A thread for the smoker

[Lasse Eskildsen]

Just keep the suppositiories to yourself. 

I had to look that word up, I kind of regret doing it 

Well then, for snus I mainly take Catch Eucalyptus, and sometimes general white. and a pack of 25 costs around 5$. One snus lasts around a half hour and I do maybe 4-7 a day normally. I greatly depends if I am actively doing something, if I just sit at home all day with the pc or something, sometimes I dont take any. But if I'm out somewhere special a day (read: doing more than being in school) It can get up to 8-10 pouches.

I just recently started doing nasal snuff (Powdered tobacco you sniff through the nose) and still experimenting with diffrent tastes, I only take it a couple times a day so the boxes last a month or so each. Right now I got a open box of Wilson's Liquorice, and Poschl's Gletscher Prise,  Eventhough I like doing snuff somewhat more than snus I normally contain it to only doing it at home since it looks somewhat taboo to sniff stuff in public 

Oh, and both stuff I have to order online or take to Malmö to buy since its ilegal to sell in denmark 

[DaveK]

If there was a miracle tablet that was available that meant you were cured of your addiction to nicotine - would you take one?

*loaded question*

As I said, I enjoy doing it so no pill will take away my enjoyment from it.

And anyway, read my first post 

OK, just remember ex-smokers can see both sides.

Interesting statistic for you. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms last for no more than 48 - 72 hours - after that you are "cured". It's not just the nicotine addiction that smokers crave, it's the habit, the ritual and the routines. The expression "hand to mouth" is often mentioned when discussing smoking addiction in fact.

No pill will satisfy all of the above together with the social aspect of smoking.

I do snus and nasal snuff. Can I join? 

I've never tried SNUS - it's illegal in all EU countries apart from Sweden apparently, which I think s where it was invented(?) I've seen it though and watched a guy as he used it. Didn't appeal to me really, but he loved the stuff.

[Lasse Eskildsen]

Its only illegal to sell, not to use. So I buy it online from sweden its also legal in norway. Snus pouches got invented in sweden but snus has been used way back in africa, it came to europe when it was discovered under the slave trade.

[DaveK]

Well there you go - you learn something new every day!

[Benner]

I didn't know that either. 

[nuphoria]

So why allow cigarettes and not snus? 

But then, why allow alcohol and not weed.... etc etc... just seems like a misplaced judgement call.

[DaveK]

So why allow cigarettes and not snus? 

Two main schools of though on that one it seems......

1) Cigarettes and other ways of  tobacco smoking are long established and the argument is that if they were invented today, they wouldn't actually be allowed.

2) SNUS and other "smokeless" tobacco products are not sold by the big, powerful tobacco companies that contribute so much to government coffers as no proper taxation framework exists as yet. Although the EU and WHO are looking at that at the moment.

Depends on your point of view really 

[glorn]

I have been a pipe smoker for quite some time now, and enjoy a good Virginia flake. Usually Samuel Gawith, either full Flake or Navy Flake. I don't care much for flavored tobacco at all. Lately I have been smoking a Virginia and Perique blend.. Blakeney's to be precise.

My favorite pipe is a simple Italian briar billiard ala Bob Dobbs. I find that style easy to pack in a small zippered pouch along with a pipe nail, some tobacco removed from the tin and placed in a Ziploc bag, some pipe cleaners, and a lighter or wooden matches. Flake is especially nice for this as it is compressed into cut sheets almost like stick chewing gum.

I have a number of pipes of different styles, and have smoked everything from meerschaum to corn cob. For those who might be considering switching to a pipe or taking up pipe smoking, I can offer a few bits of helpful information:

1. You will need more than one pipe. Pipes sour if you smoke them too frequently without resting them. A good rule of thumb is to smoke one for the day and then let it rest for a day or more. This allows them to dry out.

2. Don't shy away from corn cob pipes. They have the distinct advantage of being inexpensive. If you were to sour one, or if you are unsure if pipe smoking is for you and you don't wish to invest much in finding out, these are the way to go. Missouri Meerschaum is the brand I would look for. And no, they are obviously not meerschaum stone, it is just the name. They are corn cob. A true meerschaum pipe is what you might invest in if you find a taste for pipe smoking. Corn cob pipes can be had for a few US dollars, and it pays to buy 2 or 3. Even once you decide pipe smoking is for you, you will still find a few corn cob pipes to be invaluable "workhorses" in your rotation. They smoke very well, and allow you to build up a collection for rotation so you can save your best pipes for evenings or weekends or what have you. At least until you get a good collection anyway... but to be honest, I still smoke mine on occasion.

3. Shop estate sales and antique shops for used pipes. Sure, this might sound horrible, but a good pipe is an investment, and frequently you will find very high quality pipes that have seen little if any use. And even those which have been used (depending on the blend the previous owner smoked) can be refurbished. Any decent tobacconist that deals in pipes can refurbish a pipe (clean it, core out the bowl, and polish it up) for very little money. My local shop does this for $10 US. A good way to add a "like new" pipe to your collection, or to gain a lovely vintage model.

4. Start with a simple tobacco. Don't begin with a cheap cherry flavored tobacco or some such thing. Ask the tobacconist what they recommend for a beginner and he/she should ask you some questions about what you expect. These folks are around tobacco every day, know what they are talking about, and are (in my experience) always happy to help.

5. Find a good shop and stick with it. A shop owner/employee who becomes familiar with you is going to be more inclined to help you out, give you advice, offer you deals, and make suggestions that might interest you. They also will frequently let you sample different tobaccos that they enjoy. That's how I came to buy the perique I am currently smoking.

6. This habit is unlikely to cure you of cigarette smoking. A pipe is somewhat inconvenient, and only lends itself to times when you are able to sit and smoke it (or work on something with it clenched in your teeth). A pipe can burn for 30 minutes, and takes some tending and practice. It is not going to work for you if you plan to go outside the bar and have a quick nicotine hit.  It will, however, cure you of huffing down half a pack of cigs in the outdoors, on the campsite, sitting fireside with a few beers, etc. And because you do not inhale, it is a bit easier on the lungs. It will take a while to get nicotine going in your blood though, so as I said.. not a sub for "the hit" unless you have the time to relax and smoke.


There are some truly great things about pipe smoking that I will mention.

It is fairly inexpensive. Unless you really smoke a ton, a tin or two will last you a while.

People have never complained to me about smoking my pipe outdoors, in fact, it is quite the opposite. I have received numerous comments regarding how nice pipe tobacco smells. Even outside, non-smokers will give you a sideways glance when you light up a cigarette. But pipes seem to evoke only pleasant reactions, if any at all. I think this is due to it being seen as quaint and unusual to most folks. Well, that and the pleasant smell.

I do not smoke it indoors, so I can't say anything about reactions there.

The long burn is advantageous in some situations. Sitting beside the campfire is one. Or at an outdoor concert/event. Any place where you would normally be likely to smoke cigarettes one after the other.

There is ritual attached to the process that makes it much more pleasant and involved than ripping open a packet and lighting up. Yes, there is a procedure to it, but that is part of the enjoyment.  By comparison, cigarettes are really not that enjoyable, and begin to look more like "nicotine delivery syringes" than anything else. If you "enjoy smoking" then a pipe will likely really work for you.

Cigar smokers are natural candidates for pipe smoking, as they are used to taking the time to enjoy a long smoke. And the price is much more attractive comparatively. The sheer variety of pipe tobacco available is also a factor that seems to appeal to the cigar aficionado.  You still get to shop for that special smoke, and the options are almost endless. You can purchase different brands for different moods or times of day, even for special occasions..

I still smoke cigs when I drink at bars. I have never been able to shake that alcohol and nicotine pairing. And a pipe in those circumstances just does not work out.

In those cases, I prefer American Spirits in the yellow or black box.

If anyone has a pipe smoking question, I'd be happy to try and answer. 

[Benner]

Wow, great post!

I'm very interested and may very well take that advice and give it a go. 

[Lasse Eskildsen]

Sorry, I have to correct myself about the use of snus, it first got discovered when columbus came to south america, I got it mixed together. (This is nasal snuff, snus first came in the 1900) back in 1700 it was all the rich and noble who took nasal snuff only, normally with a silver spoon. Smoking was indentified with the working class, so was "skrå" the kinda snus you chew and makes you spit black, they where used by coal miners and sailors since they couldnt light cigarettes at work.
They are working on making it legal to sell snus in denmark by the way, but even if the law goes through it probaly takes some years before the shops realy starts to stock it in diffrent variants since there would have to be a market for it first, eventhough los snus (the loose stuff you press together to a ball) is legal in denmark the tobacco shops normally only stocks two or three kinds.
The official explanation of portion snus not being legal is that it was thought that the pouches could cause cancer (afaik its the same kind of pouches you use in tea bags) but recent research has proven this wrong, and well. Its alot harder to get a law removed than put in since then some politicians would have to admit they are wrong.


I would love to hear more about pipe smoking, I have considered several times to start in addition to snus, mostly at home or so since you cant just take one quickly and be on the way like you can with a snus. But it sounds awesome, and eventhough its something you indentify with sailors and old people (sorry  ) I think it would fit me eventhough I'm only 16 since I have a somewhat quirky clothing style anyway.
How do you stuff a pipe with tobacco and how often and how do you clean it?

By the way I'm totally depressed since I just got my nose piercing I cant take nasal snuff for several months, the pouches are going down fast  one sniff of nasal snuff is as good on nic as three pouches or so and you use it up alot slower. Its hurting my already small wallet 

[AHB]

Do yourself a favor and go buy a good quality pipe and a tin can of "My own Blend".. 
As mentioned before I quit smoking over a year ago, but there's no doubt that those two will be the first thing I buy when I turn 70.. 

[Lasse Eskildsen]

How much would a good quality pipe cost? I dont want a bad experience with a bad pipe but if I dont like it I dont want to throw alot of money out either, would 60$ or so buy a alright one?

[ryan1835]

Do yourself a favor and go buy a good quality pipe and a tin can of "My own Blend".. 
As mentioned before I quit smoking over a year ago, but there's no doubt that those two will be the first thing I buy when I turn 70.. 

ill still expect the power cut 

[AHB]

You could get a very fine pibe for $60.. Talk to your local tobacco store and hear what they'll recommend.. My own blend was my favorite, but you ban get all kind of flavours.

[Vladimir]

it first got discovered when columbus came to south africa

South America?

[Lasse Eskildsen]

Sorry I am abit out of of myself today as you might have noticed  I blame it on the lack of nasal snuff 

Thanks AHB, I think I got one at my local center. Else I'm off a trip to copenhagen.

[Benner]

Think I am cool enough to use a Churchwarden?



 

[Lasse Eskildsen]

Dude, with a mustace like that you are cool enough to use anything 

[Benner]

DUUUUDE!  That ain't me!! 

Just an example 

[Lasse Eskildsen]

I kinda asumed so since your profile says you are 25, you still get points for posting mustache though 

[Benner]

Lol thanks. 

If I looked that cool I'd so smoke one of those bad boys. 

[Gareth]

I have been a pipe smoker for quite some time now, and enjoy a good Virginia flake. Usually Samuel Gawith, either full Flake or Navy Flake. I don't care much for flavored tobacco at all. Lately I have been smoking a Virginia and Perique blend.. Blakeney's to be precise.

My favorite pipe is a simple Italian briar billiard ala Bob Dobbs. I find that style easy to pack in a small zippered pouch along with a pipe nail, some tobacco removed from the tin and placed in a Ziploc bag, some pipe cleaners, and a lighter or wooden matches. Flake is especially nice for this as it is compressed into cut sheets almost like stick chewing gum.

I have a number of pipes of different styles, and have smoked everything from meerschaum to corn cob. For those who might be considering switching to a pipe or taking up pipe smoking, I can offer a few bits of helpful information:

1. You will need more than one pipe. Pipes sour if you smoke them too frequently without resting them. A good rule of thumb is to smoke one for the day and then let it rest for a day or more. This allows them to dry out.

2. Don't shy away from corn cob pipes. They have the distinct advantage of being inexpensive. If you were to sour one, or if you are unsure if pipe smoking is for you and you don't wish to invest much in finding out, these are the way to go. Missouri Meerschaum is the brand I would look for. And no, they are obviously not meerschaum stone, it is just the name. They are corn cob. A true meerschaum pipe is what you might invest in if you find a taste for pipe smoking. Corn cob pipes can be had for a few US dollars, and it pays to buy 2 or 3. Even once you decide pipe smoking is for you, you will still find a few corn cob pipes to be invaluable "workhorses" in your rotation. They smoke very well, and allow you to build up a collection for rotation so you can save your best pipes for evenings or weekends or what have you. At least until you get a good collection anyway... but to be honest, I still smoke mine on occasion.

3. Shop estate sales and antique shops for used pipes. Sure, this might sound horrible, but a good pipe is an investment, and frequently you will find very high quality pipes that have seen little if any use. And even those which have been used (depending on the blend the previous owner smoked) can be refurbished. Any decent tobacconist that deals in pipes can refurbish a pipe (clean it, core out the bowl, and polish it up) for very little money. My local shop does this for $10 US. A good way to add a "like new" pipe to your collection, or to gain a lovely vintage model.

4. Start with a simple tobacco. Don't begin with a cheap cherry flavored tobacco or some such thing. Ask the tobacconist what they recommend for a beginner and he/she should ask you some questions about what you expect. These folks are around tobacco every day, know what they are talking about, and are (in my experience) always happy to help.

5. Find a good shop and stick with it. A shop owner/employee who becomes familiar with you is going to be more inclined to help you out, give you advice, offer you deals, and make suggestions that might interest you. They also will frequently let you sample different tobaccos that they enjoy. That's how I came to buy the perique I am currently smoking.

6. This habit is unlikely to cure you of cigarette smoking. A pipe is somewhat inconvenient, and only lends itself to times when you are able to sit and smoke it (or work on something with it clenched in your teeth). A pipe can burn for 30 minutes, and takes some tending and practice. It is not going to work for you if you plan to go outside the bar and have a quick nicotine hit.  It will, however, cure you of huffing down half a pack of cigs in the outdoors, on the campsite, sitting fireside with a few beers, etc. And because you do not inhale, it is a bit easier on the lungs. It will take a while to get nicotine going in your blood though, so as I said.. not a sub for "the hit" unless you have the time to relax and smoke.


There are some truly great things about pipe smoking that I will mention.

It is fairly inexpensive. Unless you really smoke a ton, a tin or two will last you a while.

People have never complained to me about smoking my pipe outdoors, in fact, it is quite the opposite. I have received numerous comments regarding how nice pipe tobacco smells. Even outside, non-smokers will give you a sideways glance when you light up a cigarette. But pipes seem to evoke only pleasant reactions, if any at all. I think this is due to it being seen as quaint and unusual to most folks. Well, that and the pleasant smell.

I do not smoke it indoors, so I can't say anything about reactions there.

The long burn is advantageous in some situations. Sitting beside the campfire is one. Or at an outdoor concert/event. Any place where you would normally be likely to smoke cigarettes one after the other.

There is ritual attached to the process that makes it much more pleasant and involved than ripping open a packet and lighting up. Yes, there is a procedure to it, but that is part of the enjoyment.  By comparison, cigarettes are really not that enjoyable, and begin to look more like "nicotine delivery syringes" than anything else. If you "enjoy smoking" then a pipe will likely really work for you.

Cigar smokers are natural candidates for pipe smoking, as they are used to taking the time to enjoy a long smoke. And the price is much more attractive comparatively. The sheer variety of pipe tobacco available is also a factor that seems to appeal to the cigar aficionado.  You still get to shop for that special smoke, and the options are almost endless. You can purchase different brands for different moods or times of day, even for special occasions..

I still smoke cigs when I drink at bars. I have never been able to shake that alcohol and nicotine pairing. And a pipe in those circumstances just does not work out.

In those cases, I prefer American Spirits in the yellow or black box.

If anyone has a pipe smoking question, I'd be happy to try and answer. 

What a superb post glorn.    I've not smoked a pipe in quite a few years now but that's really got me thinking about where my pipes went (I suspect they're to be found lurking in the back of a drawer or the bottom of a box).  You've really got me thinking about packing a pipe with me next time I go camping, it just seems so appropriate now that you've said it. 

[glorn]

I would love to hear more about pipe smoking, I have considered several times to start in addition to snus, mostly at home or so since you cant just take one quickly and be on the way like you can with a snus. But it sounds awesome, and eventhough its something you indentify with sailors and old people (sorry  ) I think it would fit me eventhough I'm only 16 since I have a somewhat quirky clothing style anyway.

True. I'd say sailors, old people, woodsy old men with yellow stained long beards.. Santa...

 

But this is a recent perception (at least in the US). Pipe smoking here was quite popular until perhaps the eighties. Which coincides with the "smoking kills" campaign.

I think with all the banning of cigarettes going on, a pipe at home in the evening, or outside on the patio at the club/pub/bar is a nice option. We need to get back to enjoying tobacco instead of just self-medicating a chemical dependency with it. I'd love to kick my taste for a cigarette with my beer or liquor.

With you being sixteen, I am somewhat reluctant to encourage you to smoke, but it sounds like nicotine is already in your blood. And of course, I am not your parent... and I myself started with chewing tobacco at 11 and smoking at 15.. So I'll save the sanctimonious BS and just say this...

Smoking is bad for you, please be careful and consider moderation. 

How do you stuff a pipe with tobacco and how often and how do you clean it?

Plenty of people will offer you all manner of complicated methods for putting the tobacco into the bowl of the pipe. Myself, I just shred up the tobacco flake into bits and stuff it in with my thumb until it feels full but not hard. It's a feel thing really. Need some air in there for it to burn. That's all. So it needs to be full, firm, but not too tight. And that depends on the cut of tobacco you choose as well.

It isn't difficult, let's put it that way. As you fill it, consider that you need to easily draw air through it. That's the only real thing to base it on.

When to clean... well... this is not a rule. A pipe will build up what is called cake inside the bowl. Cake prevents the wood of  a briar pipe from burning. It takes some time to build up a good bit of it, but too much and you will need to scrape it out (as the bowl will shrink for being filled with it).

Otherwise, a pipe can be "sweetened" or cleaned (depending on it's condition, a soured pipe may not be salvageable) by packing the bowl with salt and pouring in a high proof spirit (I use a high proof rum). Let this sit for a while.. hours.. I have heard overnight..

Then clean it all out, rinse some more spirit through it, and wipe it down. Let it dry for a few days. Voila!

I have done this with a briar pipe, and it worked well. Knocked the linger of a Latakia blend out of my billiard and left the pipe smoking sweet again.

You should not have to clean your pipe often at all. You can use a buffing wheel to clean the mouthpiece though. Puts a nice polish on it and gets rid of the marks.

Edited to add:

If by cleaning you meant with a pipe cleaner, you should do this each time you smoke it, if you ask me. A pipe will develop moisture in the stem and you'll want to clean that out. After finishing a bowl, send a pipe cleaner through. Easy enough.

How much would a good quality pipe cost? I dont want a bad experience with a bad pipe but if I dont like it I dont want to throw alot of money out either, would 60$ or so buy a alright one?

It could buy you a nice briar and a corn cob, or a nicer briar.  I'd still recommend you buy just a corn cob pipe to start with though. They are so cheap, and they smoke very nicely for the price. Of course I also find them to be extremely cool and unique.

Here is the MM website. Check out the "Country Gentleman" and the "Patriot" and tell me you can't see yourself on a walk in the woods with one. A nice hike into the woods along a trail is a excellent time for a good pipe. Especially if the weather is crisp and you intend to stop at the turn back point and make a cup of tea. What a fine day that is. The sort I dream about.

http://www.corncobpipe.com/

Also, for those who would like a good read on the subject, I find this site to have the best articles on the web about pipe smoking. They also know more than I do, and possibly contradict some of what I have said. Which is fine.

http://pipesmagazine.com/

Lastly, Maxpedition makes a zippered cocoon pouch that makes a perfect pipe kit carrying case. You'll be needing something to keep your smoking kit in after all. 

[glorn]

What a superb post glorn.    I've not smoked a pipe in quite a few years now but that's really got me thinking about where my pipes went (I suspect they're to be found lurking in the back of a drawer or the bottom of a box).  You've really got me thinking about packing a pipe with me next time I go camping, it just seems so appropriate now that you've said it.  (Image removed from quote.)

Thanks! Yes, you absolutely should dig them out! I can't think of a better place than a campsite for a pipe. Be sure to pack some good ale as well. 

[glorn]

Think I am cool enough to use a Churchwarden?
(Image removed from quote.)

 

  Hmmm... yes, I think so. Why not?

I'd say a full sleeve of tats and your young age means you can smoke just about whatever pipe you like and look trendy. I've found a Churchwarden to be nice in terms of keeping the bowl away from your eyes, but otherwise too fussy for me. Hard to clean, hard to transport.. easy to break accidentally. Best for maybe an evening smoke.

But for daily use, I think a man in his twenties needs something with classic looks but clean lines, and a bit of a masculine active look to it.

Like this one:

http://pipesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/1962-dunhill-root-briar.jpg

Or this one:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_VdRB0uNdnpc/SX5vu3O3s_I/AAAAAAAAEH0/IlwiAcaWNdg/Dunhill%20Shell%20Briar%20%283104%29%20%281985%29.jpg

Or maybe something like these:

http://www.glpease.com/Pipes/Collection/Images/ComoyD.jpg


Then get some nice bents for at home or lounging in the outdoors:

http://pipesmagazine.com/files/real-briar-matte-pipe-3.jpg

http://pipesmagazine.com/files/real-briar-rustic-pipe-7.jpg

http://www.sweetgreetingsshildon.co.uk/images/uploads/tobacco/pipes/system-shape-chart-304a.jpg


FYI: None of these pipe images refer to specific brands I like or endorse. I merely looked for certain styles via a Google image search.

I think that the bulldog could be a good looking style for today. Try a Google image search of bulldog briar pipe.

This is a superb example of that style: http://www.glpease.com/Pipes/Collection/Images/DunhillA.jpg

[Benner]

Sod it, I'm gonna give it a go.

Found a good source of Corn cobb pipes, wide range of tobacco's and everything else from filters to cleaning etc.  It's amazing how cheap you can start off.

[Benner]

Ok I've had a good nose and for a pipe, tobacco and everything else needed from cleaning/maintenance to storage to lighting even, I can get the full set up for a grand total of £37.18.  Not bad at all considering that in the good old UK we have to pay through the ass for anything like that.

[Neil]

What you getting from where then Ben?

[Benner]

Well considering that in the last 10 years I have seen two proper tobacconists, one close which is now closed, and one in Norfolk, going to an actual shop is not really an option.

So I found a place online that does Corn Cobb pipes plus tobacco and everything else. 

[glorn]

Give us the URL and I'll see what tobacco they may have that I have tried.