Beginner Looking for Help!!!

[Hash]

Originally Posted by Blaylock

A few have suggested the "Newbie Sampler Trade for Pipes". Unfortunately, you don't have access to the Forum where this is located...but you will soon.

More on that: http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/faq.php...visible_forums

Not much more to add that hasn't been covered.

Welcome to the Pipe section at Club stogie!

Ahhh i see thanks for the link and all I guess I basically just got to wait and someone will grant me access when they deem me worthy...i was actually going to ask when will I get access but then I saw the link that I just got to be patient...I can do that I play poker you know its all about being patient!!!

[Hash]

Originally Posted by DSturg369

I wasn't meaning to sound "harsh" in any way, just meaning that all your questions were answered if you read every post.

I had a ton of questions when I started (which wasn't that long ago), including every one you asked, but instead of re-asking the same thing that had already been covered in prior posts, I read through EVERY single post in all 3 pipe forum topics and my questions were answered. Best places to get pipes and accs (with web links), just starting out and pipe break-in periods and methods, tobacco reviews and what's available and where the best service, prices, and deals are..... It's all there.

But again, I wasn't trying to come off as an a$$, so ask away.

Yeah neither was I buddy I will keep reading as you say and hopefully I will be well on my way!

[Hash]

Originally Posted by Dzrtrat

To filter or not to filter.............that is the question. Well .....I honestly can say that I personally have had no desire to try one...so I'm no help with personal experiences. Some would probably tell you that a filter pipe is the only pipe to smoke, others would tell ya there crap....so now we're in a quandary. I could tell you English blends are the bomb....others would argue that Vaper's are better. I would say that "cake happens" so don't worry about it to much and get flamed by those that believe there are certain rituals that must be adhered to.

The point I'm trying to make here is you have come to the right place for guidance...but understand that a lot is subjective. As you dive into this sport you will find what works best for you, what pipe you prefer, what blend you like etc...I know right now you want to try everything.....I'm still that way, however, pipe smoking is about patience you can't rush any of it.

You are on the right track, there has been a lot of sound advice already....good luck.

I get what your saying...I guess I will have to just try filter & no filter and see what I prefer...yeah I am kind off information hungry right now I guess it comes across in my writing...I am just excited about it ...thanks for the advise

[Rolando]

I have a filtered pipe. Like the cheap first pipe I bought when I started it never makes it off the rack.

You don't have much chance of getting it right out of the gate. You have to get one then plan to get a few more. They all have their own character and you will like some that you get and some you just won't. Bowl sizes and shapes, bends, how big the stem is drilled will all be factors. And then, of course, does the overall pipe match your personality? You can spend hundreds of dollars on a pipe and find you like the 40-50 dollar one better.

Some pipes you will find are a pleasure to smoke and some you won't. Unfortunately it all comes down to preferences and you have to have some experience to know what your preferences are.

[Hash]

Originally Posted by Senator

Filter? I've got some pipes with filters and some without. I like using my Brigham pipes (they use a maple filter system) for when I'm smoking my "wet" aromatics. They're great for stopping the unavoidable gurgle. However, the same aromatics taste just the same in my non-filtered pipes....just have to be more careful when smoking them.

Try one or the other as your first pipe...it really won't matter as it's not likely to be the only pipe you'll ever purchase. I'm sure you'll come down with a bad case of PAD sooner or later. ;-)

If I had to start all over again and had the knowledge I now possess...I would buy a Savinelli (the types that you can use with or without a filter) from Frenchy. This would let you try both methods with the same pipe. Plus, from what I hear, Frenchy will set you up with the basics.

As for tobaccos to try...I started with a drugstore aromatic on the advice of a tobacconist. This almost made me quit. To be honest, I would stay away from aromatics until you've learned the art of pipe smoking..or are at least part way there! Aromatics are not kind to the new pipe smoker. They're wet and they burn if not smoked correctly. They smell great but really do lack the taste that a new smoker might be searching for. I smoke them now because I can appreciate what they're all about and can find the flavour I'm looking for. However, most new pipers want something that "tastes" great with little effort or thought....or at least has some discernable taste. You're more likely to smoke too hard or too hot trying to get some type of taste from an aromatic in the beginning. Start with an "easy" tobacco...one that's easy to pack, easy to smoke, easy to light, and easy to taste. Ask around here for those kind of recommendations.

Just know this:
- you will burn your tongue as a new pipe smoker. Don't think it's like building up a callous...it's not. Don't smoke again until your tongue has recuperated. Treat your tongue like a delicate instrument and smoke more gently than you'd imagine is appropriate. It's better to have your pipe go out too often than to smoke it too hot.
- you will not smoke a full bowl on one light...and you probably never will. That's just part of pipe smoking. You'll come to appreciate this rather than get annoyed by it.
- you will get frustrated with how to properly pack a bowl. I still pack bowls too tightly sometimes...just start over before lighting. A bowl packed in such a manner is enough to ruin the whole experience.
- you will wonder if smoking a pipe is really all it's chalked up to be. Where's the taste...why is it so hard to keep this thing lit...why is my tongue scorched...why does my pipe gurgle...etc...
- you will have bad smokes...followed by great smokes...followed by horrible smokes followed by not so bad smokes...followed by good smokes...etc... (as you learn, the good smokes will outweigh the bad, though...obtaining the perfect smoke is why we all do this!!!)

- if you stick with it long enough, you will overcome all the above!!!! Yea!!! Learning to smoke a pipe is a process. No matter what pipe or what tobacco you use, you can't and won't learn it in your first smoking experience....or your second...or your third. It will eventually come, though. The information on boards like this will drastically reduce the learning curve.

Good luck.

Thank you a lot for all your excellent insight will keep it in mind....I had one question though what the hell is PAD Pipe Addiction Disorder

[Hash]

Okay so I have been browsing Frenchy's website for a while now I this is the buy list I came up with...note I am still looking for an estate pipe that will suit me and for access to the trade section to I can get some tobacco tasters...but this list is everything else you can click on them they are all links...
1] Fold-Up Pipe Rest
2] 6mm Grabow Pipe Filters
3] Czech Style 3-Way Pipe Tool
4] BJ Long Bristle Cleaners
5] BJ Long Fluffy Cleaners
6] BJ Long Regular Cleaners
7] IMCO Butane Pipe Lighter Black On Black - Refillable
8] Castleford Black Vinyl Snap Pouch
9] Missouri Meerschaum Ozark Mountain Cherry Or Maple Straight - Brand New
10] Missouri Meerschaum Ozark Mountain Cherry Or Maple Bent - Brand New
11] Missouri Meerschaum Missouri Pride - Straight

So I have decided to get some cobs pipes on everyones advise while I continue my hunt for a estate pipe from ebay or frency's. This way I can start practicing. Tell me what you think and if there is anything else I should get or buy differently. I will wait another couple of days before I execute this order so give me your thought till then.
I know I still need some tobacco...I am hoping to have access to the trade forum within the next week or so...till then feel free to suggest any tobacco brands you all think will be good for me as a beginner...I know a couple have been listed and will look into them!!! Once again thanks a lot everyone!!!

[dogsplayinpoker]

Dark Twist by Mac Baren, is a good starting point. Also any of the Frog Morton blends by McClelland. Escudo will be up there as a good starter tobacco. Sherlock Holmes by Peterson is a nice aromatic without the dreaded tongue bite. Which you will experience at least 5 times while getting your pipe smoking "creds". Your list is pretty complete as far as necessities. Let us know how it goes.

[Hash]

Originally Posted by Rolando

I have a filtered pipe. Like the cheap first pipe I bought when I started it never makes it off the rack.

You don't have much chance of getting it right out of the gate. You have to get one then plan to get a few more. They all have their own character and you will like some that you get and some you just won't. Bowl sizes and shapes, bends, how big the stem is drilled will all be factors. And then, of course, does the overall pipe match your personality? You can spend hundreds of dollars on a pipe and find you like the 40-50 dollar one better.

Some pipes you will find are a pleasure to smoke and some you won't. Unfortunately it all comes down to preferences and you have to have some experience to know what your preferences are.

Yeah I understand now that I just got to jump into it and learn along the way...thanks for the advise

[Hash]

Originally Posted by dogsplayinpoker

Dark Twist by Mac Baren, is a good starting point. Also any of the Frog Morton blends by McClelland. Escudo will be up there as a good starter tobacco. Sherlock Holmes by Peterson is a nice aromatic without the dreaded tongue bite. Which you will experience at least 5 times while getting your pipe smoking "creds". Your list is pretty complete as far as necessities. Let us know how it goes.

Thanks!! Any suggestions as to where I should but them from unfortunately Frency's doesn't carry pipe tobacco. Someone suggested IwanRies.com any others? I am really looking to be able to sample some of these I don't want to be stuck with $XX worth of tobacco I will never smoke.

[dogsplayinpoker]

Originally Posted by Hash

Thanks!! Any suggestions as to where I should but them from unfortunately Frency's doesn't carry pipe tobacco. Someone suggested IwanRies.com any others? I am really looking to be able to sample some of these I don't want to be stuck with $XX worth of tobacco I will never smoke.

Try a couple tins. Cost you maybe $15. Then when you can get in on the Newbie Pipe Smoker trade, you can get plenty of samples.
I buy most of my tobacco from smokingpipes.com
They sell some sampler packs. Just start perusing the tinned tobacco section and the bulk tobacco section.

[Blaylock]

Here are a few of the popular ones around here that supply many blends of tobacco:

Pipes and Cigars: http://pipesandcigars.com/

Smoking Pipes: http://www.smokingpipes.com/

4Noggins: http://www.4noggins.com/

Personally, I would stick with the bulk samplers in the beginning so you can get a feel for what you like before commiting to larger quantities.

Be sure to check out the Pipe Websites "sticky" as well .