Well I was asked if I could possibly put some information out there for helping a guy switch from uh-hmm illegal substances to what some would say just barely legal tobacco. I have never been big in smoking anything other than tobacco so helping someone "transition" is not something I think I can really do. I can provide a bit of information on how I started out and the information I have gleaned over the years that I have been muddling thru this hobby. There is just about a buttload (yes a buttload is a real unit of measure) of information out there and conservatively twice the amount in misinformation. When I first started there wasn't really any place to look for pipe information. I remember when I bought my first pipe from the Stag Tobacconist at Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale, AZ I was handed a little pamphlet outlining how to smoke a pipe. I can tell you using just that pamphlet proved to be a frustrating thing and those pamphlets are still out there by the way. It isn't the fault of the Joe behind the counter of the local Tobacconist shop (referred to as a B&M), those guys aren't usually pipe smokers let alone familiar with the hows and whys. It is unfortunate that more employes of these establishments aren't pipe smokers it sure would help newbies on there quest of the pipe. I have probably transended the normal pipe smoker to become a pipe horder. I will explain, I don't have enough money to become a pipe collector but I still have the urge to find the best examples as I possibly can. So I mearly horde pipes I guess.
Lets look at some to the things I have learned from buying my first pipe. The very first lesson I learned is don't under no circumstances listen to the guy behind the counter. I hate to say it but those guys aren't exactly making a huge wage and that reflects in how much they know about there job. Plus the second point on that is most of those guys smoke cigars or cigerettes. Pipes just happens to be the redheaded step child right now. Second lesson I learned is find something you like at a retailor then go online and buy it. I hate saying that because I want to support the local B&M but lets face it they are expensive and this is your first pipe. So we have established the kid behind the counter doesn't know jack and buying from a shop is expensive. Two very good lessons I assure you, why I learned the hard way. The last thing I want you to avoid is buying that cherry or rum or cranapple smelling tobacco. Yes it smells very good but it is going to burn the shit out of your tongue. Burnt tongue it is painful, especially if you are drinking a little that night and don't really pay attention to what you are doing! Remember pipe smoking is an art, best done when you have time to relax. But I'm all over the place in this article and if you can follow it you are doing better than I am.
Picking a pipe is easy as far as your first. Number one thing is get something you like. Don't let anyone talk you into something because it is better! Buy what you can afford (of course) and that is asthetically pleasing. If it is ugly you won't smoke it, if it doesn't feel comfortable you won't smoke it. So do yourself a favor and get something that you like that you find pleasing to the eye. The second thing I recommend you get is a mild english blend to try, the guy behind the counter should know what tobaccos are what. If not look for the blends in the jars that decidedly english in name, something like Trafalgar or British Woods. Then again also something with a Sherlock Holmes theme. I recommend new smokers stay away from things like Cherry or Rum they are loaded with moisture. That moisture is your worst enemy and will aid in the abrupt end to your smoking enjoyment. That abrupt end has a name and it is called tongue bite, it is a not so pleasant burning of the tongue that you don't notice right away. It goes away in a couple of days if you happen to have done this to yourself already. There are several things that contribute to tongue bite and there are ways to minimize that unfortunate outcome. The most important in my opinion is for newbs to stay away from Aromatic Tobaccos (cherry, rum, banana mellow shortcake). Secondly is the packing technique which is a whole article in and of itself so I will tell you to get more information at www.aspipes.org. This is a great resource of all things pipe.
With smoking a pipe it isn't a rush thing. Allow yourself time to sit and relax with TV or your phone ringing off the hook. Use the time to learn how to enjoy the ritual around the pipe. Picking your pipe, choosing what tobacco to smoke, the history of the pipe maker, learn to pack the tobacco properly and just relax. The first study done by the American Surgeon General state that pipe smokers lived on average 5 years long. You can think what you want about all the smoking nonsense now but if you are reading this than you want to smoke. So relax and enjoy
