Pipe Smoking

[Zach J.]

I've only smoked a pipe a couple times in my life, but both times I've found it to be an extremely enjoyable experience. This has led me to the decision to take up pipe smoking. Are there any other pipe smokers on the forums? What advice do you have for a newbie like me? What should I look for when buying my first pipe, what kinds of tobacco should I try, etc.?

[Scheherazade]

What advice do you have for a newbie like me? Give it up before it is too late! (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3766349.stm)

[dafydd manton]

Having been a pipe smoker, for many years, Scher is 100% right. Not only does it cause things like emphysema, the little mentioned things are cancer of the mouth, especially the tongue, and the damage to teet, not just from the stem, but also from the smoke. That way lies dentures, and young too. Take Scher's advice, and spend the money on other things.

[Virgil]

Smoking is a killer. I don't know how pipes compare to cigarettes, but if they are similar it really will take ten years off your life. It easily took ten years off my father's life.

[dafydd manton]

Same with my Mum - not a pipe, obviously, but the damage will still be there. The last 7 years of her life were a misery for her, and fortunately for her she died young. Out of the suffering, self-inflicted or not.

[Zach J.]

I appreciate your concerns, but I'm already well aware of the health risks associated with smoking.

[minstrelbard]

When I was in university I smoked a pipe for a few months. Fortunately, it didn't take. Not only was it unhealthy, but it was also very messy. Bits of tobacco, ash, cleaners in disgusting condition, and so on were all over my room. And the smell just won't come out of some things. Even tobaccos that smell nice while you're smoking them stink two weeks later when you can't get the smell out of the curtains and furniture.

Also, I found that smoking took a certain amount of attention. While I was smoking, I really couldn't do much of anything else. It slowed my down in my schoolwork and the writing I was trying to do on the side.

I recommend not bothering with tobacco. Or, if you do bother, I recommend coming to your senses and quitting. Long years from now you will be glad you don't smoke.

[Whifflingpin]

I smoked a pipe for a short time when I was a student - it seemed to go with my image, sitting in tweed jacket and corduroy trousers on a rock by a moorland stream, puffing my contemplative pipe. Then I realised I was a total poseur and a prat and I stopped smoking at once.

[Helga]

I smoked a pipe for a few years, mainly because it was cheaper than cigarettes. I don't today, but I have to admit I still miss it from time to time.
I loved vanilla tobacco but it's not very strong. My pipe was always good cause it used to belong to my dad and they are like shoes in a way, you need to wear them for a while before they are perfect, if you know what I mean.

I was even in a pipe club called 'the holy smokes'...

try a few brands to see what you like the best, but the simplest pipe is usually the best, my friend and the only other member in the club bought a beautiful pipe called 'the H.C. Andersen pipe' but it wasn't as good as the small old one, looked good though...


but after this I want to remind you that it is not healthy and the amount of tar you get in your mouth takes some getting used too.. (rather disgusting)... remember to clean it a lot....

[Zach J.]

Thank you for the suggestions and advice, Helga. And everyone else as well. :)

[The Comedian]

I'll smoke a pipe from time to time -- usually when I'm out fishin' and the wife and kids are elsewhere. And sometimes after a good X-country ski too.