Pipe Newbie

[randy floyd]

My wife mentioned to me yet again how much she dislikes the smell of my cigars and asked why I don’t smoke a pipe. So I guys that is the only nudge I needed to push me down another slippery slope.. So I am looking for some advice. I am looking at picking up a cob from pipesandcigars to get started. Any suggestions on the cob? Is one any better than the other? Any other tools or accessories I should pickup now?
Also any suggestions on any blends that may be good for a beginner? I usually smoke fuller bodied cigars and maduros….

[Requiem]

Missouri Meerschaum corn cob (several shapes available), pipe tool, pipe cleaners, Prince Albert tobacco = pipe starter package.

Once you're sure you enjoy pipe smoking, you'll have hundreds of tobaccos to choose from and briar pipes to collect.

Welcome to the pipe side.


Oh, and unless you find enjoyment in aromatic tobaccos, your wife will still complaint... non-aromatics have, nevertheless, a room note not as bad as cigars.

[Roddy]

Welcome to the wide wide world of flavor. You will try many blends. You will find those you hate and want to toss out and you will find those that you love to the point of buying so much of it you will need to rent a storage shed.

Mind you, there's nothing wrong with some good cigars too!

[cp478]

Missourri meerschaums are the only good cobs!

[MarkC]

Your wife asked you why don't you smoke a pipe? Don't let that one get away!!

[randy floyd]

Originally Posted by MarkC

Your wife asked you why don't you smoke a pipe? Don't let that one get away!!

Yeah, I guess I'll keep her She told me she would prefer if I smoke a pipe rather than "my stinky cigars". she said she might even let me smoke it in the house.

[MasonM]

A cob is an excellent way to start into pipe smoking. As mentioned, Missouri Meerschaum is the way to go. I'd recommend getting something with a larger bowl diameter as they are easier to learn proper packing than a narrow bowl.

A pipe nail or other tamper is needed for sure.

For tobacco, you'll want something with a pleasant room note to keep the wife happy. I'd recommend something like Uhle's Irish Aromatic (one of my favorites), W.O. Larson 1868, or some other aromatic as they have a pleasant, not overly strong room note. For English blends, look for something with Latakia as it has a very pleasing note as well.