First time Pipe Buyer..

[fleshdunce]

I've scoured through the forums looking at various pipe thread in order to satisfy my new found curiosity about this now old fashioned habit. Cigarettes never usually appealed to me (though I did roll my own for a bit) and neither have cigars. Something about a pipe seems just right though.

With that said I've seen that some vendors are highly recommended, cupojoes, 4noggins, etc. but I have also seen some suggest that if there is a local shop one can visit that is definitely the way to go.

There happens to be a local place called Smoker's Haven and they do sell a line of pipes and boast over 50 different tobacco blends..many of them done by the store itself. The website can be seen over here, Smoker's Haven NJ. I see one pipe brand that some suggested, Savinelli, but I don't think I have seen any of the others mentioned here. Do you think it'd be a good idea to just go check out this local store and see what they suggest for a pipe + tobacco? Or should I stick with something online? I do kinda like the idea of going into a B&M store for the simple reason that I could actually handle some pipes and see which I really like.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[bamafan64]

Got my first pipe yesterday. Got a Missouri Meerschaum from the local Tinder Box along with an ounce of their Maple Syrup tobacco. Also scored a Czech tool while there as well. The people working there were friendly and answered all of my questions. Like other hobbies, it's better in my opinion to at least be able to see something in person, then order it if it is cheaper online.

 

[Mazeman]

I see they sell Savinelli, Stanwell and Peterson. All are excellent brands.

I tend to try and patronize local businesses if they have what I want at a reasonable price.

Remember, this will not be your last pipe. That fact takes some of the pressure off this decision.

Aromatic house blends tend to be moist just so you're aware. They can be a bit harder to keep lit.

Online, SmokingPipes.com also has an excellent selection to peruse.

 

[DE Shaver]

There is an excellent Peterson pipe and Zippo pipe lighter combination on eBay for around $70 US. I have (way) enough pipes already but wouldn't hestitate to jump on that package if I was starting out.

 

[Psicko]

My suggestion is a corn cob pipe for your first pipe. They smoke wonderful, and are under $10. You will need pipe cleaners and a pipe tool such as the Czech tool, or a pipe nail(looks like a nail).

As far as tobacco goes, I recommend you stay away from aromatics or more precisely heavily cased aromatics since they do burn hotter. A lot of tobacconists recommend this type of tobacco. It may smell better, but the new person won't pack the tobacco correct(or tries too hard to get a taste from it), and burns the blend too hot and get tounge bite.

I do recommend going into a B&M, They are generally very knowledgable and can help you get on the right track and can reccomend things, and even show you how to properly pack the pipe. Support your local B&Ms! that is of course if you happen to have one. Many people dont. The only times I buy online is when I have no access to a B&M(such as when I was deployed).

 

[Psicko]

Oh, and dont forget the brotherhood of the briar group on here:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/group.php?groupid=90

 

[life2short1971]

If it was me I would I would ask them for some recommendations in your price range. If they don't hook you you won't come back so I would assume they will bend over backwards to please you. Their store is somewhat of a niche in the market and they need repeat customers. Do they have a smoking room(don't know the term) where you can sample? Pipe smoking is not something I would start online. I would buy my stock after I know what I like but the initial setup needs to be more personal.

 

[mparker762]

Their website looks basic but it appears they have a reasonable selection of pipes and tobaccos. There's enough technique involved in loading, smoking, and maintaining a pipe that some hands-on training will be invaluable. If local regulations allow smoking there then that's even better, you can get on-the-spot critique.

In addition to Savinelli, they also sell Nording, Peterson, and Stanwell which are all good brands.

 

[fleshdunce]

As of right now I am not sure if they have a smoking room or not but of they do I will not hesitate to see if I can sample anything. Considering why you folks have said so far I think I'll go check out that store before buying anything online. Im sure it will be a valuable experience if I find this to be something I enjoy. I think I'll try to see if there is a relatively cheap pipe to buy and if there isn't I'll fall back on a corncob pipe. As for the tobacco blend I think I'd generally prefer spmething without aromatics especially to start out with. I'll see if I cab make a stop by that store this week.

Any and all advise is appreciated!

 

[life2short1971]

Let us how it turns out please...

 

[DE Shaver]

Yes, let us know what you decide. BTW, what types of tobacco are you looking at.

 

[Pumpkin]

Being relatively new to pipes myself, I'd suggest visiting your local B&M to at least handle a few pipes. It's much better to get an idea of what style, shape and size pipe you'd prefer if you can see and feel them...you can always check for similar models online later.

A friendly (most are), local B&M is a great thing to have. You'll be able to see and smell blends and try a smaller sample before you commit to buying baccy from an etailer

 

[fleshdunce]

Yes, let us know what you decide. BTW, what types of tobacco are you looking at.

Not quite sure yet. In my brief stint with RYO cigarettes I enjoyed Bali Shag Golden Shag (red bag) which from what I understood was a European style of tobacco. Then again while I enjoyed the taste I didn't enjoy inhaling them so much (which is why I stopped).

I think I'd prefer to start out without aromatics as I think I'd find tobacco enjoyable enough as it is. Any suggestions?

Will definitely report back once I stop by this store.

 

[DE Shaver]

I think I'd prefer to start out without aromatics as I think I'd find tobacco enjoyable enough as it is. Any suggestions?

Will definitely report back once I stop by this store.

Well, I stopped smoking aromatics years ago but a nice one I recall is WO Larsen Signature Mixture. It's not flavoured much but does have fruit and vanilla casing. It's not the cheapest aromatic around but is a good one. Peterson Gold blend is a nice aromatic with vanilla and cinnamon flavouring. Mac Baren makes a Honey and Chocolate blend which I smoked on a few occasions and their Vanilla Cream is nice too. You might want to try a Roll Cake blend as well.

 

[plexibass]

Do not forget to check out:
www.smokersforums.co.uk
www.pipecraft.org

I have no vested interest in pipecraft.org but I really like his pipes and you can find killer deals there.

 

[talibeard]

Lots of interesting brands out there. Stanwell never let me down, Butz Chacom I never tried due to their price tag (at least 2 decades ago) but used to be top (according to others), Peterson has some nice models and Big Ben makes nice pipes too.

Actually Big Ben has great pipes at affordable prices overhere (in the Netherlands) but since they are dutch the price/quality ratio in your region might be less good; actually I think that both Stanwell and Big Ben have great and affordable starter pipes and also carry models for the more demanding pipe smoker.

Nothing wrong with Savinelli either btw!

 

[fleshdunce]

Okay! Above is what I picked up today at the local tobacco store. Plus there is the bottle of Scotch I recently picked up...same pick that I just posted in the acquisitions thread. Anyway, ran out to that store I linked to earlier today and picked up a Corn Cob pipe along with some Savinelli "Special Tobacco". Guy in the store was nice and echoed the suggestion that a Corb cob pipe was a good way to start along with the fact that this should be a good tobacco to begin with.

Like someone else in here mentioned he told me to stay away from all the blends they made in the store (for now) since they tend to burn hot. He also gave me a lil lesson on how to pack the pipe, did so for me, and left it packed as I bought it.

Came home, had to try it out immediately of course, and I must say I did enjoy it. The tobacco smelt quite great and I thought it also tasted very good. Kinda hard to describe at this point as I don't have much experience with various tobaccos, but it says it is a Virginia tobacco, with toasted burley, and a bit of Java.

I tried packing it up myself and had some success though I find that the pipe continues to go out quite quickly..from some googling it seems that I need to work on my packing skills although having to relight a few times over the course of a smoke is normal I shouldn't have to relight it 5-10 times over a smoke.

Happened to find this video online which I am sure some of you will appreciate:
"So You Want to Smoke a Pipe, eh?"

Either way I look forward to exploring this habit and I am sure I'll be asking for plenty of advise in the future.

 

[revrosso]

I totally agree on the corncob front. You'll get a better smoke than in inexpensive briar and can decide how the whole smoking thing works for you.

 

[jwhite]

Not quite sure yet. In my brief stint with RYO cigarettes I enjoyed Bali Shag Golden Shag (red bag) which from what I understood was a European style of tobacco. Then again while I enjoyed the taste I didn't enjoy inhaling them so much (which is why I stopped).

I think I'd prefer to start out without aromatics as I think I'd find tobacco enjoyable enough as it is. Any suggestions?

Will definitely report back once I stop by this store.

Bali red is a Virginia silk cut. There are a lot of Virginia's to choose from I'd recommend Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake, and Rattray's Old Growery as excellent examples of VA's that provide good flavor and are resistant to bite.

 

[fleshdunce]

Thanks for the suggestions jwhite. For now I will continue to work on my packing skills and look forward to going home and smoking a pipe once I get back home tonight.

Definitely seems to be a habit I think I will really enjoy.