Total pipe Noob and I don't even know where to start

Hello gentlemen. I hope today is treating you all well. Some of you may recognize me from the cigar side of the forum. I have been re-acquainting myself with the cigar side of life for a little bit now and I am loving it. But, I have always been enamoured with pipes beginning when I was a little kid and we would go to my great Aunt and Uncles house. I don't ever recall a time going to his house and he wasn't smoking a pipe. I absolutely fell in love with the aroma and always associate the smell of pipes to those childhood times. Anyway, enough reminising, let's get to the heart of the matter.

I want to pick up the hobby of smoking a pipe to go along with my cigars. The problem is I know absolutely nothing about them or how to get started in the hobby. I have looked at the pipe tobacco and pipes while in a local B&M but I have no idea what it is I'm looking at. Could you guys give me some pointers of where to start or who online is a reputable vendor for me to purchase some essentials from? Whatever info you guys can share would be greatly appreciated and beings I know absolutely nothing about it please don't hold back on the advice, no matter how trivial you may think it is. All advise will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for the help guys. I appreciate it.

Reno

First, cob. Second, noob pipe trade rules for new folks. Watch a few vids on YouTube. Practice, and don't worry if you don't get it right away.

If you think the baccy is too dry, it probably isn't.

If the pipe goes out, don't worry if you don't light it back up till later. Totally not like a cigar.

If it goes out, no worries. Re-lights are normal. We all do it.

Great thread - I'll be watching it! I got interested in pipes (and cigars) because of childhood memories about my dad, so I know where you're coming from. There's something magical about it.

Buy a Missouri Meerschaum cob
Sign up for the noob sampler trade
The rest will work itself out :)

You can learn a lot here

It has all been stated for the most part. Some great info on the pipe side and enjoy the next slippery slope of the tobacco world.

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Originally Posted by RenoH414

Hello gentlemen. I hope today is treating you all well. Some of you may recognize me from the cigar side of the forum. I have been re-acquainting myself with the cigar side of life for a little bit now and I am loving it. But, I have always been enamoured with pipes beginning when I was a little kid and we would go to my great Aunt and Uncles house. I don't ever recall a time going to his house and he wasn't smoking a pipe. I absolutely fell in love with the aroma and always associate the smell of pipes to those childhood times. Anyway, enough reminising, let's get to the heart of the matter.

I want to pick up the hobby of smoking a pipe to go along with my cigars. The problem is I know absolutely nothing about them or how to get started in the hobby. I have looked at the pipe tobacco and pipes while in a local B&M but I have no idea what it is I'm looking at. Could you guys give me some pointers of where to start or who online is a reputable vendor for me to purchase some essentials from? Whatever info you guys can share would be greatly appreciated and beings I know absolutely nothing about it please don't hold back on the advice, no matter how trivial you may think it is. All advise will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for the help guys. I appreciate it.

Reno

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dont look at my leg trippin you..think of the memories you will have slippin down that slippery slope..Im not pushin you..I was just stretching...

https://stglanepipe.com/slp-home/

They have a nice concise Pipe 101 page that will help a lot. And if you sign up they will send you coupons !

http://www.pipesandcigars.com/

CI's pipe side

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Originally Posted by lostmason

https://stglanepipe.com/slp-home/

they have a nice concise pipe 101 page that will help a lot. And if you sign up they will send you coupons !

http://www.pipesandcigars.com/

ci's pipe side

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like the avatar thing

Thanks for the info so far guys. I appreciate it and I'm gonna start doing some research. It sounds like the corn cob pipe is the place to start. I will definitely pick up a couple to get me started.

Why does everyone recommend starting with the cob? Is it simply because it is a cheaper way to get started in the hobby or are they easier to use than the others?

Keep the suggestions coming fellas. I don't know anything about it so nothing is to trivial for me. Haha.

Reno

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Originally Posted by Lynn

dont look at my leg trippin you..think of the memories you will have slippin down that slippery slope..Im not pushin you..I was just stretching...

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I may have you make me a pipe ashtray man. Maybe, it's just an excuse to get another one of your beautiful ashtrays @Lynn . Lol

Reno

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Originally Posted by RenoH414

Thanks for the info so far guys. I appreciate it and I'm gonna start doing some research. It sounds like the corn cob pipe is the place to start. I will definitely pick up a couple to get me started.

Why does everyone recommend starting with the cob? Is it simply because it is a cheaper way to get started in the hobby or are they easier to use than the others?

Keep the suggestions coming fellas. I don't know anything about it so nothing is to trivial for me. Haha.

Reno

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Cobs are stupid cheap, costing less than your average dog rocket. Meanwhile, they are great and forgiving smokers. Cheaper briars may or may not smoke well, which can be frustrating and steepen the learning curve. They are also good to keep around to try different blends in case of ghosting - when a blend leaves an aftertaste, if you will.

From one total noob to another: it seems a lot of advice to pipe noobs on the various websites and forums assumes that it's better to start with aromatics (i.e, flavored in pipe lingo). I'm not sure that's the case for people who already smoke cigars and are used to the various natural flavors of the devil's weed. I still know nothing about pipe smoking but so far am not quite loving the aromatics and have not smoked one that didn't make me feel, "hm, I could've had a cigar instead".

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Originally Posted by c.ortiz108

From one total noob to another: it seems a lot of advice to pipe noobs on the various websites and forums assumes that it's better to start with aromatics (i.e, flavored in pipe longo). I'm not sure that's the case for people who already smoke cigars and are used to the various natural flavors of the devil's weed. I still know nothing about pipe smoking but so far am not quite loving the aromatics and have not smoked one that didn't make me feel, "hm, I could've had a cigar instead".

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That's interesting. I myself like some of the areo's , not in the cigars though.I really enjoy the natural burley blends the most though.Then again , when I think of
areo's I'm thinking of those blends with fruit toppings, the ones I enjoy have chocolat or coffee, or nut flavors added.I would say start with a lite burley or virginia.

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Originally Posted by c.ortiz108

From one total noob to another: it seems a lot of advice to pipe noobs on the various websites and forums assumes that it's better to start with aromatics (i.e, flavored in pipe lingo). I'm not sure that's the case for people who already smoke cigars and are used to the various natural flavors of the devil's weed. I still know nothing about pipe smoking but so far am not quite loving the aromatics and have not smoked one that didn't make me feel, "hm, I could've had a cigar instead".

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So, do you not enjoy pipes or is it just the aero's that you don't enjoy? It'll be a new adventure for me so I'm going to give them all a try and see what I do/don't like.

Reno

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Originally Posted by RenoH414

So, do you not enjoy pipes or is it just the aero's that you don't enjoy? It'll be a new adventure for me so I'm going to give them all a try and see what I do/don't like.

Reno

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push..push..gona need another ashtray I feel it in your bones...ppppuuuusssshhhhh

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Originally Posted by Lynn

push..push..gona need another ashtray I feel it in your bones...ppppuuuusssshhhhh

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You don't have to push bro. I can feel it's gonna be a downward slope already.

Reno

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Originally Posted by RenoH414

So, do you not enjoy pipes or is it just the aero's that you don't enjoy? It'll be a new adventure for me so I'm going to give them all a try and see what I do/don't like.

Reno

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No, I do enjoy pipes, but so far not as much as cigars, generally speaking. I haven't had a blend that's knocked me over yet, but have enjoyed the non-aromatics more. Another factor is how much attention pipe smoking requires - a little more prep, relights, and cleaning. Not a big deal and it's all an enjoyable part of the ritual, but if I'm doing other things or rushed a cigar is just simpler. I'm guessing that will change with practice, though. Keep in mind this is all coming from a guy who's smoked like 4 or 5 bowls in my life!

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Originally Posted by c.ortiz108

No, I do enjoy pipes, but so far not as much as cigars, generally speaking. I haven't had a blend that's knocked me over yet, but have enjoyed the non-aromatics more. Another factor is how much attention pipe smoking requires - a little more prep, relights, and cleaning. Not a big deal and it's all an enjoyable part of the ritual, but if I'm doing other things or rushed a cigar is just simpler. I'm guessing that will change with practice, though. Keep in mind this is all coming from a guy who's smoked like 4 or 5 bowls in my life!

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well step right up..wanna make a deal.....

Welcome to the pipe side Reno! The others have pretty much covered the field with their suggestions. I also recommend the Newb Pipe tobacco trade; it is a good way to sample lots of different tobaccos without spending tons of money. Some places online that I like to do business with are:
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/
http://www.smokingpipes.com/
http://www.tobaccopipes.com/
http://thepipeguys.com/
http://www.iwanries.com/home.cfm
http://www.milantobacco.com/index.htm

There are many others but these are my favorites.

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Originally Posted by Lynn

well step right up..wanna make a deal.....

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Ha ha, not just yet.... maybe once I get through all the stuff Tobias bombed me with in his pipe quotes contest! Just like with cigars, half the fun is in experimenting and trying new stuff.

Thanks for keeping the info flowing guys. Anything else you guys think of just throw it out here. You gotta love this forum. The single best source of info for us lovers of the leaf. No matter if you like it rolled up or cut up a guy can always get his questions answered here!!

I did put my name down for the Noob sampler trade so I'm gonna order up a couple cobs and see what this hobby is all about. When I find a willing EPS im gonna have fun.

Seems like such a great hobby and a way for me to re-connect with childhood memories of Hero's gone by. The uncle I refered to earlier was on the beach on D-Day. I never once heard of him speak of that time. I can't imagine what those brave young men saw that day. He will always be a hero in my book. My first bowl will be dedicated to that man and all the men who have came and went before and after him. I love this country!!

Reno

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Originally Posted by c.ortiz108

Ha ha, not just yet.... maybe once I get through all the stuff Tobias bombed me with in his pipe quotes contest! Just like with cigars, half the fun is in experimenting and trying new stuff.

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YA know about @Tobias bombed me excuse..been there..got that...

So do you guys use stick matches to light your pipes? I have torch lighters for cigars but it seems they may be a little rough on pipes to use them.

Reno

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Originally Posted by RenoH414

So do you guys use stick matches to light your pipes? I have torch lighters for cigars but it seems they may be a little rough on pipes to use them.

Reno

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Always use a soft flame. Matches work great. I used strictly Bics for over a year, though you will need to use care if you don't want to char the rim. I just recently picked up a Zippo pipe lighter and it works great.

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Originally Posted by JustTroItIn

Always use a soft flame. Matches work great. I used strictly Bics for over a year, though you will need to use care if you don't want to char the rim. I just recently picked up a Zippo pipe lighter and it works great.

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I have regular Zippos. Is there a diff between them and a pipe Zippo? Sorry for the dumb questions. Lol

A pipe Zippo has a different insert than a standard Zippo. It can be placed level over the bowl of the pipe which helps contain the flame in the bowl.

http://www.cigarrcenter.se/Bilder_JP...re_Svart_1.jpg

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Originally Posted by JustTroItIn

A pipe Zippo has a different insert than a standard Zippo. It can be placed level over the bowl of the pipe which helps contain the flame in the bowl.

http://www.cigarrcenter.se/Bilder_JP...re_Svart_1.jpg

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Thanks brother. That makes perfect sense. I'll be on the lookout for one.

Reno

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Originally Posted by RenoH414

Thanks brother. That makes perfect sense. I'll be on the lookout for one.

Reno

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I have like 5 pipe Zippos, great great lighters. I also have 3 or 4 regular Zippos that I use with my pipes as well just fine. The secrete is to tilt your pipe about 45 degrees before lighting it when using a lighter that isn't intended to be used with pipes. This gives you enough room to get the flame in the bowl without burning the holy jeebus out of your finger, it also keeps the flame away from the rim. Just make sure to take the flame away from the pipe after each puff and you're in business.

With that being said, whenever possible I use wooden matches. The lower heat from the wood matches helps keep the tobacco's integrity more because it doesn't scorch the tobacco. It also offers a much cooler smoke on the relight.

The only time I have ever used a torch lighter was while on the Pacific coast. The wind is just too much. And I only use one with cobs...if that torch touches anything briar...bye bye finish and hello black rim char.

This is why I love this forum. Guys are so willing to help out a Noob and not be condescending.

Thank you guys.

Reno

check out Zippo's site for the pipe lighter inserts.You might be able to save a buck or two.

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Originally Posted by Lostmason

check out Zippo's site for the pipe lighter inserts.You might be able to save a buck or two.

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A quick Amazon search turned them up for $14. Thanks guys for the help. When I order a couple cobs what else should I include? I have a noob trade going with a great bum so I'll have some tobacco to try but I want to pick up any essentials while I am already paying shipping costs.

Reno

Reno

You'll need a crapload of pipe cleaners (I use the BJ Long 6.5" regular) and a tamper / pipe tool of some kind - although for the latter, a golf tee and pocket knife work just fine. Also a bottle of dark rum. Rum works great as a cleaner / pipe sweetener if you ask me. Might also want a small quantity of 'scrapie' pipe cleaners for down the road. A couple MOAR $4 cobs sure wouldn't hurt to add to the order either. Great in case you want to have a smoke with a non-pipe-smoking friend. Usually they pick up the itch too after a few tries :p

Send all yer Zippo's back to Zippo and tell them ya need pipe chimneys. They will do any needed repairs, and add a pipe chimneys free, to all yer Zippos. They send the original chimneys back, too.

Thanks guys. Great info here. Keep it coming.

Reno

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Originally Posted by El Whedo

Send all yer Zippo's back to Zippo and tell them ya need pipe chimneys. They will do any needed repairs, and add a pipe chimneys free, to all yer Zippos. They send the original chimneys back, too.

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Thank you very much for posting this. I had completely forgot that Zippo did this, and my favorite bright orange zippo is lacking a pipe chimney, and all of my other zippos seem to have disappeared during my last move.