Any pipe smokers out there? Newbie with a question

[TomGolden]

Howdy all,



I have been smoking cigars for the last 10 years or so, and finally decided to give pipe smoking a try. I went to the local Tinder Box, talked to the folks about getting started with pipe smoking, and asked for their recommendations.



I got a nice starter pipe, a couple small packages of different tobaccos, a pipe tool and some pipe cleaners. It's a briar pipe, by the way.



When I asked about how you properly load and light the pipe, the lady gave me a brochure that explained the "basics". I got home, read it and got down to business.



I have only had the chance to smoke it a few times so far. One of the suggestions in the brochure was not to smoke the same pipe without letting it rest for a couple days between smokings. So, I am having a tough time getting the hang of proper loading and keeping the thing lit. I know I'm not supposed to puff so much that I get the pipe too hot, but it goes out constantly.



Any good hints on how to load the thing and how to light and keep it lit would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks all,

Tom

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I've been smoking pipes for a few years - cigars a few more. Here's a link to a pipe FAQ that I used when I started smoking them - http://www.pipes.org/asp_FAQ.html . Lots of good information there. A recommendation I'd have is to check out some local pipe shops and check out their "estate" pipes. They are used pipes that have been cleaned, sanitized, etc. You won't have to go through as much break in and will get good prices on them. Most of my pipes I paid around $30-$40 for. Get some pipes of different sizes and shapes. I prefer bent pipes and have 4 that I smoke regularly.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

I've been smoking a pipe for a couple years... My brother gave me my first pipe, along with several different types of excellent local tobacco. He also told me that its always good to buy a nice new pipe for your first one... That way you can get it broke in, and have it for many years to come. You'll always have good memories of the places you smoked it, etc...



My two favorite types of tobacco are Kirsten's "Friday Harbor," and Demeuth's Old Blend. Demeuth's is a very old tobacco from Pennsylvania, dating back to the 1700's. It's a fairly strong tobacco, but has a great aroma. Whenever I smell it, it takes me back to when I was a little kid and my dad was smoking it. As for the other tobacco, the Friday Harbor, its great too. It's nice & smooth, and one bowl full lasts about 45 minutes. It too has a nice aroma, and it goes great with a pint og Guinness. Nothing better than a great beer with a pipe to smoke... Oh, I almost forgot... If you want to try one of the "cheap" grocery store tobaccos, get a pouch of Captain Black... Be sure to get the one in the white package. Its pretty good... Very aromatic, and long lasting.



Pipe etiquette... Be sure to read all about it. The main rule I observe is to never use a lighter to light my pipe. Always use matches... Just one of those things. There's just something not right about using a Zippo to light a pipe full of gourmet tobacco. :-D Also, smoking on a sunny, warm day is plain unacceptable. I prefer to smoke at night, mainly in the fall and winter months.



So do your research and enjoy!

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

One other thing Tom - NEVER EVER smoke aromatics and english tobacco in the same pipe! As a cigar smoker you'll probably prefer english tobacco's (non flavored) versus aromatics. If you smoke an aromatic tobacco in your pipe it will affect the flavor of english tobacco's that you smoke after that. I have one pipe that I smoked aromatics in but it just sits there now - didn't really like the aromatic tobacco's.

 

[Okie-Go]

I also smoke a pipe. I have 6 or eight of them. Some cost 65. 00 and a couple were close to 150. I also like the bent stem. I have found that Nording is the brand of my choice. As far as tobaccy I smoke a custom blend. It is called 24K. Should be able to find it in a pipe pub or simialar place. Shoot me an e-mail if interested and I'll give you there # I know they ship their products to customers out of town. I have a lighter that is made for lighting pipes.

 

[esommer2500]

My dad has been trying to quit smoking cigarettes for about 15 years, to no avail. One of his methods was to switch to a pipe, which he smoked as much as the cigs, but was much nicer to be around for the rest of us. My uncle from Sweden came over for a vist last year, and he also smokes a pipe. One of the things that he does is cut the bowl down to about half of the original height, therefore using less tobacco, and less unburnt stuff I guess. He likes, it and my dad tried it and liked it, too. Might not want to try this on your $150 pipes, though...



Eric