Pipes

Occasionally, I like to fire up a bowl or two, so I thought I'd put some info regarding pipes on the website.
I am amazed and somewhat overwhelmed by the number of pipe tobaccos available.  I don't think anybody could
smoke their way through all of them, even if they wanted to.  A pipe takes more work than a cigar, but it really is a relaxing hobby.

First off, let me give out the link for the spot that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about pipes:
Pipes.org
This is a great spot, especially for the beginner.

Pipes

There are so many different shapes of pipes, that, being a relative newbie, I won't even try to discuss them.  However, I can say that most pipes are made from briar, meerschaum or corn cobs.  Prices vary from a couple of bucks for a Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob to big bucks for intricate and expensive briar pipes.  I have about a half dozen briars, which vary in price, and include a Dunhill, Barling, Aldo Velani, and a couple of inexpensive Dr. Grabows.  I also have a couple of cobs, which, really smoke good.

Tobaccos (basic types)

Aromatic - Usually "cased" or "sauced" with some type of flavoring, i.e. whiskey, vanilla, etc.  Great room aroma, but usually very little tobacco tast.  Most new smokers (and many veterans I might add) smoke aromatics.

Viriginia - My personal favorite.  Straight forward tobacco taste, almost sweet, even.  In terms of taste, these burn cool and have a "tang" .  I really like McCranies Red Ribbon, Red Flake and MacBaren's Virginia #1.

English - Blends that contain latakia, a type of tobacco.  Very full flavored, and in my opinion, have a smoky-type taste.   Veteran smokers usually prefer English blends.  These don't usually have the great, room-smelling aroma of aromatics and Virginias, but all quite flavorful.

What you need to try a pipe for the first time

Rule number one:  Don't spend alot of money.   This way, if you decide you don't like it, then you will only be out a couple of bucks.  There really is no Rule number two.  I started with a corn cob pipe and some Captain Black Royal.   You can start with any tobacco you want, but any of the Captain Black tobaccos are fairly safe to start off with.  As your tastes progress, you will more than likely look for better grade pipe tobaccos that are little more expensive, that burn cooler and have a more natural taste.  But, the great thing about this hobby, is that everyone has different tastes.  Try different blends and see what you like.  Next, grab a nail (yes, the kind you pound in with a hammer).   You'll use this as your pipe tamper.  It will help you to pack the tobacco down as you smoke it.  Also, make sure you have some pipe cleaners on hand, so you can clean the pipe when you are finished.  If you are smoking an aromatic tobacco (like Captain Black), then I would have a filter in the pipe.  Most aromatic tobaccos contain humectants to keep them moist, which can lead to a wet smoke sometimes, hence the pipe filter.  More natural tobaccos, such as Virginias and English, don't really need a pipe filter in any pipe as they usually don't contain a humectant on them.  They usually burn a little drier.  When you pack your pipe, sprinkle the tobacco in until the bowl is full and then slightly (and rather lightly) pack it down.  Now sprinkle tobacco back to the top of the pipe again and, again, lightly pack it down.  Now do it one more time.  The tobacco should be somewhat springy when you push down on it.   You don't want to pack the bowl too tight, which will lead to a hard to smoke pipe.   If you pack it too loose,  the tobacco will burn quick and hot.  It really is an art form to be able to pack a pipe correctly and it does take practice.   The more you do it, the better you'll get at it.  Now, you are ready to light your pipe.  The first light is called "the charring light" and is meant to char the top layer of the tobacco.  Light evenly, while taking small puffs (or sips) on the pipe until it appears that you are lit.   The tobacco will probably rise somewhat at it is lit and then lower.  Now, take the nail and tamp down on the newly lit charred layer.    The charring light is now completed and you are ready for the main light.  Again, light evenly througout the top and puff slowly, not hard.   You don't want to puff too fast as you'll get a hot mouth full of smoke.   Remember, just take your time.  Once you have your pipe lit, enjoy!   Don't feel bad if you have to keep relighting.   It takes practice packing and smoking the pipe before you can get it to stay lit for the entire bowl.   Also, the type of tobacco can dictate how often you relight.

Enjoy!

Estate Pipes

These are used pipes and are a great way to upgrade from inexpensive pipes.  You can get a quality estate pipe that is better than the mass produced pipes for nearly the same price, maybe a few dollars more.

Again, check out the links at Pipes.org and give the newsgroup, alt.smokers.pipes a try.
Both are invaluable resources for the pipe smoker.