rconix9
New Member
Posts: 81
First Name: Matt
Location:
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Post by rconix9 on Oct 31, 2020 0:01:20 GMT -5
Hi all,
I'm very new to the pipe world and so I have a few questions - I'm sure I can find answers to some of these things with a google search but I would much rather see what you all have to say and watch a discussion unfold.
First off - I have one pipe, and it is the cheap MM Hardwood model. I will be looking to upgrade in the future, but I am curious as to your thoughts on good entry level/budget pipes. Times are uncertain for me right now and I have a young family to take care of, so tossing quite a bit of money into a really nice pipe(s) is not something I will be doing soon.
Second - is there a general consensus of whether or not to smoke many different blends in one pipe? I've heard that it is best to only smoke certain tobacco out of a pipe designated for that tobacco. Is this a rule best followed or is it largely personal preference?
Third - what is the best way to hydrate a dry blend and how do you know when the blend is optimally hydrated?
This may have been too much for one post - sorry! I do appreciate any feedback/tips/suggestions that any of you have to offer!
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,884 
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
Location:
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Post by chasingembers on Oct 31, 2020 0:08:28 GMT -5
1) You can get a bag of smokable second from Missouri Meerschaum or maybe a Rossi.
2) Blend flavors can carry over from one smoke to the next.
3) I smoke my tobacco bone dry.
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Post by isett2860 on Oct 31, 2020 6:15:11 GMT -5
Greetings and welcome to the Patch.
In general, you will find threads on most of your questions here on the Patch, if you do a search.
Some may not be recent. And it is good to stir them up again!
And to quote Brian Levin from the Pipes Magazine radio show.
“ we are all the leading experts on our own opinions“
I do not know this for fact. But I am assuming most here have a few cobs. And I’m sure they’re part of their smoking rotation.
There are a few here, if I’m not mistaken that really smoke nothing but cobs. And they’ve been long time pipe smokers.
On a recent episode of Country Squire radio podcast. John David pointed out that some people don’t know if they like bent pipes or straight pipes. A good way to figure that out. Is to find a Missouri Meerschaum cob you like and get one bent and one straight. And it’s not gonna break the bank.
Regarding your first briar Pipe. You will find plenty of threads here on this website. And there is much out there on the Internet. Be it a YouTube video or a podcast. That will cover this subject.
You need to like how it looks, I know that sounds weird, but if you don’t like the way it looks, you’re never going to pick it up.
It needs to easily pass a pipe cleaner. Unless it happens to be a Peterson system pipe or something of that nature.
How is the pipe gonna look on you? People spent hours picking out eyeglasses. Because they’re worried about how they make them look. Well you don’t want a pipe in your mouth that’s going to make the dog laugh.
Do not be scared of estate pipes. Ebay is great for this. As long as it’s somebody who has a very positive and long selling history. I’m sure someone here can point you do a good eBay seller. Smokingpipes.com is another place to look.
So the new kid on the block wants to stir up one of the top five great debates on the Patch. LOL
To dedicate or not to dedicate, that is the question!
There are many views on this topic.. But the bottom line is do what you’re comfortable with doing. Your tastes, will dictate this as you learn about different blends.
This is a great place for those corn cobs though. Until you decide if this tobacco can just be smoked in anything or no I’m going smoke it only in this pipe.
I personally don’t per se dedicate pipes to a certain type of tobacco. I am more prone to dedicate tobacco‘s to certain types of pipes. Meaning I will only smoke this blend with a filter. Or I will only smoke this blend in a bent.
The one exception to this for most people here. Not everyone. Is Lakeland blends. You will want to dedicate a pipe for those. That is if you are even willing to smoke them.
They are definitely one of those things you either like it or you do not like it.
Latakia, is also one of those things that some people have dedicated pipes for. they dedicate a pipe for some very strong latakia blends. Here again personally I like Latakia, so I don’t dedicate pipes for it
So I have rambled on enough for an early Saturday morning. It’s time to go out and smoke. A corn cob!
Take your time. Don’t rush. And enjoy your journey.
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rconix9
New Member
Posts: 81
First Name: Matt
Location:
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Post by rconix9 on Oct 31, 2020 7:58:29 GMT -5
This is great information so far, thank you!
I suppose I am rushing myself and most of these things will sort themselves out over time as I become more experienced. I will relax and enjoy the process
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Post by just ol ed on Oct 31, 2020 8:16:28 GMT -5
not much I can add on to the good remarks posted above. In my case, a really loooong at it. Have 51 briars, couple meershaums & a cob or 2 mostly for yard work. Hope you can continue the "journey". Others will continue to help when asked
I'm 50miles East of Buffalo, NY, the only one here from the area
Ask away & enjoy.
Ed Duncan, Batavia, NY.
2nd in "seniority" here if that means anything. 27.5 yrs on the railroad where seniority was everything
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Post by Goldbrick on Oct 31, 2020 9:25:19 GMT -5
Just a word on pipes, at a risk ,because someone always has a better idea...I started with a cheap ,no-name briar then moved on to three brands that offer good value even as estate pipes...Stanwell, Savinelli, and Peterson. The one thing that took me twenty-five years to learn is that for a lot less money ,and with a careful eye ,a Dr Grabow pipe can be a lifelong friend.
I was such a pipe snob in my youth that I overlooked these fine old American pipes. Cobs are a great idea; everyone should have a few I.M.H.O., but there might be a solid ,serviceable Grabow out there, in an antique shop or a thrift store, or even a yard sale ,that is just waiting for you to come along.
Enjoy the hunt, and welcome to the patch!
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Post by zambini on Oct 31, 2020 10:13:44 GMT -5
Welcome, from Guadalajara. My suggestion would be that a lot of pipe tobacco has a similar flavour profile so you shouldn't be too worried about jumping from one tobacco to another especially if they are both cherry or vanilla or whatever blends.
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Post by Ronv69 on Oct 31, 2020 10:20:32 GMT -5
I see that you are currently smoking Picayune and liking it. Therefore, I can't think of anything that you might NOT like. You might try one aromatic, like Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic, to see if you like that kind of tobacco. It's a big, wild world. Welcome to it. 😜🤠
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Post by mgtarheel on Oct 31, 2020 12:00:45 GMT -5
Welcome from "The Tarheel State". As to your questions, I say stick to the cobs for now, or upgrade to a Jake Hackert cob for $35. Give yourself time to figure out what you like. My 2 cents worth.
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rconix9
New Member
Posts: 81
First Name: Matt
Location:
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Post by rconix9 on Oct 31, 2020 12:41:47 GMT -5
I see that you are currently smoking Picayune and liking it. Therefore, I can't think of anything that you might NOT like. You might try one aromatic, like Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic, to see if you like that kind of tobacco. It's a big, wild world. Welcome to it. 😜🤠 I am definitely planning on branching out. I ran into someone smoking a pipe, struck up a conversation, mentioned that what he was smoking smelled incredible - next thing I knew, the gentleman gave me his bag of Picayune. It re-lit my desire to smoke my pipe and that's what I've been contentedly puffing on. Years ago I had picked up a few different flavored tobaccos (vanilla, cherry, etc) I liked them fine but think that I may prefer a more plain blend centered around the type of tobacco. Time will tell. Like you said - I think there may be very few blends that I will not like. |
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Post by peteguy on Nov 1, 2020 19:21:20 GMT -5
Some nice state pipes on ebay if you know what to look for. I am always willing to answer any questions about an auction via pm. Cobs are a great way to start but make sure you get a shape that is more "normal" and not some dinky bowl that lasts for 10 minutes.
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Post by Legend Lover on Nov 4, 2020 6:31:08 GMT -5
Welcome from Ireland. People have covered most thing. If you want a briar pipe, you could try the Morgan Bones range - cheap, but great smokers. But it's hard to beat a cob, so, while times are a little uncertain, keep working at the cob you've got and try different tobaccos and enjoy the experience.
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Post by mrlunting on Nov 5, 2020 7:33:15 GMT -5
For a quality briar at a good price I would suggest looking at Brigham pipes. Even more cost effective are the mm pipes like the one you have.
I have never had an issue with smoking multiple bowls in the same pipe. I clean my pipe bowl with a paper towel after each use. And I don't build cake. Cake is un necessary in my opinion.
To re hydrate tobacco a long Tupperware container. Tobacco on one side and a damp(not wet) paper towel on the other. Use distilled water.
Welcome to the patch.
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Post by pappyjoe on Nov 5, 2020 8:30:34 GMT -5
Hi all,
I'm very new to the pipe world and so I have a few questions - I'm sure I can find answers to some of these things with a google search but I would much rather see what you all have to say and watch a discussion unfold.
First off - I have one pipe, and it is the cheap MM Hardwood model. I will be looking to upgrade in the future, but I am curious as to your thoughts on good entry level/budget pipes. Times are uncertain for me right now and I have a young family to take care of, so tossing quite a bit of money into a really nice pipe(s) is not something I will be doing soon.
Second - is there a general consensus of whether or not to smoke many different blends in one pipe? I've heard that it is best to only smoke certain tobacco out of a pipe designated for that tobacco. Is this a rule best followed or is it largely personal preference?
Third - what is the best way to hydrate a dry blend and how do you know when the blend is optimally hydrated?
This may have been too much for one post - sorry! I do appreciate any feedback/tips/suggestions that any of you have to offer!
1. Upgrading can be done without killing your budget too much. I would definitely take care when ordering from ebay and check out some of the horror stories about the pipes. Not all pipe sellers on eBay are scrupulous. Estate pipes can also be found at antique malls and flea markets. Just try to examine the pipe to make sure there are no burnouts and the stem has been chewed through. Then you will want to research pipe cleaning techniques. If you aren't ready to take on the challenges of restoring pipes, then the budget pipes at on-line retailers are good options and you can sometimes even find package deals that will give you more than a pipe for under $50. Someone else mentioned Brigham pipes and they are supposed to be a good starting point. Another good place to look is at your local drugstore - some of them still sell Dr. Grabow pipes. They may not be fancy, but the company dates back to the 1940s and there are also people who collect and smoke Dr. Grabows. 2. It's largely personal preference. My first encounter with pipe smokers was my grandfather. He had maybe three or four pipes and smoked them constantly. I never heard him say, "I only smoke George Washington in this pipe or that's my Carter Hall pipe." I do agree there are some tobacco out there that will ghost a pipe and Lakeland blends are some of those most often mentioned. On the other hand, I've only have a couple of pipes that I've had to dedicate to latakia blends because they ghosted so bad. Let me mention one more thing. Some will tell you that you can only smoke a pipe once a day and then you have to set it aside for at least 24 hours. Don't believe them. You can smoke a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob until it burns out (I've never seen one do that.) And I've known a number of old pipe smokers who smoked the same pipe all day long and then smoked it the next day after letting it dry out overnight. 3. There are a lot of different methods for hydrating dried out tobacco. I tend to use either a humidifier button or Boveda pack once the tobacco gets dried to a good smoking level. I've also known more than a few old pipe smokers who will put a slice of apple in their pouch to keep the tobacco moist. A lot of people will tell you that's a bad idea because it can cause mold to grow on your tobacco. The men I knew who did this never had that problem because they smoked through it before the mold had a chance. Personally, I have occasionally used pieces of orange peel to rehydrate tobacco and it works for me with no problem. I just leave the peel in the tobacco overnight though and then remove it. |
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Post by taiguy66 on Nov 5, 2020 9:56:32 GMT -5
Hi all,
I'm very new to the pipe world and so I have a few questions - I'm sure I can find answers to some of these things with a google search but I would much rather see what you all have to say and watch a discussion unfold.
First off - I have one pipe, and it is the cheap MM Hardwood model. I will be looking to upgrade in the future, but I am curious as to your thoughts on good entry level/budget pipes. Times are uncertain for me right now and I have a young family to take care of, so tossing quite a bit of money into a really nice pipe(s) is not something I will be doing soon.
Second - is there a general consensus of whether or not to smoke many different blends in one pipe? I've heard that it is best to only smoke certain tobacco out of a pipe designated for that tobacco. Is this a rule best followed or is it largely personal preference?
Third - what is the best way to hydrate a dry blend and how do you know when the blend is optimally hydrated?
This may have been too much for one post - sorry! I do appreciate any feedback/tips/suggestions that any of you have to offer!
1. Upgrading can be done without killing your budget too much. I would definitely take care when ordering from ebay and check out some of the horror stories about the pipes. Not all pipe sellers on eBay are scrupulous. Estate pipes can also be found at antique malls and flea markets. Just try to examine the pipe to make sure there are no burnouts and the stem has been chewed through. Then you will want to research pipe cleaning techniques. If you aren't ready to take on the challenges of restoring pipes, then the budget pipes at on-line retailers are good options and you can sometimes even find package deals that will give you more than a pipe for under $50. Someone else mentioned Brigham pipes and they are supposed to be a good starting point. Another good place to look is at your local drugstore - some of them still sell Dr. Grabow pipes. They may not be fancy, but the company dates back to the 1940s and there are also people who collect and smoke Dr. Grabows. 2. It's largely personal preference. My first encounter with pipe smokers was my grandfather. He had maybe three or four pipes and smoked them constantly. I never heard him say, "I only smoke George Washington in this pipe or that's my Carter Hall pipe." I do agree there are some tobacco out there that will ghost a pipe and Lakeland blends are some of those most often mentioned. On the other hand, I've only have a couple of pipes that I've had to dedicate to latakia blends because they ghosted so bad. Let me mention one more thing. Some will tell you that you can only smoke a pipe once a day and then you have to set it aside for at least 24 hours. Don't believe them. You can smoke a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob until it burns out (I've never seen one do that.) And I've known a number of old pipe smokers who smoked the same pipe all day long and then smoked it the next day after letting it dry out overnight. 3. There are a lot of different methods for hydrating dried out tobacco. I tend to use either a humidifier button or Boveda pack once the tobacco gets dried to a good smoking level. I've also known more than a few old pipe smokers who will put a slice of apple in their pouch to keep the tobacco moist. A lot of people will tell you that's a bad idea because it can cause mold to grow on your tobacco. The men I knew who did this never had that problem because they smoked through it before the mold had a chance. Personally, I have occasionally used pieces of orange peel to rehydrate tobacco and it works for me with no problem. I just leave the peel in the tobacco overnight though and then remove it. In my small experience with pipe tobacco, totally agree with PappyJoe’s third point about using boveda packs. Being a cigar smoker I know the importance of maintaining proper humidity levels and boveda is the best method out there to guarantee consistent humidity for a certain length of time. Once the tin is open and the seal gone, I would think a boveda and mason jar would be a winning combination to ensure your tobacco is cared for. Essentially no fuss no muss..... |
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 5, 2020 10:22:08 GMT -5
In our new home the humidity is much higher than the old house. Usually about 60%. Just right for tobacco.
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Post by pappyjoe on Nov 5, 2020 11:34:23 GMT -5
1. Upgrading can be done without killing your budget too much. I would definitely take care when ordering from ebay and check out some of the horror stories about the pipes. Not all pipe sellers on eBay are scrupulous. Estate pipes can also be found at antique malls and flea markets. Just try to examine the pipe to make sure there are no burnouts and the stem has been chewed through. Then you will want to research pipe cleaning techniques. If you aren't ready to take on the challenges of restoring pipes, then the budget pipes at on-line retailers are good options and you can sometimes even find package deals that will give you more than a pipe for under $50. Someone else mentioned Brigham pipes and they are supposed to be a good starting point. Another good place to look is at your local drugstore - some of them still sell Dr. Grabow pipes. They may not be fancy, but the company dates back to the 1940s and there are also people who collect and smoke Dr. Grabows. 2. It's largely personal preference. My first encounter with pipe smokers was my grandfather. He had maybe three or four pipes and smoked them constantly. I never heard him say, "I only smoke George Washington in this pipe or that's my Carter Hall pipe." I do agree there are some tobacco out there that will ghost a pipe and Lakeland blends are some of those most often mentioned. On the other hand, I've only have a couple of pipes that I've had to dedicate to latakia blends because they ghosted so bad. Let me mention one more thing. Some will tell you that you can only smoke a pipe once a day and then you have to set it aside for at least 24 hours. Don't believe them. You can smoke a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob until it burns out (I've never seen one do that.) And I've known a number of old pipe smokers who smoked the same pipe all day long and then smoked it the next day after letting it dry out overnight. 3. There are a lot of different methods for hydrating dried out tobacco. I tend to use either a humidifier button or Boveda pack once the tobacco gets dried to a good smoking level. I've also known more than a few old pipe smokers who will put a slice of apple in their pouch to keep the tobacco moist. A lot of people will tell you that's a bad idea because it can cause mold to grow on your tobacco. The men I knew who did this never had that problem because they smoked through it before the mold had a chance. Personally, I have occasionally used pieces of orange peel to rehydrate tobacco and it works for me with no problem. I just leave the peel in the tobacco overnight though and then remove it. In my small experience with pipe tobacco, totally agree with PappyJoe’s third point about using boveda packs. Being a cigar smoker I know the importance of maintaining proper humidity levels and boveda is the best method out there to guarantee consistent humidity for a certain length of time. Once the tin is open and the seal gone, I would think a boveda and mason jar would be a winning combination to ensure your tobacco is cared for. Essentially no fuss no muss..... If you move the tobacco into a mason jar within a couple of days of opening the tin, you may not even need to worry about rehydrating the tobacco. I'm smoking some Kohlhase & Kopp Winter Edition 2015 that has been in a jar since Dec. 2015. It may not be as moist as it was five years ago, but it is still moist enough where I let what I'm going to smoke air dry for 10 or 15 minutes. Usually the only time I have to rehydrate is when I open a tin and leave it in the tin for two or three weeks without smoking it all. That's when I resort to the Boveda packs or orange peel method. |
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