Best Of

Fast approaching my one year mark of ‘seriously’ entertaining this pipe tobacco journey. Thought I would share a few more things I’ve learned to date. In no particular order.

1 Ribbon and shag have been the easiest to learn how to properly burn and enjoy tobacco.
2 Flake, cake, rope and to some extent cube cuts are more of a challenge when it comes to packing and burning properly. These are still a work in progress.
3 I enjoy smoking in the mornings more than any other time in the day/night.
4 Having knowledgeable mentors is extremely helpful and valuable. I appreciate mine.
5 Reading and researching is great but actual boots on the ground personal experimentation is where the knowledge and experience really comes from.
6 What you think you like will likely change as your palate develops.
7 Pipe shapes you think you like will likely change as feel, weight, length, aesthetics, etc play into your overall experience.
8 Just like cigars the piping (pipes, tobacco, tools, odds & ends, etc) rabbit hole is real.
9 Resist pipe acquisition disorder in the beginning. See #7 above.
10 Find others (forums members, clubs, etc to trade with and learn from.
11 When you find tobaccos you really enjoy buy more than you think you need. Never know when it may become unavailable. Also, buy more so you can trade or simply bless someone.
12 Don’t be a lazy pipe cleaner. Clean your pipes. Don’t wait. Clean your pipes. After all, you invested in your smoking tools.
13 Properly store and label your tobacco. Again, an investment.
14 High dollar pipes don’t necessarily smoke better than cheaper options. This is subjective of course. My humble opinion.
15 Enjoy the learning process and experience. This is what makes this hobby personal for you.

With that thanks to the following for helping, supplying and providing knowledge and guidance in this wonderful hobby.

@Hawks @Rdp77 @Stubble @Amos_Umwhat @Yakster @rsherman24 @Vision @ShawnOL @silvermouse