Been thinking about it for a while now...

[shund]

At my local cigar shop there is a small glass counter filled with pipes. Everytime I stop in to visit the humidor, I can't help but stare at them for a while before making my purchase. I always have to sniff the pipe tobacco too...there's just something about it.

As a kid, I was around several males who smoked pipes, most of whom I encountered at church. Every Sunday before the sermon I would pass by these gentlemen outside and the amazing and relaxing aroma of pipe smoke would fill my nostrils. To this day, I'll stop and inhale deeply through my nose any time I detect the presence of pipe smoke. It takes me back to simpler times...really puts me at ease.

So, here I am, still learning about cigars....but growing ever more curious about pipes. There's not a rule anywhere that says you can't be new to BOTH is there?

Well, true to form, with the thought of an initial purchase I'm overthinking and experiencing premature buyer's remorse. I want to make sure I get what I need to start out with a good experience. But I'm also concerned about pricing. I've seen some $500...even $900 pipes online, but I can't drop that kind of cash. I don't need any collector's-edition-numbered-hand-carved-by-Jesus-type pipe. I just want something to get my feet wet and introduce me pleasantly to the world of pipes.

Any suggestions?

[ZachS]

Your B&M should have some cheap "basket pipes" for around $20/each. That's the best way to start. As for tobacco, hang around here a while... you'll get more advice than you know what to do with.

Oh, and welcome to the briar!

ZachS

[Deriffe]

Dang, I was just in your neck of the woods Shund. We're orignally from Beckley. Had to run home a few weeks ago for a funeral. My wife and I met at Marshall Univ. so we always make a stop there to see how things have changed. This last trip, we had to stop at Stationers to pick up some MU stuff.

Many suggest first time pipe smokers just pick up a couple of corn cob pipes to see if they really like the whole process. They are very cheap and not a big deal to toss if it turns out you don't enjoy it. There are as many different types and brands of pipe tobacco as there are cigars but the one cool thing is good pipe tobacco is much cheaper than good cigars.

Go to your local shop and have them help you get set up with some tobacco samplers. They should also be able to help teach you how to pack and light the bowl. Start small and work your way up.

I've been bidding on estate pipes at ebay. That's a way to get some really nice pipes and not break the bank. I make sure the pipes I bid on have been sanatized and polished up. You can get used pipes that look brand new and are already broken in if you have patience.

[Smogre]

I'm still pretty new to pipes as well.
Deriffe makes a good point. Get a few cob pipes. I bought a starter pipe from my B&M. I didn't spend alot and it's a great pipe! However, I smoked so much the first few days that I had to pick up some cobs. I think I picked up a 4 pack from mars or cupojoes for $14 or something.
Either way, have fun with it.