Quote:
Originally Posted by groogs
I would also suggest a cob as your first pipe. My local shop also lets me smoke a bowl of any bulk they have on hand, so if you have a local shop I would start there. Have fun, becasue before you know it you will be sliding down another slippery slope.  |
I'll chime in with the cobs as well. If your heart is set on a briar though you can try your tobacconist (become a regular - it will do you both a world of good!). Sometimes they'll have estate (used & cleaned) briars for reasonable prices. If you're the DIY type cruise the antique shops and flea markets looking for inexpensive (but not cracked) briars and clean them up yourself. There are some good tips on cleaning pipes here on CA.
But again, a cheap cob will get you started.
As for baccy these guys covered the bases already. Prince Albert burns very reliably and pretty much bite free - good for learning. Your local tobacconist will likely have many house blends to try as well.
Happy piping!
Oh, and check out the NST for pipes. Another place to get a good variety of blends to try.