Almost did it today....

[Wetterhorn]

Well Gents,

I almost bought a pipe today. I have been contemplating trying a pipe, but I must say, they look like a lot of work and when I think about that, I just stick with cigars.

Yet pipes always intrigue me. Any suggestions on a cheap pipe (I don't want to invest a lot in case I don't enjoy smoking a pipe) and suggestions on how to make it the least amount of work possible.

Thanks!

[caskwith]

You have just described the situation i am in, i am interested in pipes but they seem so complicated, plus i just cant seem to take the plunge and buy a pipe and some baccy. I am also interested in their construction and am currently looking around my local woods for some suitable branches to have a go at making a homemade pipe, but that mainly for fun than serious smoking though.

[rutkus]

i was in your position about a month ago, take the plunge, i highly recommend it. its very different from cigar smoking in a very good way.

for me to become fully swallowed by pipe smoking took one experience, latakia.

[Kennmon]

Originally Posted by caskwith

You have just described the situation i am in, i am interested in pipes but they seem so complicated, plus i just cant seem to take the plunge and buy a pipe and some baccy. I am also interested in their construction and am currently looking around my local woods for some suitable branches to have a go at making a homemade pipe, but that mainly for fun than serious smoking though.

complicated?
lets see how i got into it-
cheap corncob - $4
Altadis free pipe tobac sampler - $0

tamper - $0 (my finger, works every time)

its not hard to pack a bowl and get past the false light.

maybe you can buy a cob and give it a go?

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by Kennmon

complicated?
lets see how i got into it-
cheap corncob - $4
Altadis free pipe tobac sampler - $0

tamper - $0 (my finger, works every time)

its not hard to pack a bowl and get past the false light.

maybe you can buy a cob and give it a go?

I second the corn cob. You can always use a nail for a tamper if you have to or get a pipe nail for another $1. Just do not skimp on the tobacco. Get a decent English Blend.

Most shops have decent basket pipes for about $20 if you want to go the briar route. I would try a local B&M instead of the internet though

Originally Posted by rutkus

pipe smoking took one experience, latakia .

Virginia's Orientals and Perique are very nice also.

Nothing gained by nothing ventured. DO IT

[Hookem187]

i'm always out to help someone..

i have a few basket pipes you can have, and i throw in a few bowls of each of the tabby's i have. this will give you a sample of a variety of tastes, vapers vs aromatics, vs english blends etc.

shoot me a PM with your addy and i'll compose a little "package" hehehe

cheers

hookem

[Kennmon]

ooo im jealous

[IamWD]

I just decided to take the plunge and buy my first pipe and a few essentials. I bought a small tin of tobacco that I'd heard good things about, but I'd like other options. Can anyone recommend a good place to pick up a decent sampler that a complete newbie can appreciate?

Originally Posted by IamWD

I just decided to take the plunge and buy my first pipe and a few essentials. I bought a small tin of tobacco that I'd heard good things about, but I'd like other options. Can anyone recommend a good place to pick up a decent sampler that a complete newbie can appreciate?

You might want try the Hearth & Home sampler from http://store.pipesandcigars.com/ruouhobl.html for 26 bucks you can try 2 oz each of 6 blends which range from aromatic to virginia to balkan and everything in between. Very goods blends for the money.

[Hookem187]

i would try different brands. most samples have all one brand etc. but to get the full effect you need to go broad..I found most of my choice at www.tobaccoreviews.com (not sure if we can hotlink here) check it out you will find some great reviews there. do a search by rating and that's great start for you!

enjoy your quest!

hookem

[IamWD]

Excellent stuff. Thanks guys!

[texaspipes]

There are plenty of "no-name" pipes around which you can buy for a few bucks, or a corncob is another good suggestion. I doubt very much that you won't like it because however good a cigar is it still tastes like a cigar. Which it should. Whereas a pipe offers unlimited taste possibilities. From the sublime (English/Oriental) to the ridiculous (Mango and Custard)! You can even grind up cigars and mix them with a little pipe tobacco to have a cigarlike smoke. I would recommend one of the many excellent havana blends to make your transition as easy as possible. One tip is that most artificial flavoured tobaccos smell great but taste awful. You may enjoy a whisky or rum blend before your tastebuds adjust to Latakia or Virginia.

[drrgill]

Originally Posted by Hookem187

i'm always out to help someone..

i have a few basket pipes you can have, and i throw in a few bowls of each of the tabby's i have. this will give you a sample of a variety of tastes, vapers vs aromatics, vs english blends etc.

shoot me a PM with your addy and i'll compose a little "package" hehehe

cheers

hookem

Good Job...So is it now Hookem188

Drrgill

[Badkarma]

Good on you hookem. Way ta go helpin a newbie out.