Smoking tobacco has been something human beings have enjoyed for centuries. This long standing activity has been going on so long, a wide range of smoke inhalation devices have been created to enhance the enjoyment of the participants. This diverse range of devices available to the new smoker may seem a little baffling, therefore in this article I will give a brief outline on the available smoking pipes. Hopefully if you are new to smoking with a pipe, you will gain a new knowledge which you will be able to use to better acquaint yourself with the tools of the trade.
Estate Pipes
These pipes have been on the go for a very long time indeed. This pipe is readily available cheaper than other pipes. It is therefore often the choice of the beginner. These pipes are second hand pipes which have been properly sanitised and cleaned ready for its new owner. Clearly this is the best way to purchase a quality pipe without shelling out the cash. Although estate pipes may seem new when purchased, they have been well used and broken in, so it will take no time for the pipe smoking newbie to start merrily puffing away.
Briar Pipes
These pipes are constructed by machine or hand out of briar wood. They are the most popular tobacco pipe and are widely used all over the world. Briar wood is fire retardant and readily absorbs water. This wood has natural bacteria fighting qualities which will help in keeping the pipe sanitary. One thing to look out for when purchasing a briar pipe, is to ensure your new pipe has superior wood graining. Compare similar pipes and note the difference. Briar pipes are both affordable and of high quality.
Meerschaum Pipes
This kind of pipe is sought after due to the porous quality of the material. The construction breathes preventing odour uptake and keeping the pipe clean and free from deposits. Meerschaum is not a wood; it is actually mineral in nature. It is a white material existing in the shallows of the Turkish sea. The material is very light weight meaning it to be a joy for the smoker to hold and use. Another benefit of this material is it does not affect the taste or smell of the tobacco. It is important to ensure you purchase a pipe crafted from a meerschaum block as opposed to meerschaum deposits.
Purchasing a low quality, low cost pipe might seem like a great idea at the time. However you will not have as good a smoking experience as you would with a quality pipe. It is important to read up on the specific pipes you are looking to buy, take care to find out about the material used in its construction as well as the pipes quality of craftsmanship. Quality pipes are available online at a lower price, pick a pipe, select some tobacco, light and relax.
Pipe smoking is often an obsession with certain people. It is not just another device or style of smoking, the whole experience often seems to define the man who is smoking the pipe. The relaxation is one factor; people also often like the aroma of pipe tobacco, mixed with the definite fragrance of his own pipe, better than the aroma of a cigar or a cigarette. However, if you prefer pipes over cigarettes, you must also be aware of the science and art of smoking pipe.
The thing to start with is locating the right pipe. For beginners, it is better to start with a Corncob model. These pipes do not need any breaking in and at $10, it is highly affordable too, as compared to other pipes. The flip side is that you cannot get much variety by way of styles. There are only some two different Corncob models and you will have to choose from them. Another good choice is to go for a used Estate pipe. A used pipe will be already broken in and it will cost one anything between $20 and $75.
However, the more experienced campaigners know that choosing the right kind of pipe is a hugely important thing. One should take into account factors like comfort, price, quality and of course, style. How a pipe looks is a matter of grave importance. If you are not at ease with the appearance of the pipe, your smoking experience will not be the same and the enjoyment will be diluted, to say the least. Just as you try out sunglasses and dresses, you must always try different pipes to know which one suits you best. Also remember that different pipes smoke slightly differently. Smoking Pipes.
Price is always an important issue, but generally in case of pipe smoking, it may not be the most important one. How well a pipe smokes is often the most valued criterion. However, if you have a set budget, make sure that you try out different pipes within that price range. This way you will be able to know which one meets your aesthetic and mechanical requirements to the tee. Any pipe with a mechanical flaw should always be discarded.
The overall quality of the pipe depends on many different elements- fill, filter, right draft hole, part alignment, grain, finish and weight. A good pipe, able to offer you a good smoke, will have all these elements properly taken care of and in good place. So apart from the appearance, these factors are important, too. More experienced pipe smokers will however be able to tell these qualities by only feeling the device carefully. So whether you are a newbie or an old horse as far as pipe smoking go, get the right pipe and an enjoyable experience will be assured.
