Pipe Smoking

astrbac · Mar 25, 2010

@GWD Hello mate!

Heres my two cents. I have found that you normally DON'T have to break the pipe in. You can pack it normally and just smoke slowly, let it go out from time to time. A friend of mine is a pipe maker (sells his pipes through Pipemakers.org forum) so he knows a thing or two

, says the same thing.

Also, I think you haven't really chosen a good tobacco. Vanilla and Cherry stuff is to be avoided. It's most likely cheap, perfumed stuff that will just make you sick. You might go with an easier Latakia blend like Frog Morton or maybe a Virginia like Squadron Leader.

As far as the nicotine kick that you haven't felt, you also need to change tobaccos. Try Dunhill Nightcap, My Mixture 965 or especially Mississipi mud. That one will knock you out of your shoes

.

Do you inhale through the nose when you exhale from your mouth?

savoy6 · Apr 4, 2010

I would recomend the Torben & Dansk Blue Note..though i like the Black Velvet as well.though ,as has been stated,the more aromatic the tobacco,the worse it tastes and the effect on your tongue...especially cherry blends....
the coolest smoking and a decent tasting tobacco i've had is actually the stock,generic black cavendish they usually sell at walgreens and such in the large bag..for the price of a tin of the other stuff...a good ,cool every day smoke that tastes good and smells decent..
if you want to get a cob..look for those that are real pipes,not just ones that they make as curios in country stores....Missouri Meerschaum is a good standard brand for them and i find these for as low as $3.99 in some stores..they smoke pretty well...

Mr_D. · Apr 14, 2010

Pipe Smoking Etiquette/Guide

Maybe this could be stickied.

So you’ve decided to smoke a pipe? Wise decision! Pipe smoking is one of the most relaxing and pleasurable experiences that a person can enjoy. Smoking a pipe is a distinguished pleasure and you have chosen to join the elite few who call themselves pipe smokers.

As such, always smoke your pipe with respect for others and observe proper smoking etiquette.

pipesmokingguide.com

.

Doublegun · Mar 29, 2011

Pipe smoking - where to start?

Been thinking about taking up a new "vice" and smoking a pipe. Been poking around on the web and looking at pipes and am suffering from sticker shock. Somewhere in my parents house is a VERY old pipe. Nothing fancy but it has a nice wood bowl. I have no idea when it was last used or even who it belonged to originally.

Any way to resurrect that old pipe? How do I find out if it is even usable? If not what can I expect to spend for a good beginner pipe with a classic look?

Thanks.

Edward · Mar 29, 2011

Pipes seem to be one of those things where you can find a useable example fairly cheaply, and there is no upper limit - you can spend as much as you want on a pipe! I would suggest eBay as a good source. Plenty of dealers on there selling very smokeable, used pipes. As long as the stem has been well bleached and the bowl given a good clean and polish, there is no problem with a used pipe. Watch out for Big Ben (a Dutch brand) or Ireland's Peterson Pipes, both excellent stuff. For Vintage appeal, look to aluminium-stemmed Falcon pipes: designed and developed in the late Thirties, these were on public sale from about 40/41. The bowls are screw in / out, interchangeable types. Nice things. If you take to it, eventually you might want to have several pipes of differing styles, but just find something cheap to begin with. If a used pipe turns you off, try a tobacconist for something basic (usually own brand or unbranded) - some of these are very smokeable indeed, and generally rather cheap. Avoid the plastic-bodied type with the little metal bowl in which the tobacco is meant to sit - nasty things. Another cheap option is a corncob pipe. Very cheap and semi-disposable. They can look a bit Deliverance, but they are an option to see if a pipe is for you. If loking at vintage items on eBay, keep an eye out for 'rejects' in good condition. Typically the big brands reject a pipe for extremely minor cosmetic flaws you will struggle to see, and one of my finest smoking pipes is stamped reject.

Yeps · Mar 29, 2011

Doublegun said:
Any way to resurrect that old pipe? How do I find out if it is even usable? If not what can I expect to spend for a good beginner pipe with a classic look?

You can definitely resurrect an old pipe. It probably just needs to be cleaned, at the very least with pipe cleaners, and at most with what is called the "salt and alcohol treatment." here is a good description of how to clean a pipe that has gone sour. Also, find out if there is a tobacconist near you and go talk to him. Pipe smokers are, as far as I have seen, a friendly lot who are happy to show a newbie the ropes.

Also, for a new pipe, most tobacconists have a basket of pipes for much lower prices. These are usually factory seconds from the main brands which were rejected for whatever reason, but tend to still be very good.

John in Covina · Mar 29, 2011

I recall that many people that are pipe smokers caution against highly flavored tobaccos as they may smell great but are tough on the smoker.

Yeps · Mar 29, 2011

John in Covina said:
I recall that many people that are pipe smokers caution against highly flavored tobaccos as they may smell great but are tough on the smoker.

I agree with this sentiment. Aromatics tend to not taste very good, although the people around you will prefer them. I would ask for a burley, either straight or as the primary ingredient in a blend. They tend to be naturally sweet and rather pleasant and smooth to smoke, in addition to smelling nice.

1961MJS · Mar 29, 2011

Yeps said:
I agree with this sentiment. Aromatics tend to not taste very good, although the people around you will prefer them. I would ask for a burley, either straight or as the primary ingredient in a blend. They tend to be naturally sweet and rather pleasant and smooth to smoke, in addition to smelling nice.

Hi, odd though that all may sound it's also TRUE. The best smelling pipe tobacco in the store tastes at best funny when it's on fire. The best tasting kind on fire, smells slightly like sweaty feet in the store. I STRONGLY suggest that you NOT ask for it using that description. Ask for the "most popular brand". Unless Michigan is populated by complete weirdo's, you'll be o.k.

My local cigar store finally got in a new batch of pipes, prior to last week the least expensive one was $55.00. I just got a pipe and the tobacco for $50.00 total including our outrageous tax.

Oh, buy a lighter especially for a pipe, you'll thank me later. The guy at the store SHOULD know what I'm talking about.

Later

Yeps · Mar 29, 2011

1961MJS said:
Oh, buy a lighter especially for a pipe, you'll thank me later. The guy at the store SHOULD know what I'm talking about.

I would recommend using wooden matches, but a pipe lighter is fine. Definitely do not use a cigar torch lighter. They will char the pipe and can ruin it.
This forum has a lot of good advice to sift through, if you are willing to take some time.

scotrace · Mar 29, 2011

A good place to start:

Pipe Smoking.

kokopelli · Mar 29, 2011

At the risk of being crucified.. and from the perspective of a long term smoker.. I would recommend NOT starting.. I really like pipes and the smell of real aged tobacco, but I believe I would just carry the "loaded" pipe and smell it every now and again.. My cardiologist makes a tremendous living as it is.. JMO.. Cheers.. Ron

Jaguar66 · Mar 30, 2011

Unfortunately, for me at least, a pipe would be an open stairway for me to start back up on my cigarette nicotine addiction, an extremely addicting activity, and one that took me a long time to stop. I still consider myself a nicotine addict, one hit, and its back to a pack a day.

James71 · Mar 30, 2011

Jaguar66 said:
Unfortunately, for me at least, a pipe would be an open stairway for me to start back up on my cigarette nicotine addiction, an extremely addicting activity, and one that took me a long time to stop. I still consider myself a nicotine addict, one hit, and its back to a pack a day.

I'm completely the opposite. I can have a pipe or two a week or a month and enjoy them immensely without ever "needing" it.

In spite of the learned opinions above I quite enjoy a cherry cavendish.

wildturkey8 · Apr 1, 2011

Try a Kaywoodie Red Root, Dr. Grabow Golden Duke or a basket pipe if available. For tobacco go to the Pipework & Wilke website and order some of Carroll's great aromatics, such as 191, Maple Cavendish, or Rumcake. #10 is a great one to start with English blends.

Tiller · Apr 1, 2011

If you want a decent aromatic I recommend Butternut Burly.

If your looking for a cheap everyday smoke (or a decent burly cake starter) try Carter Hall.

Effingham · Apr 1, 2011

I recently quit smoking, and have retired my pipes and paraphernalia.

But I'd like to make a few suggestions.

You can't go wrong with a navy flake. MacBarren's Navy Flake, Orlick's Golden Sliced, and Peter Stokeby's Navy Flake are almost identical, and are all wonderful, soft, and almost creamy with a hint of honey flavor and scent, although there are no non-tobacco additives. I have *never* experienced tongue bite smoking them, never had an "ew, what's that?" complaint (unlike when I was smoking a Turkish or English blend with latakia or perique), and never had icky dottle to deal with -- unlike the times with fruit-flavored aromatics.

I'd recommend giving navy flake a try. You'll never go back.

Tony

Darrel Morris · Apr 14, 2011

I just purchased my first pipe. It's a bit different from what I've seen on here but I got it to go with a privateer costume. Only smoked Borkum Riff Cavendish Black so far. I'm hoping to find something better but our local pipe shop has gone out of business. Will it be ok for me to smoke other tobaccos in the same pipe?

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Blackadder · Apr 14, 2011

GWD said:
Thanks!

Regarding a second pipe; the practical guy in me says, buy another cheap briar or corncob, the "I love the finer things in life" guy says "I really like those Peterson Pipes!"

Honestly, do they all smoke the same but the quality is different? Like a folding chair vs. Herman Miller Chair? Functionally they do the same thing just one is better made and looks a lot nicer than the other?

Peterson is a fine medium priced brand. Some people go for the more expensive brand probably because they are collectors and desire the craftsmanship (never sand blast for them). I on the other hand do not mind and have a couple of sandblast Peterson. I find the sandblast pipes to be better for general/regular use. Also for general use, there are cheaper alternatives. I personally find the BBB to be ok in general. Some Dr Plumb are good.

Computergeek · Apr 16, 2011

for a good first pipe, or second or third........ you get the idea you can't go wrong with a savinelli second they can usually be had for about 30 or 40 dollars at any reputable pipe seller. they smoke very well, but have a small blemish on the finish some where so they go from being a 200+ dollar pipe to about a 30/40 dollar pipe. I personally recommend a virginia burly cut long, and a little on the dry side. Nice aroma and it doesn't burn to hot, which is an issue for beginning pipe smokers.
Cheers,
Jeremy

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