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Pipe and Tobacco

Gandalf_the_CrazedGandalf_the_Crazed VigiloConfidoRegistered User regular
edited June 2011 in Help / Advice Forum
I want to get back into this because it helps me calm down and collect my thoughts at the end of particularly stressful days. I'm aware of the health risks associated, so I'm not looking for, "Eww, stop smoking!"

Any suggestions for classy yet affordable pipes and tasty blends? I don't even remember what I used to smoke, and my pipe has disappeared since then.

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Gandalf_the_Crazed on

Posts

  • November FifthNovember Fifth Registered User regular
    edited May 2011
    Your best bet would be to find a local tabocconist and let them help guide you. They will usually have a couple of popular house blends that they refer to new customers.

    As for pipes, that's kind of a based on logistics. I have an "estate" Peterson that I carry with me, since it is easy to break down and throw in a pocket, and if something happens to it, I'm not out much $$. It has stood up well to rough treatment and poor smoking habits.

    If you are only smoking at home, you could probably risk a more expensive and less durable product.

    November Fifth on
  • Forbe!Forbe! Registered User regular
    edited May 2011
    Buy an estate pipe. Estate pipes are used, and have already been through the period where they need to be broken in. Go to a tobacconist, and see what they have. See how thy fit your hand and if it will be comfortable for you. Unless you get a calabash or churchwarden, the pipe is mostly going to come down to aesthetics, comfort, and condition.

    Secondly, I would recommend buying multiple estate pipes rather than a single expensive pipe. If you smoke more than once a day, it is key to allow the pipe to rest for a day or so until you smoke it again. It allows the moisture to escape from your built up cake and for the briar wood to relax. Over-smoking after a period of time can cause the pipe to crack.

    Also, buy yourself a decent metal ream/tamping tool. There is a multi-tool version floating around at most tobacconists I've been to, I believe it is made of brass.

    Forbe! on
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  • Descendant XDescendant X Skyrim is my god now. Outpost 31Registered User regular
    edited June 2011
    If one were to just want to give pipe smoking a try without spending a great deal of money, would a corncob pipe be recommended?

    Descendant X on
    Garry: I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but when you find the time I'd rather not spend the rest of the winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH!
  • BagginsesBagginses __BANNED USERS regular
    edited June 2011
    Descendant X wrote: »
    If one were to just want to give pipe smoking a try without spending a great deal of money, would a corncob pipe be recommended?

    A corncob pipe is always recommended, even for those who don't smoke and don't plan to.

    Bagginses on
  • Gandalf_the_CrazedGandalf_the_Crazed Vigilo ConfidoRegistered User regular
    edited June 2011
    Gonna start with this one: http://www.jamesislandpiper.com/catalog_product.aspx?prod_id=1444

    I may pick up a corncob to use for second smokes, per Forbe's advice. I hear the local tobacconist sells 'em for $5.

    Also ordered a few ounces of aromatics from Tewksbury. Kinda excited to get back into this.

    Gandalf_the_Crazed on
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  • BagginsesBagginses __BANNED USERS regular
    edited June 2011
    I wish I knew how to carve one. That would be cool.

    Bagginses on
  • Forbe!Forbe! Registered User regular
    edited June 2011
    If you know how to carve, you can probably carve a pipe. There are kits out there that are just briar blocks with the mortise and chamber already bored out for you. They give instructions on how to finish it as well.

    Corncobs are a solid, utilitarian pipe to have in your arsenal. I prefer nice, simple briar wood pipes that are nicely figured. Part of piping, for me, is appreciating the object you are holding, enjoying its warmth, and the aromas it emits.

    Also Descendant X, stick with the aromatic tobaccos if you wish to start piping. While non-aromatics are excellent, they are a bit of an acquired taste, and may be something you want to wait to try. Aromatics are a delightful way to get into piping. I personally love a good vanilla cavendish. But enough of that. You will learn about the differences of pipe tobacco if you decide to pursue it.

    Forbe! on
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  • Descendant XDescendant X Skyrim is my god now. Outpost 31Registered User regular
    edited June 2011
    Well, I smoked my first pipe tonight.

    I picked up a corncob pipe from a local tobacconist and went to a buddy's house. Said buddy has been smoking a pipe for a while now and had two types of tobacco. The one I tried was quite mild but apparently the other that I didn't try was Ameretto flavored.

    I found it's a lot like smoking a cigar without smelling like a tobacco patch afterward. I quite enjoyed it. When I pick up my own tobacco I will likely get something vanilla flavored, as recommended.

    Thanks guys!

    Descendant X on
    Garry: I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but when you find the time I'd rather not spend the rest of the winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH!
  • ddahcmaiddahcmai Registered User regular
    edited June 2011
    http://www.tobaccoreviews.com is definitely a good website to look at if you're into getting something that your local shop may not offer and want to make an informed decision

    ddahcmai on
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