wanting to try a pipe ...again

[NHsmoker]

I am looking into trying a pipe for a second time. I tried last year and not only could I not keep the thing lit (I am sure it was not packing the pipe right) but I couldn't get much taste out of it. I bought a corncob based on a few recommendations as a first pipe to try. I could taste burning corncob and burnt tobacco but not what I am assuming it should taste like. I am a cigar smoker but really think I would enjoy a pipe if I can get the technique down. Basically what I am looking for is a recommendation for a relatively inexpensive briar to start with because I really don't want the corncob taste affecting my experience. Again I really want to enjoy a pipe it seems like after purchasing pipes it will be less expensive than cigars and from my understanding pipes are not quite as affected by relighting as cigars and money and time are two big constraints with me and my family in this economy. As always any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Hermit]

My first rookie mistake was trying to load the pipe
right out of the tin. I haven't had that problem
since I let the tobacco dry a bit before smoking.

[Blaylock]

Savinelli and Stanwell pipes always seem to get good reviews; and in my opinion, would make a good briar to start out with. Sorry to hear you had a bad first experience with the cob. I found the cob was the best place to start out sampling different blends in different cobs.

There are many factors that go into achieving success with the pipe...type of tobacco, drying it out properly, packing, tamping, lighting, etc. For me, it took alot of time and patience until I really started to enjoy the flavors of the tobacco, instead of 'battling the briar'.

Check out some of the techniques in the FAQ's "sticky". As far as purchaing sites...Frenchy's is the first place I'd recommend for a pipe. You can also get some nice estate deals on Ebay if you want to go that route.

Best of luck with your "return to the pipe". Hope it works out well for you this time round.

[Quick_nick]

you can get a nice Savinelli for about 50 bucks. Smokingpipes.com has a great selection of pipes and tobacco. They have great prices also.

[ssutton219]

PM sent.






Good Luck




Shawn

[ChronoB]

Originally Posted by NHsmoker

I am looking into trying a pipe for a second time. I tried last year and not only could I not keep the thing lit (I am sure it was not packing the pipe right) but I couldn't get much taste out of it. I bought a corncob based on a few recommendations as a first pipe to try. I could taste burning corncob and burnt tobacco but not what I am assuming it should taste like. I am a cigar smoker but really think I would enjoy a pipe if I can get the technique down. Basically what I am looking for is a recommendation for a relatively inexpensive briar to start with because I really don't want the corncob taste affecting my experience. Again I really want to enjoy a pipe it seems like after purchasing pipes it will be less expensive than cigars and from my understanding pipes are not quite as affected by relighting as cigars and money and time are two big constraints with me and my family in this economy. As always any help will be greatly appreciated.

My advice: buy an estate pipe from an established merchant. Go to pulversbriar.com and check out the Specials and English pages. Go to smokingpipes.com and check out the Estate pipes page. Buying an estate pipe means the pipe is already broken in, and is an established smoker. $50 to $75 will get you a good estate pipe.

If you're set on a new pipe then Stanwell, Savinelli, Peterson are all good choices. Frenchyspipes.com has good deals on all three.

[parris001]

Originally Posted by NHsmoker

..........Basically what I am looking for is a recommendation for a relatively inexpensive briar to start with .......

I am a big fan of estate pipes from eBay. You can get some very good deals there as long as you are a smart shopper. Another great place to look is your local antique shop. Here, I've found some great pipes for a very low price. You just have to weed through a lot of broken crap before you find that gem. But the gems are there!

Welcome back to the pipe. I've been smoking pipes since March. Your technique will improve with time and you'll find tobacco blends that suit your style.

[NCRadioMan]

Along with the great advice above, I would suggest trying a good english or balkan and not messing with aromatics.

[Hydrated]

One word that every new pipe smoker should know:

[SIZE="5"]Meerschaum[/SIZE]

• A meerschaum pipe requires no breaking in.
• Meerschaum pipes do not need a cake buildup to smoke clean, dry, and cool.
• You can smoke a meer several times a day. (Good if it's your only pipe.)
• A meerschaum doesn't retain ghost tastes like briar, so you can try different blends easily.
• A good block meerschaum pipe is usually far more reasonably priced than a nice briar.

[Professor Mike]

Check out www.ANDPIPES.com. They have great prices on block carved Meerschaum pipes. I have purchased several from them and have always been pleased with their products. Good luck and welcome to the Brotherhood.

Mike

[kvm]

All my pipes are inexpensive. I've tried several different makers and my Stanwells have been the best of the bunch. I've never smoked a cob but if I remember correctly I heard they can have kind of a burnt taste to them for the first few bowls. Far to many pipe smokers enjoy them so you may not want to give up on cobs just yet. It takes patience to get the hang of smoking a pipe.

[TOB9595]

PM off to ya.
Trying pipe smoking should be a smooth, enjoyable time.
I'll send you 4 pipes to try smoking for the cost of shipping.

Then you can concentrate on the baccy.
Tom

[uncballzer]

Check this link out; it should have some helpful stuff for you. What I would do is check out Frenchy's site for some Savinelli Naturals--they're 35 apeice, but good briars and you won't be too much out of cash if you harm it. I got 5 and love them.

Also, check out the Frank Method video's (i think I got the link to them in the link below); that's a quick method of packing and easy way of going about it. He goes step by step.

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=175150