New to pipes....

[daniel2001]

And loving it!

Bought a corn cob pipe when I was in the South West recently and didn't get on well. Just couldn't get the thing to stay lit. And then I called upon my good friend Google and now can make it stay lit.

Initially, I just bought some random plain tobacco that was fine, but got boring quickly. So last Saturday I bought some Cherry Vanilla and some honey flavoured tobacco (American Blend) from Chester and loving them both!

Especially loving that I don't need to put an hour aside for a smoke as I do with a cigar... And that pipe tobacco is a little cheaper than the kinds of cigars that I usually smoke.

When my bank account is a little healthier, I think I will e purchasing a 'proper' pipe or two and seeing what happens.

[Pandyboy]

Welcome to the wonderful world of pipes.

[Andy W]

Welcome to the wonderful world of pipes.

I will second that

[linfield100]

There are plenty of pipes on fleabay. Always lots of Petersons (My particular favourites)
Many different types of pipes and, hundreds of different tobacco's to try, make this a very interesting hobby/pastime.

[daniel2001]

Thanks guys... Will be steering clear of fleabay... Never been sure why, but I don't like buying from there

Found out there is a tobacconist in my local town that concentrates on pipes, so will probably frequent them.

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[captain duff]

I too started with a corn cob (great smokers), and then got my first (very cheap) 'proper' brier and thought that would be all I'd want/need. Quite a few pipes later you realise that there is a natural tendency to get quite a few 'proper' pipes once you get into the swing of things! But it is good to experiment, different sizes and shapes all have their individual attractions. I'd second Peterson as one brand to try (although you are spoilt for choice in terms of styles/prices), their cheaper pipes are good value and good smokers. I also like (the now British) Falcons, as they are one of the few 'system' pipes that actually work very well (the design keeps the smoke cool and dry, and they are a delight to clean), but the modernity isn't to everyones taste.

If you can also have a look at some of the few UK small pipe makers that are still in business (Blakemar Briars, Northern Briars, Invicta Briars etc.), as getting a beautifully hand made pipe that is a delight to hold and look at is not as expensive as you may imagine (take care of them and they should last a very long time indeed), particularly when you are used to paying a lot for cigars that just end up as ash!

[daniel2001]

Absolutely... Already been out and bought a cheapo briar pipe, and enjoying that very much. Had to buy a pipe with a nice bend in it (just love the way they look).

I'm hoping to have a new job (same job I'm doing now, but as a full time employee on a proper salary, instead of being an intern on an intern's hourly rate) by next Thursday. Part of that first pay cheque has been allocated to buying a pipe, a few types of tobacco and a few cigars.

[The Freck]

Plenty talk of pipes but what tobacco should we buy. Always remember my dad smoked a pipe when I was young and I used to sneak into the drawer where it was kept and pretend to smoke it. Can still remember the flavour. Brought back some memories there. Which tobacco though.

[Eddie]

Condor or clan would be good starting points, Available in tesco.

[Pandyboy]

Go for some St Bruno always good. I like Davidoff blue mix but there is so much out there you are spoilt for choice. Have a look at some pipe forums, they tend to have lots of tobacco reviews and good blend for new pipe smoked. I use smokersforums.co.uk well worth a look.

[Pipe Dude]

Condor or clan would be good starting points, Available in tesco.

Clan definitely would not.

Condor Long Cut or St Bruno Flake are available pretty much everywhere and are infinitely better than Clan.

[Smallclub]

Clan definitely would not.

Condor Long Cut or St Bruno Flake are available pretty much everywhere and are infinitely better than Clan.

Agreed. And Clan is famous for leaving a foul ghost taste in your pipe…

My advice (for what it's worth): try
_ one Virginia based blend: St Bruno and/or Condor,
_ an "english blend", ie a blend containing latakia (Dunhill standard mixture or London Mixture, Samuel Gawith Skiff Mixture or Squadron Leader, Peterson Old Dublin)
_ a Virginia+Perique blend (Gawith St James Flake, or preferably something lighter but I don't know what's easily available in the UK in this category)

[Pandyboy]

Dunhill 965 is another good starting smoke.

[captain duff]

Personally I'd avoid Clan too, but clearly some people like it given how long it has been around. St Bruno is fantastic in my opinion, but for a new pipe smoker I'd urge strongly that you start on the sampler route as small packets of tobacco you try and don't like are easier to justify than expensive whole packets and tins!

Experiement with various different styles until you decide whether you like aromatics, orientals, latakia blends, 'lakeland' styles etc. The following UK retailers all do good value sampler packs:

http://cigars.gauntleys.com/search.php?f=producttype:tobacco,producercodename:pipe-tobacco-mixed-packs

http://www.smoke-king.co.uk/acatalog/buy_5g_pipe_tobacco_samples.html

http://www.eacarey.co.uk/shop/tobacco.html?tobacco_style=98

[Eddie]

Sorry, my answer was in ref to the memorable smell question. Not as a good starting point as a smoker. Ooops.