thinking about trying pipe smoking

[mateo]

I gave up cigars a couple years ago but am thinking about trying a pipe. What should I get to start with. Also I was told that two pipes would do well if I want to sample different tobaccos. One for Virginia blends and one for another blend I can not remember. He also told me to avoid flavored blends at all costs. Is this right? Also, what are the differences between cigar and pipe smoke. Which do you prefer? Also what is pipe reaming and how often is it done?

Thanks.

 

[Q_The_Cop]

Two or more pipes can't hurt. One for aromatics and one for "real" tobacco. As far as aromatics "flavored" goes, smoke what you like. Try a few Boswell blends, hands down some of the best smelling and tasting aromatics I've ever had. Boswell link A pipe reamer or "Czech tool" is a must have (for me anyway)

You want cake to build up in your pipe helps to keep it smoking cool, and adds flavor. To me sort of like you let a cast iron skillet build up age on it. I rarely ream mine out as it adds character to the smoke. Just my $.02. I'm sure someone with more pipe experience could elaborate further. Hope this helps.

 

[Shahnbuckeye]

Two or more pipes is a good idea. You don't have to go expensive since you are just starting out. Corncobs can be had for $5-7 each and in my opinion smoke wonderfully. I wouldn't make a blanket statement about aromatics though. While I personally prefer Va's and English blends there are many fine aromatics out there. Boswell's was a good suggestion.

Reaming is done infrequently to pare down an overly thick cake which will develop on your pipe over time. You will however need plenty of pipe cleaners (*both the absorbent kind and the reaming kind) as well as a pipe tool of some sort.

There is plenty of good info on this site for new pipe smokers. Enjoy yourself and welcome to the hobby. If you have any questions along the way feel free to ask.

 

[Devil Doc]

The only thing pipes and cigars have in common is tobacco. Any damn fool can smoke a cigar. Smoking a pipe takes a bit more time before it becomes enjoyable. It takes a good four to six weeks to get your mouth in shape, to learn to keep the pipe cool and lit. and for the tobacco to taste good. My advice is to buy couple of estate pipes. You'll save yourself the pain and aggravation of breaking in a new pipe and a new pipe smoker. Start out with an inexpensive but good tobacco like Prince Albert. There's no sense in spending a lot of money on tobacco when you're just learning. Chances are you won't be able to appreciate it.

Doc.

 

[Mr_Wolf]

X2 on what Doc said.

Estates or a couple of quality corn cobs to get started with.

PA or Half & Half or Carter Hall are good starter baccys.

Take your time & don't over think it. I will not be the same as smoking cigars. Patience is key with a pipe.

Welcome to CP!

 

[mateo]

Estates sound good to me, I saw some really good looking ones somewhere online for about 30 dollars each. I think I will pick up two of those, some pipe cleaners, some cleaning solution, a pipe tool, and then I need to decide on tobacco. When there are all sorts of different tobacco in a certain blend, how do I know what else I can smoke in the same pipe when I go to try something else? I don't want to contaminate the flavor like I have heard about, but most of these tobaccos mention Virginia tobacco among many others in a single blend. I am confused.

 

[Devil Doc]

Estates sound good to me, I saw some really good looking ones somewhere online for about 30 dollars each. I think I will pick up two of those, some pipe cleaners, some cleaning solution, a pipe tool, and then I need to decide on tobacco. When there are all sorts of different tobacco in a certain blend, how do I know what else I can smoke in the same pipe when I go to try something else? I don't want to contaminate the flavor like I have heard about, but most of these tobaccos mention Virginia tobacco among many others in a single blend. I am confused.

First of all don't smoke arros. Most of them suck and are made to please those around you, but not you. Don't worry about dedicating pipes yet. It can get way too complicated. You might want to use one pipe for latakia blends and one for straight Virginia's. Keep it simple at first. If you come to enjoy the hobby, then you can think about having 14 pipes, 2 for each day, one for Latakia and one for Virginia's. And don't forget to let your pipes rest. Ideally at least three days. If you smoke a pipe hard, 5 or more bowls a day, they should rest a week.

Doc.

 

[mateo]

Estates sound good to me, I saw some really good looking ones somewhere online for about 30 dollars each. I think I will pick up two of those, some pipe cleaners, some cleaning solution, a pipe tool, and then I need to decide on tobacco. When there are all sorts of different tobacco in a certain blend, how do I know what else I can smoke in the same pipe when I go to try something else? I don't want to contaminate the flavor like I have heard about, but most of these tobaccos mention Virginia tobacco among many others in a single blend. I am confused.

First of all don't smoke arros. Most of them suck and are made to please those around you, but not you. Don't worry about dedicating pipes yet. It can get way too complicated. You might want to use one pipe for latakia blends and one for straight Virginia's. Keep it simple at first. If you come to enjoy the hobby, then you can think about having 14 pipes, 2 for each day, one for Latakia and one for Virginia's. And don't forget to let your pipes rest. Ideally at least three days. If you smoke a pipe hard, 5 or more bowls a day, they should rest a week.

Doc.

Could you point me toward a good tobacco to start with? What about this

 

[Devil Doc]

I never tried it. I don't care for Cavendish. Buy a couple oz. and let us know. You might try McClelland's Virgina Woods. I like it a lot and would recommend it to a beginner. It has a little more sex appeal than PA or Carter Hall. I buy my tobacco HERE You might want to check them out. They have a good reputation for service.

Doc.

 

[rramstad]

I strongly recommend starting out with a medium English tobacco. There are tons of them out there.

I also very much like estate pipes for newbies. Frenchy's Pipes is a great way to go, pick out a couple of his estate Stanwell pipes, usually around $40.

Try to keep it simple to start. I've been smoking a pipe for a year and just now feel like I'm starting to know what I'm doing, been smoking cigars for over fifteen years.