Question from new pipe smoker.

[3rdgenpipesmoker]

Hello all, first just wanted to say that this is a great site.

The question I have is, I have inherated a pipe stand with four pipe and a glass humidor. These were use by my grandfather and my father after my grandfather passed away. Now that my father has passed they have been handed down to me. They are still in reasonably good shape. The humidor had a small round stone in the top of it that has the marking "Aztec" on it. I have done some searching on the net and have found hardly any info on it. What is that?

I hope to start smoking these pipes soon as it gave my father and grandfather joyous and relaxing times and I would like to carry on thier tradition. So any pointers that you can bestow upon me like begginers tobacco and such would be greatly appreacaited.

Thank you.

[Cruiscin90]

Could you provide humi pics? It would certainly help.

As for beginner tobacco, I'd start with something that's not too dry. My first was "Dublin", and I'd still recommend that.

What kind of pipes did you inherit? I'd imagine they're nicer ones. I'd start with a corncob pipe. They're not as nice, but they're good beginner pipes.

[evazan]

Welcome to CS. I am a new pipesmoker myself so can you give a few pointers. The number one thing is don't expect to "get it" immediately and don't get discouraged. Pipe smoking unlike cigar smoking is a skill and it needs to be learned. This is a great place to learn things and you should probably start with the FAQ stickied in this forum. After you smoke a few bowls and have some more specific questions you could ask those and you will most likely get better responses.

Depending on how well your father and grandfather maintained the pipes you may want to do a thorough cleaning of them. You can search this forum for estate pipe cleaning or something like that and find numerous ways to restore old pipes to just about brand new.

Now all thats left is to pick up some quality tobacco and puff away.

[RJpuffs]

Welcome to the pipe universe! There is a ton of info on these forums, I just picked up the pipe a few months ago and now, lookee at me, I puff like a pro

If you have a B&M (Brick & Mortar store that sells cigars/pipe/tobacco) nearby, pay it a visit and see if they have any local recommendations. Many B&M's have helpful and knowledgeable folks working who can show you (or sniff at) the various tobaccos; as well as give you a hands on tutorial for your first smoke!

You may also want to buy a cheapo pipe to learn on, or a cob. I'm assuming the heirlooms are very old and probably priceless - you don't want to mangle those while learning the art of pipe smoking.

[SAjunidog]

Originally Posted by RJpuffs

You may also want to buy a cheapo pipe to learn on, or a cob. I'm assuming the heirlooms are very old and probably priceless - you don't want to mangle those while learning the art of pipe smoking.

Definitely buy some cobs if you didn't inherit any. They're really useful for pipe smokers at any stage of the game, and when you're just learning you don't want to mess up and mar an heirloom for good.

Otherwise, I'd reccomend starting out on something dryer, like a burley blend. Avoid aromatics since they are gummy as hell, so that presents another problem, and when you're trying to learn there are enough obstacles already. Also I'd pack fairly lightly at first, since you can always tamp a light bowl down to firm it up, but its much harder to loosen an overpacked bowl.

Also don't be afraid to relight. When I introduce a lot of people to the pipe it goes out all the time, but they don't ever want to relight. My first bowl I went through well over 40 matches (partially since it was a windy night, but the large majority of those were to to incompetence on my part). There is absolutely no downside to relighting, so there is no reason not to.

Oh, and obviously read the stickies, as they can be amazingly helpful.

[Mister Moo]

Nice to have pa-paws gear and that you want to appreciate it and maybe use it down the road. I like the idea about a practice run with a cob to see if you're like pipe smoking and to protect the family treasures.

Can you post a few pictures?

[Cruiscin90]

If you're heading down to the B&M, as some have suggested (and you should), pick up the following:

*A pipe tool. this nifty little tool costs under 3 dollars, and has 3 parts. It's wonderful for tamping, stirring, loosening, and scraping. Keep one on your keyring so you'll always have it.

*pipe cleaners. Pretty obvious.

*Matches or a PIPE lighter. Matches are the best way to light, but the ycan go out easily. You may prefer a pipe lighter. Zippo makes some, and they work well, although you can get the zippo fuel taste for the first few puffs. DO NOT use a regular lighter - It'll damage the finish.

* Beginner tobacco and corncob pipe. Several people have already recommended this. The beginner tobacco is really up to you - ask to smell the lid of the tobacco jars. They'll say yes, and you can pick out what yo uwant. Little tip: Ask which tobacco is most popular - chances are it won't be a tough smoke.

And of course you need the corncob pipe. No use struggling with a briar (or a meerschaum, if you're a lucky inheritor) pipe for your first time when you could be having a decent smoke with a corncob pipe.

[3rdgenpipesmoker]

Thank you all for the great replies. I will go out and pick up a cob pipe to start with. Dont have a B&M around here wher I live but will make some inquires at the local cig stores.

THe pink stone in the lid is what I'm trying to find out what it might be. Any ideas?

Thanks again.

[Dzrtrat]

Lots of good suggestions have been given already. I would agree on the cobs as they are a cheap way to experiment. be careful as to how you referb the treasures.....make sure you know what you are doing. As to tobacco choices.......that is a matter of taste, my preference being English and American English blends. I would suggest trying many (in the cobs) and see what happens..........a side note and not putting anyone in a category but a lot of new comers tend to enjoy aroes at the start.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by 3rdgenpipesmoker

...THe pink stone in the lid is what I'm trying to find out what it might be. Any ideas?

Thanks again.

Seems like it must be a humidification widget.

[Cruiscin90]

Originally Posted by 3rdgenpipesmoker

Thank you all for the great replies. I will go out and pick up a cob pipe to start with. Dont have a B&M around here wher I live but will make some inquires at the local cig stores.

I have seen pipes (corncob and what LOOKED like Briar) at Walgreens, CVS, and other types of pharmacy/convenience stores. I'm not certain as to the quality of these pipes, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you may want to try a corncob pipe from one of these places if you can't find one anywhere else.

In my experience, unless it looks like a horrible corncob pipe, it isn't a horrible corncob pipe. And they don't look like horrible pipes.

The tobacco they sell, on the other hand, could be low-quality. cheap though.