Joining you.... The basic way!

[QWKDTSN]

All right guys... I have been on the hunt for an estate pipe or new briar for about $60 or less and finally caved today. Went to the local tiny tobacco store and bought a cob, a czech tool, and a pack of Prince Albert.

When I say this store is small, it's actually a head shop. It's the only place in this tiny town that even pretends to sell cigars, pipes, or tobacco. It's always kind of embarrassing going in there - as I'm in the military - and even though there is no external indication that it's a head shop (the sign actually has a pipe on it) probably 90% of the shoppers there aren't interested in tobacco stuff!

There was nothing approaching a selection of 'real pipe tobacco', there were some large bags of inexpensive aromatics and some PA. I chose the small pouch of PA as the best place to start out of what was available. I know Dale is always talking about PA so I figured it must be good!

The cob I bought is cheaper than cheap, it's not even a Missouri Meerschaum and I probably shouldn't be using it to smoke out of (but it was $4 and I didn't want to spend $30 on a super crappy briar pipe - the only alternative they had). After my first bowl I discovered it had a filter so I ditched that. I'm on my 3rd bowl and each bowl is starting to taste sweeter and better than the last!

Overall I'd say I'm definitely into pipe smoking. I like to end the day with a nice smoke but a cigar is often too time-consuming. I like that I can pack a small bowl and smoke for 20 minutes or so, or even leave a bowl until the next day to finish it (or so I've read!) The expense is going to be much less once I've bought a few pipes.

I will definitely still be smoking cigars but for me, I think a pipe is probably a better every-day smoke, with cigars being better on the weekend when I have more time to dedicate to them.

Thoughts on PA - it has a definite raisin smell in the pouch and a nutty, raisiny flavor with some slightly sweet notes in the nose. Definitely has a 'plain, everyday tobacco' quality so I can understand why it's popular, but leaves me wanting to try the wide world of pipe blends.

[commonsenseman]

Personally (no offense to Dale, I wish I enjoyed it as much as he does) PA doesn't do much for me. I find it pleasant, but not enough flavor to be satisfying.

Anywho, welcome to the wide world of pipes!

[sounds7]

Well you did the best you could in that situation and at least you didn't choose an Aromatic. Remember though, the internet is your friend and there is much more to experience in the pipe world for you. My recommendation for a low priced but very decent new pipe is the Mario Grandi pipes being sold on ebay (handmade from Itally). You cant beat them for the money. Also take a look around at some of the threads which discuss tobacco and you will see some brands that will spark your interest. G.L. Pease makes some great blends as does Samuel Gawith and Esoterica Tobaciana.

Fav Tobacco Smoked In 2009, (so far)

Check it out and welcome . P.S. I enjoy cigars too just cant afford it every day though. One cigar costs as much as 2 Oz of premium pipe tobacco that can be enjoyed for several days.

Also you really should try the Sampler trade for Newbies.

http://www.puff.com/forums/vb/wts-b-...ade-pipes.html

Here is a link for some of the most popular tobaccos on tobaccoreview.com

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/browse...Direction=DESC

[dj1340]

I found an old Stanwell Majestic on ebay a few months ago that has turned out to be one of my favorite pipes.
I think I only paid $40 for it. Keep an eye on there and you may find something you like as well. Also as mentioned, there are several online sites that have tons of tobacco choices. Also go to tobaccoreviews.com and read some of the reviews. I'm sure you'll find a blend you like

[commonsenseman]

Sorry, I guess I was a little short before.

PA is a great way to start, some guys who have been smoking for years still enjoy it. I personally enjoy other stuff much more, but it's all about personal preference. I was amazed at how much tobacco there is out there & how different it is. Take these guys' advice, they know what they're talking about much more than this noob.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by QWKDTSN

All right guys... ...I can understand why it's popular, but leaves me wanting to try the wide world of pipe blends.

You are so screwed. Welcome.

[DSturg369]

I am shocked!


Just kidding, and no offense taken Bro, but I do stand behind my like of PA. It works for me for an every day, any time of day smoke. Easy fill and light, great burn and straight-forward burley taste, and leaves behind a nice light ash. I know there are a lot of folks that don't care for it but I say "To each their own". Besides, the less people that like it means there will be more for me.

There are many, many fine tobaccos out there, and I've had a few that I truly like, but with PA, CH, (etc), readily available just down the street and at the relatively cheap prices locally, why not take full advantage of it. Besides..... As I've said, I like it.

As for the cob pipe, nothing I know of beats a MM cob. I've had a couple of cheapies and there's just no comparison. I still like a good briar now and again but I find myself smoking my MM cobs the majority of the time now. And with the OTC's or "drug-store" tobaccos out there, there isn't a better match made.

Estates...... I'd hit eBay and scan the web for sites/deals you like.

Also, Welcome to the wonderful world of Pipes and Pipe Smoking! Smoke what YOU like and like what you smoke, life is too short so enjoy it all.

[Requiem]

Welcome to the pipe side!
In my opinion you would do better getting a new (around $50) Savinelli or Stanwell, and skip the e-bay estates until you gain some experience and knowledge about pipes.
Many experient smokers support the idea that, although I'm sure there are great deals in e-bay, if a pipe is put for sale as an estate there is a good probability it's owner doesn´t like to smoke it much... so, there´s maybe a problem with the pipe.
Savinelli and Stanwell are great smokers with great designs.

[Bobby 151]

Welcome to the world of pipes and tobacco,I am new here myself,however i have been smoking pipes on and off for almost 40 years.I have smoked all kinds of tobacco,even the ones not made any more and believe me there is a ton of different blends.You can't go wrong with the way you have just started,however i agree, not to go to estate pipes right now,get a Stanwell or Peterson,they are good brands.For me right now is my summer of revisiting the OTC blends,such as PA,CH,SWR,Kentucky Club Etc,and i am smoking them in MM cobs.It is a nice journey back to simpler times for me right now.You also should listen to Dale's advice for he is "The Man".Hi Dalel.Later. Bobby.

[DSturg369]

Thank Bobby, and howdy back at you. (Psssssst.... The check is in the mail. )

He doesn't post much but he and I have PM'ed a lot and he's a great guy.... Do wish he'd post more though.

My very first pipe was a MM Country Gentleman (still my fav pipe to smoke) and then on to a new basket pipe. I got lucky I suppose because it's a pretty good smoker. From there I went to Estates and that worked well for me, again just lucky I guess. If the $$ is there for new pipes, go for it. The one bad thing about "most" of the lower-end brands is that their quality today as compared to "back in the day" seems to be lacking in actual smoking ability. Not all brands, but many, as I said. Again, if the funds are there, a new, mid-level reputable brand would be superb.

A good compromise is a professionaly refurbished estate from any number of reputable websites, such as those listed in the Pipe Sites on here.

[SmokinDragon]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

You are so screwed. Welcome.

ditto..lol

[KevinV]

Some PA and an MM, a perfect match all these years...

[Arizona]

Welcome to the world of pipe smoking. It's by far the most affordable form of smoking there is and in the future I'm sure it will prove to be even more so as the Commies continue to attack/tax any form of pleasure we have in life.

A cob is an excellent smoke. I have several and they rank up as great smokers out of the 20 or so pipes I have in my rotation.

Read up on the proper filling of the pipe, proper cleaning, etc and you'll get maximum enjoyment out of your smoke.

PS: Kevin I love those ads!! By chance can you enlarge them or somehow share so they're more detailed? I saved them but they can't be zoomed in and read - not enough detail when zoomed.

[KevinV]

Originally Posted by Arizona

PS: Kevin I love those ads!! By chance can you enlarge them or somehow share so they're more detailed? I saved them but they can't be zoomed in and read - not enough detail when zoomed.

I found those while searching for a decent file to download to use on my Mason jars of stashed PA (still haven't found what I'm looking for). I don't have any larger versions, but if I run across them I'll be sure to shoot them your way.