Anybody use Meerschaum Pipes

[tx_tuff]

Why do I ask? Well I have never smoked a pipe before but seeing all these posts in the pipe section has me wondering. I read the sticky threads for new smokers and have decided to try me a bowl and it seems like this type of pipe would be easier for a new guy to try (I know a cob would prob be the best bet and cheap for a first time pipe and may get one first). I have found some plan Meerschaums for around $30 which sounds like a good deal to me, of course some cheaper ones on eBay but don't think I want to do that.

So anyway any advise for the guys that smoke or have smoked these kind of pipes would be nice. I plan on doing this just for fun and don't plan on spending the kind of money on this that I do cigars.

Also what would be the best kind of tobacco to try first, something I can find localy.

Thanks!

[Hermit]

Some people tell new smokers to start with aromatics.
I think a cigar smoker should start with an English
blend or maybe a cigar blend, like Key Largo.
As for Meers, I have a couple, but I love briar.
I also have a bunch of cobs, for when I'm outside
in a breeze or doing yard stuff.

[cp478]

in my opinion the meers are a little too delicate and tricky for beginners.
stick with the cob or cheap briar pipes would probably be better.
being a cigar smoker, the last guys post is probably right on about tobaccos.

good luck , hope you enjoy.

[dmkerr]

Meerschaums are also notorious for having tight draws. I never buy these online because tight draws are so common. As a newbie, you might not recognize a tight draw from a normal one, and I'd hate to see you get a pipe that make learning harder than it has to be.

I'm going with the previous posters responses. As for tobacco, do NOT start with an aromatic. Those are perfect for people who have never smoked before but a seasoned cigar smoker will find them way too light and tasteless. If you're going OTC, Prince Albert or Carter Hall would be a good start. Skip the Captain Black

[afilter]

Hmmm...all good advice above. I still have to say I love my meer. I have purchased a couple more since I currently live next to some officers from Turkey and they bought them when they were home on leave.

The one thing I like about the meer is the ability to smoke/try multiple blends in the same pipe as well as being able to smoke it more than onece a day. Of course the whole changeing color thing over time is great also.

They can be delicate though and to get it to color propely you need to take care of it(clean hands).

Can't go wrong with a cob, but once you have mastered the basic art of pipe smoking a quality (not neccessarily expensive) meer is a must have IMHO.

Good Luck,

Aaron

[Mister Moo]

They're all trying to keep the good meers for themselves - don't lissen to 'em.

I love my meers in spite of their fragility (which can be overstated). A handpicked meer can be a great beginners pipe; never had a problem with any of them that I've bought (all three of them). Beware the online $30 meer, however. Some meers are in the "way small" to "mini" category and for $30 you might be looking at a sub-sized puffer. Our infrequent colleague here, screenname IKMeerschaum, has been very helpful in getting the right pipe to the customer; same too for Frenchy at Frenchyspipes.com - he won't sell you wrong. Meers are relatively inexpensive, easy to clean, cool and dry and handle changes from english to VA to burley and back again, all in one day.

That said, get a few cobs if you want to play safe and learn the game. I picked a Legend (cob) from between 15 briars and four meers this morning.

[brianwalden]

If you're interested in Meerschaum maybe a Lepeltier clay pipe would be a good starter pipe: Lepeltier pipes - The World's finest clay pipes.

From what I've read clay pipes have a lot of the desirable qualities of meer (little ghosting, doesn't need rest, etc) but tend do be easier on beginners. I know a few guys on here have a Lepeltier maybe they can chime in.

[dmkerr]

The Lepeltier is a great pipe to start with. They're nice because they can be cleaned with hot water (take the stem out first so the cork joint connecting pipe to stem doesn't get wet!) and let dry for 24 hours. I do this once every 20-25 smokes. Otherwise, it's just a pipe cleaner through the stem cleaning. They smoke well and the double walled construction makes them cooler than traditional clays. Plus they're a very neutral smoke. Your tobacco tastes like your tobacco with no added commentary like you can get from briar (or meerschaum beeswax if you puff fast).

And yeah, they don't ghost and they don't need rest, like you said. The stem can ghost but if you clean it after each smoke, you're set. Good starter pipe but they start at around $60 including shipping so I'd still recommend a cob for someone that isn't sure if they'll want to stick with pipe smoking.

Originally Posted by brianwalden

If you're interested in Meerschaum maybe a Lepeltier clay pipe would be a good starter pipe: Lepeltier pipes - The World's finest clay pipes.

From what I've read clay pipes have a lot of the desirable qualities of meer (little ghosting, doesn't need rest, etc) but tend do be easier on beginners. I know a few guys on here have a Lepeltier maybe they can chime in.

[Mad Hatter]

You could also look for a meer-lined briar

[afilter]

Originally Posted by brianwalden

If you're interested in Meerschaum maybe a Lepeltier clay pipe would be a good starter pipe: Lepeltier pipes - The World's finest clay pipes.

From what I've read clay pipes have a lot of the desirable qualities of meer (little ghosting, doesn't need rest, etc) but tend do be easier on beginners. I know a few guys on here have a Lepeltier maybe they can chime in.

These look nice. The site does not mention prices at all which usually makes me nervous. Can you give me and idea on costs?

Thanks

[brianwalden]

Originally Posted by afilter

These look nice. The site does not mention prices at all which usually makes me nervous. Can you give me and idea on costs?

Thanks

If you look them up individually they show a price. I think the simply glazed ones are $50, the decorated are $60, and the artist's choice are $65.

[tx_tuff]

Thanks everybody! Next time I'm online I'm giving out some R G Ok just to make sure I don't buy anything to small can someone give me some sizes I should be looking for? Bowl size in inches or whatever is common. I know I have seen sizes given on a lot of stuff I have looked up so that would help a lot. Thanks again guys!

[dmkerr]

I'd start with a bowl that's 1 3/4 inches tall. Anything less and they get bowl envy and end up in therapy. Anything more and you've got a potential for excess weight that might be hard to hold in the jaw. On the other hand, a bulldog shape is nice and it's short and squat. But I guess I'd *start* with 1 3/4 as it's a fairly standard size. Then you can decide about bigger or smaller as suits your taste.

Originally Posted by tx_tuff

Thanks everybody! Next time I'm online I'm giving out some R G Ok just to make sure I don't buy anything to small can someone give me some sizes I should be looking for? Bowl size in inches or whatever is common. I know I have seen sizes given on a lot of stuff I have looked up so that would help a lot. Thanks again guys!

[bigkev77]

There are several $29 meer on ebay I just noticed and they all seem to be about 5in long and bowl of 1in x 1in. To me that is way to small, but to each his own. I would shoot for a larger bowl say about 2in tall and 1-2 wide.

This is looks pretty fair but even the 1in wide it is a bit small.
Plain Meerschaum Pipe-Pipa-Pfeife *irmismarbel* - eBay (item 160319320942 end time May-01-09 221:10 PDT)

[tx_tuff]

Ok this is what I just tried in a cob, New Market (Lemon Virginia and Black Cavendel) not to sure what to think of it. I bought some English too, Byzantium (Latakia, Penque and Turkish) will try that later. So do you have to just keep puffing to keep a pipe light?