I enjoy a pipe every once and a while. I have recently quit smoking cigarettes, and want to branch out in the pipe tobacco world a little bit. I currently own 3 MM Cobs (all the same CVS "Washington" style), and smoke Captain Black White and Gold. I used to freak out if a store sold Dunhill cigs, and would pay top dollar for them. I have found out they also make pipe tobacco, which has made me extremely excited. I would like a briar at some point, but I tend to be frugal with hobbies. With shaving I spend more on the creams and soaps, and I feel if I find a pipe or 4 that work for me and don't break my wallet I would rather spend the money on the tobacco. First off, what would be the Merkur 34C (my razor) equivalent of a pipe? Second, what are some good blends that are inexpensive? Like I said, I've only smoked the two aromatics above and would like to try an English blend of some sort (hopefully the Dunhill, if its as good as their cigs were). Third, do I need to do an alcohol/salt cleaning of my cobs before I stick an English blend in them?
Thank you,
Davin
Thank you,
Davin