Opinions on this inexpensive cob for a newbie testing the waters

[jrfoxx]

Looking for thoughts on this as a starter pipe while I test the waters of pipe tobacco, and the tobacco I plan on growing.

Thankshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230728/a802f10d3b2e9ebfb4e5739e7990930b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230728/174b7d547389727084f31cb6cb65bc33.jpg

I friggin love cigars

[dj1340]

That is as good as anything. Some pipes come with filters which I personally don't like. I think a lot started out with a
drug store pipe. Can't beat the price

[jrfoxx]

That is as good as anything. Some pipes come with filters which I personally don't like. I think a lot started out with a
drug store pipe. Can't beat the priceThanks for the input. Is it possible to remove the filter it comes with and use screens instead? I honestly know so little about Pipes I don't know where the filter is to know if it's removable. If it's something that will eventually clog with burnt tobacco bits and/or tar, removing it and using screens instead seems like the smart move.

I'm assuming eventual clogging is the reason you don't like filters?

I friggin love cigars

[LazyLightning]

None of my pipes have filters, just no real need for them imho.

As for a starter pipe, hard to go wrong with MM cobs, I have several and have had them for years. Depending on what shapes you like I could suggest another, if the filter isn’t to your liking.

[jrfoxx]

None of my pipes have filters, just no real need for them imho.

As for a starter pipe, hard to go wrong with MM cobs, I have several and have had them for years. Depending on what shapes you like I could suggest another, if the filter isn’t to your liking.Great, thanks.

I may take you up on that filterless pipe reccomendation if I think the filter is a problem or just not to my liking.

We'll see how the one pictured pans out, and see if I can find the filter to examine a little to see if it would be a potential tar and ash collector, reducing the draw and smoke volume.

Only time will tell, so I won't go into trying to do anything with it unless it seems to become an issue and needs to, and can, be removed.

I friggin love cigars

[dj1340]

If you pull the stem out there's usually a paper type filter or some have another type filter. Check the pie before buying. I would imagine
you could get something relatively cheap. Lot of cigar shops also sell pipes, drug stores etc. Check the hole drilled in the stem to see if
it's centered. Hard to push a pipe cleaner through if it's off.

[jrfoxx]

If you pull the stem out there's usually a paper type filter or some have another type filter. Check the pie before buying. I would imagine
you could get something relatively cheap. Lot of cigar shops also sell pipes, drug stores etc. Check the hole drilled in the stem to see if
it's centered. Hard to push a pipe cleaner through if it's off.Yeah, avid cigar and pipe smoking friend who's gentle prodding occasionally over the last year or so, that was part of what has gotten me the itch to try out pipes, plus all the other avid cigar smokers here and on CW who also smoke pipes, plus the inexpensive costs associated with pipes compared to Cigars, and to have a little something different from Cigars on occasion, told me where to find the filter and that it should be easy to remove if I decide it's any kind of hindrance.

Like most other pipe smokers whose posts I've been reading on a dedicated pipe forum, and the pipe section here, all seem to prefer pipes without filters, although no one has expressed a specific reason yet.

Do they hinder draw?

Or collect tar and fine ash over time and effect, if not outright block, airflow?

Also, since you mentioned pipe cleaners, (which I need to get, as I forgot about them) I would think the filter would keep you from being able to clean all the way into the bowl, leaving a bit just again, collecting fine ash and tar that can't be cleaned.

Seems that removing the filter would be all upside with no downside, and the brass mesh screens are dirt cheap to keep tobacco bits and the bulk of the ash out of the stem.

Unfortunately, there is nowhere here that sells pipes or pipe supplies. Even our little cigar shop has to sell a large variety of other items from art to antique guns, to stay afloat, plus each cigar averages about $4ea over the cost online, even counting shipping. So, unable to check any pipes in person, so taking my chances, but the Missouri Meerschaum Company has gotten the nod from a few people familiar with them, as a reputable seller of quality cob pipes and they can be bought from with confidence, even on the cheaper ones.

Anything besides Pipe cleaners I should get?

My butane lighter I bought for cigarettes has the adjustable flame come out the side away from the button on the top, opposite side, so no finger burning, and it also has a fold out tamper, poker, and a fine toothed saw type deal I have no idea what it's used for, but got it if I need it, lol.

Had it about a year, and it's been a solid lighter, lighting every time, and was like $20 or so on Amazon. Wish I could remember the name in case someone else is interested. I imagine having the tools right in the lighter would be a desirable feature for many. I'll see if I can find it..,



I friggin love cigars
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230730/21c553c27ea2453e26fd6ac1623e0037.jpg

[jrfoxx]

Rather than flood the pipe section with threads of questions, I'll just keep all that fit into this sub-forum in this thread.

I've noticed that the vast majority seem to use Zippos. Doesn't the really pungent odor of the fluid taint at least the first puff after each use?

I know that in the Cigar world, Zippos are frowned upon for exactly that reason, and butane, soft flame or torch, is the universally preferred type.

Curious why Zippos are the preferred lighter, even over butane soft flame or torch lighters.

Anyone able to clue me in, mainly out of curiosity, as although I have 2 Zippos, I think my soft flame lighter with the tools in it posted above would not only work just fine, and not having to bring the included tools separately, is an added bonus.

Someone able to clue me in on why pipe smokers prefer Zippos, while cigar smokers shun them?

I friggin love cigars

[dj1340]

I think Zippo's are a bit of nostalgia. They have butane inserts to replace the fluid one for older lighters. I have a Zikar that looks
very much like yours. Works great.

You may need to get a straight blade knife or something to scrape the sides of the pipe down after a bit. The sides will slowly build up and need to be scraped down.
After I do that i put a tip in some rum and wipe the inside down after cleaning it. Gives your pipe a nice flavor for a bowl or 2.

Start with an aromatic tobacco I think. Hell I started with Captain Black from the drug store many years ago.

One thing I can suggest is when you get tobacco check how wet it is. If it's wet it can be difficult to keep lit. Also it will give you a bit of tongue burn as you smoke it.
I leave mine on a paper towel for up to a day to dry out a bit. Buy pipe cleaners in bulk on ebay or amazon. You'll go through them fairly fast depending how much
you smoke. Over time I've become a sipper of the pipe and not drawing heavily on it. Gets hot and not very enjoyable in my book

[jrfoxx]

I think Zippo's are a bit of nostalgia. They have butane inserts to replace the fluid one for older lighters. I have a Zikar that looks
very much like yours. Works great.

You may need to get a straight blade knife or something to scrape the sides of the pipe down after a bit. The sides will slowly build up and need to be scraped down.
After I do that i put a tip in some rum and wipe the inside down after cleaning it. Gives your pipe a nice flavor for a bowl or 2.

Start with an aromatic tobacco I think. Hell I started with Captain Black from the drug store many years ago.

One thing I can suggest is when you get tobacco check how wet it is. If it's wet it can be difficult to keep lit. Also it will give you a bit of tongue burn as you smoke it.
I leave mine on a paper towel for up to a day to dry out a bit. Buy pipe cleaners in bulk on ebay or amazon. You'll go through them fairly fast depending how much
you smoke. Over time I've become a sipper of the pipe and not drawing heavily on it. Gets hot and not very enjoyable in my bookThanks. Great information.

Had forgotten about the Zippo butane inserts as both of mine have the Navy logo and have never been used. They are display pieces along with various Navy themed/banded cigars, as a display of crossover items of 2 things I love and are/were a big part of my life and who I am.

Everyone seems to have their own method of drying the tobacco a bit I've noticed.

I was thinking an all Spanish cedar cigar box, just like is done for cigar dry boxing. I would think the dry cedar would do a good job at sucking moisture out, especially set in the sun on my windowsill.

I'm not a fan of any flavored, infused, sweetened, etc tobaccos. I Smoke cigars because I love the taste of good, unadulterated tobaccos. I have tried flavored, infused and sweetened tips cigars and they just weren't for me.

Based on that, and advice from numerous long time pipe smokers, here is what I thinking to start out with (1oz each):

Cornell & Diehl Red Virginia Ribbon Pipe Tobacco
Cornell & Diehl Bright Virginia Ribbon Pipe Tobacco
Cornell & Diehl Autumn Evening Pipe Tobacco
Newminster No. 702 Light Burley Pipe Tobacco

For $2.50 an ounce, if I don't like something, I won't cry over it, and just move on.

I friggin love cigars

[jrfoxx]

I think Zippo's are a bit of nostalgia. They have butane inserts to replace the fluid one for older lighters. I have a Zikar that looks
very much like yours. Works great.

You may need to get a straight blade knife or something to scrape the sides of the pipe down after a bit. The sides will slowly build up and need to be scraped down.
After I do that i put a tip in some rum and wipe the inside down after cleaning it. Gives your pipe a nice flavor for a bowl or 2.

Start with an aromatic tobacco I think. Hell I started with Captain Black from the drug store many years ago.

One thing I can suggest is when you get tobacco check how wet it is. If it's wet it can be difficult to keep lit. Also it will give you a bit of tongue burn as you smoke it.
I leave mine on a paper towel for up to a day to dry out a bit. Buy pipe cleaners in bulk on ebay or amazon. You'll go through them fairly fast depending how much
you smoke. Over time I've become a sipper of the pipe and not drawing heavily on it. Gets hot and not very enjoyable in my bookAs for the straight blade knife for scraping, do you think that's what the slightly serrated straight tool in my lighter is for?

Seems to make sense as I can't think what else it would be used for.

Here's a closeup of it:https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230730/c36c6c79d8caf1b590a902b6bde7548b.jpg

I friggin love cigars

[LazyLightning]

A lot of good advise has been given.

I will interject one thing, aromatic tobacco is not for everyone. I would also try a Latakia from a small tin, it can take some getting used too, depending on the blend. Though you may instantly Love it, some of both aromatics and non, will give you a little idea what to expect/and enjoy.

I run one or two pipe cleaners through the stem ( down to the chamber ) after every smoke, to get excess moisture out. I also curve 2 pipe cleaners in half and gently get debris from the chamber. Though I use a paper towel in my Meerschaum chambers. I use a Thunderbird zippo insert for my pipes, nice soft flame.

You want a thin layer of “cake” to build up on the inside chamber. So don’t be overly aggressive, but with an inexpensive cob/hardwood it’s not a huge deal. If you get into it and start buying $100-$200+ pipes either Briar or Meerschaum you will want to make them last a lifetime. However that’s for a later date, you may not like it at all, everyone is different. The first non aromatic I feel in love with was Orlik Golden Sliced. I have 30’ish pounds of a variety of tobaccos aging. Everything from Carter hall, Latakia Flake, and a bunch in between. Be more than happy to send you a tester pkg, just shoot me a pm, if interested. Some of it has been aging for a decade+

HTH!

[Cool Breeze]

Welcome to the addiction.
That pipe is fine, although I prefer cobs to the hardwood pipes they offer. That is strictly personal preference though. It will smoke fine. The only difference is it will heat up a bit faster than a cob or a briar.

Let us know what you think about the Autumn Evening. It's my favorite aromatic.

To answer a couple questions, yes filters hinder the draw. But that is also personal preference. Some like the draw a little tighter. Others like it more free. Experiment and see what you prefer.
I don't use them because you can't pass a pipe cleaner while you're smoking.

Zippos are fine. You will taste the lighter fluid if you overfill it or if you don't let it burn off a bit before lighting. Just let it burn about 3 seconds before lighting your pipe and you'll be fine.

[dj1340]

Pipes are much like cigars, not everyone has the same taste. For me Latakia can be strong at times and ghost the pipe.
I have pipes for different blends. I have several blends of different tobaccos depending on the weather and my taste for the day.

[dj1340]

That will work. It will be a bit before you need it. Takes some time to build up a cake in a pipe. I have several diffent blends of different kinds of tobacco so if you'd like some samples
send me a PM and I can send you some. A lot of it is aged 10 to 15 yrs.

[LazyLightning]

Good point Don!

I have a set for Latakia blends, and one for Virginias, Burleys, etc…my cobs I don’t worry too much about ghosting. But I don’t want an expensive briar to be a all caked with Lat. while smoking Golden Sliced for example.