Help a Noob out...what pipe should i get?

Okay, so I'm an avid cigar smoker turning slowly to the joys of pipe.

I am in no way giving up the joys of cigars, but due to an influx of time commitments, i find it difficult to dedicate 1.5 hours to a cigar, but i can enjoy a 30-45 minute tobacco experience.

Currently i have a maple cheapy i bought at my local tobacconist for $4.95.

I know, its shameful. But I wanted to get some opinions on what would be good before i made a purchase.

I really like the more curved pipes, in a nice dark wood. From my research, i think i want nice medium sized bowl. I really like something like this:



My price range is about $50 or less. I want something good for the money, but will last a while. What is the deal with Edwards Pipe & Tobacco? They have their own brand of pipe, it appears to be decent, i guess, I'm a noob though. What do ya'll think? I have one locally, so I was planning on purchasing it there...

Please...give me suggestions?

[alley00p]

The first thing, you should do, is scroll down through the threads, here in the "Pipe discussion" area, and read through the thread called "New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart".

There are a ton of questions from noobs, and many, many answers from the experienced members of CA who are knowledgeable about all things regarding pipes and tobaccos!

It was one of the first things I did, when I decided to return to pipe smoking!

I'm sure you will get some good advice there!!

[Mister Moo]

Get a corncob pipe (Missouri Meerschaum "Legends" are great pipes for novice and experienced smokes alike) and a pouch of Carter Hall or Prince Albert. This is an inexpensive way in with a classic combination of great taste, easy filling, easy lighting and no burn problems.

Briar pipes are attractive but require a little background to make a good selection. If you get a less than optimal brair, like one with stain in the bowl, for example) you get a crappy smoke. If you get a really nice briar you might damage it with a rookie mistake. Get a cob for $5.00 and expect a good enough smoke to help you decide if pipes are for you.

[MarkinAZ]

You can try here for a nice selection of cobbs:


http://www.frenchyspipes.com/

[BigFrank]

I second and third the cob recommendations. Get a few cob pipes, sign yourself up for the newbie trade for pipes.

If you really want a briar, go to IwanRies.com and get a $32 Hardcastle.

[MarkinAZ]

Originally Posted by Requiem

If you really want a briar, go to IwanRies.com and get a $32 Hardcastle.

I just checked out the site for the Hardcastle' and both the #T15-2 and -5' are very nice looking pipes indeed

I don’t know anything about Edwards.

It’s been my experience that most any well made briar pipe should last for years with proper care.

[BigFrank]

Pipesandcigars.com has 3 briar pipes for 25 beans. I dont know how good they are but, that doesnt seem like a bad deal to me.

[RevSmoke]

Stanwell and Savinelli are great pipes and available readily at many places for fairly reasonable prices.

Here is a link to the Savinelli natural pipes - these have no finishing stain to them and go $40 bones you can get one with a vulcanite stem or $44 for a lucite stem. Lucite is a more durable material will not oxidize like vulcanite will - vulcanite is a softer material on the teeth. There are many different styles to choose from at Pipes & Cigars. (vulcanite) http://store.pipesandcigars.com/naturals.html
(lucite) http://store.pipesandcigars.com/sanapiwilu.html

Here is a link to their listing of Corn Cob pipes - lots of them there.

Hope this helps.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by jbonnefsc

Okay, so I'm an avid cigar smoker turning slowly to the joys of pipe.

... What is the deal with Edwards Pipe & Tobacco?

The Edwards folks in JAX are totally reliable. Ask them about their house brand pipes and see what they say; I can't remember exactly what they had on the shelf in San Marco but it wasn't junk IIRC.