I finished up sooner than I thought I would. Here is Part II.
Please note that this is just a basic overview. For a more detailed overview, see this website:
http://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Main_Page
(some information from this thread is taken from this website)
Also,
http://smokersforums.co.uk/ is a great pipe forum, and everyone there is very knowledgeable and generous. Sign up, introduce yourself, and ask a few questions.
Part II: Types of Pipes, Buying a Pipe
Types of Pipes
There are three main materials pipes are made from: Briar, Meerschaum, and Corncob.
Briar
Briar is by far the main material for making pipes today. Briar is a hard wood. Pipes are made from the root of the briar plant. It is hard enough to be able to resist the intense heat of a burning pipe, and it is somewhat absorbent, so there won't always be a sloppy mess at the bottom of the pipe (although there might be). Other woods can be used to make pipes, but briar has all the necessary elements for a good pipes, so other woods aren't as common.
Meerschaum
Meerschaum is a hard clay found around Greece and Turkey. It is very malleable, which makes it able to be carved into different shapes like heads and faces (see here:
http://pipesandcigars.com/bemepi.html) These pipes are incredibly absorbent, but very fragile. They start off white, but as the tobacco juices seep into the bowl, they can turn a deep red or brown. These are usually more expensive.
Corncob
A corncob pipe is one of the cheapest pipes available. It is made from, you guessed it, the cob of an ear of corn. This makes it nearly as absorbent as meerschaum, but much cheaper. It also limits the bowl size to very small.
Choosing a Pipe
First Time Buyers
When buying a first pipe, there are many things to consider. For the sake of brevity and simplicity, I think that two categories can be established: those with a history of smoking, and those without. I will offer advice (note: opinion, not fact) for each category.
No Smoking History
If you have never smoked (tobacco) before, or have a very limited experience (with cigarettes or cigars, for instance), taking up the pipe is a risky venture. There is no telling what you will think when you first light up your pipe. For one thing, smoking a pipe involves taking in the smoke of burning plant matter into your mouth (not your lungs!). This is not for everyone. Another reason that pipe smoking is risky is because it is hard! You have to learn the best way (for you) to pack your pipe, light your pipe, tamp your pipe, finish your pipe, and rest your pipe. The first two steps are the hardest. Throwing tobacco in might work for some, but the majority of us have to establish some kind of system until we get used to it. The first few times you smoke can by a very frustrating experience. I remember one night sitting on a bench with somewhere around 15 matches around me, with nary a puff to show for the effort.
For these reasons, I would advise someone in this category to start with the most inexpensive pipe they can stand. I would say "Start with a corncob," but not everyone can do this (I'll explain later). This way, you can make a minimal investment, try it out for a few weeks and decide if you like it or not. If you do, go ahead and smoke that inexpensive pipe, or upgrade if you feel comfortable. If not, however, you haven't spent 50 or 100 bucks on a smelly paperweight.
Inexpensive Pipes:
The cheapest pipe you can buy is a corncob. Most cost from $2-$5, and the most expensive one I ever saw was $25, for a special display cob. They smoke great, and will give you a great introduction into the world of pipe smoking. This is my recommendation for all wanting to try pipe smoking.
HOWEVER,
Not everyone can do this. Like me. I started off with a briar pipe that cost me $35. I received the advice to start off with a cob, but I couldn't see myself smoking one (I thought they looked dumb), so I went ahead and bought a briar. Luckily I stuck with it, but it was risky. If you are like I was, go ahead and buy a cheap briar. But be careful, because not all cheap briar pipes are going smoke as well as a nice cob.
Another option is to find someone who has smoked pipes before and see if they will lend you one of their pipes (of any material). This will give you the opportunity to try smoking for free, and you also have the benefit of having a knowledgeable person to help you with the hard stuff. Most BOB (brothers of the briar) are happy to help out a new pipe smoker, as we have grown few and far between. I have given out some of my lesser used pipes to friends, and have received a few as well.
Smoking History
This category is easier. If you have a history of smoking, and know that you enjoy the habit, you have a distinct advantage. You don't need to experience smoking. However, there is still some risk, as smoking a pipe is much harder than smoking a cigarette, and more difficult than smoking a cigar (for the aforementioned reasons). If you fall into this category and think you have the gumption to follow through, go ahead and buy a nice mid level pipe. Some good brands are: Peterson, Stanwell, Savinelli, Wessex, Bjarne, and many many others. Be sure to find one that has a good reputation. Ask around, see what others think of them. Find a company that makes shapes you like. Some specialize in classic shapes (Peterson, Wessex, Savinelli), others make for freeform shapes (Stanwell and Bjarne). But make a good investment, since pipes of this quality can last a lifetime. The bottom line is (much like with clothes) find something that is good quality, but buy something that you like. I would recommend starting with a briar pipe, but you can get a meer if you know you like those. You can also start with a cob. Who knows, you might start collecting them (which would be much cheaper than collecting briars or meers).
Thus ends Part II. Part III will be about different tobacco types, and choosing your first tobacco.
Conor
