Mark-5,
I too am relatively new at the Pipe. I have several Estate type Pipes and for a new smoker that seems the way to go. Check the various sources for Estate's or even PM me I know some Great places. E-Bay is a crap Shoot. Plus there is always a Sanity issue(Both Cleanliness and Mental issues)
I basicly have Pipes for Aromatics and pipes for English blends. You do not want to mix and match as it Ruins the flavor and muddles the Pipe Permenantly. If You must try before You buy...at least You are not compromising an expensive Pipe in the Process. A possible alternative, Derriffe is a big Fan of the Corn Cob Pipe. They are Cheap and disposable and He say's the flavor is not bad.
But Really, a few modest Pipes, are a reasonable expense if You truly wish to give Pipe Tabac a fair Shake. Of course We are not talking about 20 Pipes, to start with. But most Pipers have a few. Maybe 3 or 4 to start, seriously. At least 2 for Your favorite Style, so You can rest the Pipes. Then One or two for the other style. Most new Smokers do not smoke a Pipe everyday, so That should Do. It takes a bit to get the knack and even then, You still have things to learn. Me for example. When I started, I had a very limited flavor experience and only "liked" a couple of Tabacs. As I progressed and learned that each Tabac has tendancies and Preferences and even different Smoking Paces. My Palate broadened considerably. Point being, I learned "How" to smoke more Flavor from the Pipes And the Tabacco. Multiple Pipes "was" the turning point for Me.
We also have several Incredible Brothers Whom Helped Me Greatly! With Pipes and Tabacco! Tons of Great experience and information to be found amongst Our Brothers.
Sure, I know that later on I'll be looking at investment Quality Pipes, But that's another Growth stage in the Art Of Pipes. It truly is an Art. Not Mearly with the Pipes themselves(Altho Art there Be in them!) and not just in the Blender's Art of consistancy. But, Art in the Smoking!
After All, We've Each ruined a few Bowls of Quality Tabacco by a careless Packing Job or a Rushed Match!
When It All Comes Together correctly, It is A Pleasure and Yes an Art.
At least I feel that way about it.
Good Puffing To Ya, Mark!
slack
