoggarth & Co. Ltd.) in a Peterson Shannon 80.
Tom D.

[St.Ignatz]

Where, other than eBay, can one find vintage pipe stands? I am looking for a stand(s) with hunting/fishing themes and just posted a WTB in the Classified forum but any advice/direction would be appreciated.

Cheers,

JDG

Just like hat hunting. Flea markets, second hand stores, thrift shops, yard sales......you know the drill. Good luck.
Tom D.

[Will015]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good general pipe forum. I've never smoked anything but a few cigars in my life but have placed an order for a new briar and a few tins from Cornell & Diehl and have been reading all kinds of newb pipe smoking articles.

I'd kinda like to find a place to just read some online banter and such. Somewhere with a friendly, respectable atmosphere a la the FL.

Thanks,
Will

[Dan Rodemsky]

Good luck with your search. There used to be tobacconists in the malls around here. They had such a wide variety of tobaccos and pipes. I had some briars and a meerschaum like Sherlock. I loved the smell of the place and all the manly accouterments they had for sale. Some tobaccos smell great while others are unspeakably disgusting!

[Stanley Doble]

Pipe tobacco will keep indefinitely. If it is too dry put a slice of apple in it, it will become moist and fresh in a few days. By a slice of apple I mean 1/8 of an apple or so. It depends how much tobacco you have. I have also sprinkled whiskey over dry tobacco and left it for a few days.

Most tobacco you buy is too wet to smoke properly anyway.

I began smoking a pipe in the sixties and kept on until 2003 when I quit due to health.

If you are contemplating taking up pipe smoking. The strongest smelling tobaccos are often the mildest smoking and vice versa. I like a corn cob pipe for everyday, they are light, cheap, and they smoke cool. If you want to try a pipe they are a cheap way to begin. If your tobacco won't stay lit it is probably because it is too wet. Leave the package open overnight. You don't want it to go out all the time and you don't want it to go up like a bonfire. Myself, I like it a little on the dry side.

Don't smoke the same pipe all the time. It is best to change them every day. Clean your pipe and lay it aside for a few days. It helps to leave a pipe cleaner in it.

To break in a new pipe fill it less than half way, smoke, and let it cool. Then fill a little more etc. Do not get a new pipe too hot or it might crack. It takes time to build up a "cake" or coating of carbon inside. You should never scrape all the cake away when you clean a pipe. Some old pipe smokers left the cake so thick you could barely stick a cigarette in.

A pipe will smoke better and cooler with long use.

Well there is a little pipe lore for the beginner lol. Pipe smoking is a hobby with staying power. You can enjoy a pipe at any age. It is not the healthiest hobby but at least it is not as bad as cigarettes.

[CPT/VSG]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good general pipe forum. I've never smoked anything but a few cigars in my life but have placed an order for a new briar and a few tins from Cornell & Diehl and have been reading all kinds of newb pipe smoking articles.

I'd kinda like to find a place to just read some online banter and such. Somewhere with a friendly, respectable atmosphere a la the FL.

Thanks,
Will

Try Smokers' Forum. It's based in the UK but has mostly US members although there is a healthy mixture of pipe smokers from around the world. It's the most active pipe forum of which I am aware and consistently civil. http://www.smokersforums.co.uk

[Greyghost]

Will,

Try Brothers of Briar.....

Lots of chit chat and great info....

Ghost

[St.Ignatz]

S. Gawith 1792 Flake in a Peterson Donegal 03 Rocky.
Tom D.

[AtomicEraTom]

Just bought some new pipe tobacco today. Someone said they thought I'd like the packaging and they were right.

http://plazabev.com/images/southern-steel%20New.gif

[St.Ignatz]

S. Gawith Skiff Mixture

[Mustang]

Great article! (Sorry, I know it was posted a LONG time ago.)

[savoy6]

i find that the more aromatic tobaccos have more of a tendency to have more "bite" to them.....the coolest,easiest smoking stuff I've found is the standard Black Cavendish that is sold at rite-aid and other drug stores here in the 12 oz. bag.....usually around $14.....smells mild and smokes really cool......and it beats the $40 a carton for cigs..(which smell like crap to me,but then i've used a pipe since i was 12)....

[St.Ignatz]

S. Gawith 1792 Flake
Germain's Brown Flake

[Gin&Tonics]

I own several pipes. A turkish meerschaum carved into a claw holding an egg, amber stem, a briar churchwarden from switzerland, a cheapy briar, and even a kiseru from japan along with japanese tobacco. I also made myself a kiseru inspired pipe from bamboo and .303 british casings, which can be seen here: http://nbvega.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d299b08 (made the tamper too, from a deer antler I scrounged working the fires of '03 in the okanagan)

Don't get to smoke quite as often as I might like; wifey doesn't let me smoke indoors and it's awfully cold out there!

[KingTigerII]

Been smoking a Blend I picked up in Gettysburg called "General Buford" in unfiltered cigarette form recently.

While antiquing I had found a vintage Efka Acima Cigarette Roller and have been experimenting with rolling my own with pipe blends. Found that by using un-dried tobacco I achieve a longer burning cigarette that has a wonderful aroma with little to no bite (Much better than the unfiltered Camels I'd been puffing on).

Just thought I'd share.

[Mario]

Just found those funny little conversations based on 1949 Stetson ads. I will probably have to double post this in the heats department as well. ;)

http://www.plan59.com/av/av002.htm

[Flash]

Does anybody has an experience with Peterson`s Holiday Season 2012 tobacco? I have bought it everytime before christmas for last years and the tobacco was good. For this year Holiday the reviews are not so good.

[LocktownDog]

Haven't tried it yet, but am hearing the same reviews. Doesn't bother me much, however. I never went out of my way to get it anyway.

[Flash]

I want it also. For me it is like a tradition before christmas. I will post my impression here.

[jamespowers]

I usually smoke either Argosy Black or Field and Stream to keep it vintage but I also have some straight turkish that I get into once in a while. I have some straight Perique if anyone wants it. :p

[LocktownDog]

I have some straight Perique if anyone wants it. :p

Makes for an interesting evening. Go ahead and light 'er up. Just strap yourself into a chair first.

[jamespowers]

Makes for an interesting evening. Go ahead and light 'er up. Just strap yourself into a chair first.

No thanks. I did that once and it was enough. I don't smoke a pipe or smoke cigars to get stoned. :p

[Flash]

So I tried the Petersons Holiday Season 2012. It is very very soft and very very sweet tobacco. But it has nice smell for the others.

[furious]

I have been back on the briar for several years now. I smoke 2-4 pipes a day usually, and I cannot imagine my life without them. Mostly estate English in my collection of about 75 pipes, and I have found that I am most partial to pre-trans Barlings and English mixtures.

[Kento]

Hi guys, nice to see some other pipe smokers around!

[RudyN]

I have been smoking pipes for about seven years after a 30 year layoff. I have some managed to accumulate about 60 pipes and the ones I like the most are either Petersons or the ones Boswell from Chambersburg PA makes.

[St.Ignatz]

Friday my Peterson Aran (straight stem) filled with Bill Bailey Balkan

[Hamlet]

Every once in a while one deserves a little treat. Turntable fired up, lights low, phone off. Two fingers of CC Sherry Cask neat and nice bowl something.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i96/hhamlet/2013/diary_zpsd5e04648.jpg