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Question about nose warmer pipes

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Pipe noob here,
I absolutely love the nose warmer style of pipes.
I was wondering if they are good smokers? Also, what do you consider to be a good brand that makes that style, and what are the typical prices?

Ones that come to mind for me that I absolutely love are the Big Ben Pipo and the Big Ben Ranger.

Thanks!
 

cgraunke

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Not the best to start on.
Hard to see what you're doing while lighting and tending/tamping.
Minimal smoke travel distance means it can't cool as long and you're much more prone to burning your tongue.
But, if you're patient and persistent, you'll do fine.
I would say start with a couple cobs, full size, not the minis. Try a bent and a straight. See how you take to it. They're really great smokers, just buy a genuine Missouri Meerschaum and not some cheap Chinese junk.
Oh, and sign up for the pipe newbie sampler trade!
 
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cgraunke

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I was in a rush to buy briar, too, and bought some just because they were cheap enough, not because I really was drawn to them. Now I wish I would have just worked the cobs for a couple months and saved up for briar I really wanted. That said, I have the Big Ben Ranger I got off cbid dirt cheap, and I like the pipe!
If you buy there, check the sloppymcnubble pricing history site so you know where to curb your bids...
 
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I would echo this sentiment for getting a rotation with a few cobs first, they're more forgiving and a much better value when you're starting out as a briar is more likely to give you issues
This!!!!^^^^^ when I started I brought a cheap briar, big mistake! It would gurgle every time no matter what I did. I recommend getting 2 or 3 cobs, will cost you less than $20. They always smoke dry and are very forgiving. I love my cobs!
 
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I'd recommend getting a Missouri Meershaum Corn Cob pipe. I started with a Dr. Grabow pipe for $20 from Rite Aid, then went after that with a Savinelli Spring pipe and moved up from there. I got the cob pipe in the BOTL newbie pipe trade and now it's a part of my rotation. And it's a badass one for sure. Save your money and don't jump into the bigger and more expensive pipes yet.
 

cgraunke

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I smoked my Ranger today because of this thread, but I think now I want to hit up my cobs! If you want to make a solid investment, pick up a Forever Stem from Walker Briar Works. For around twenty bucks you turn your $7 cob in to a something that feels more like an $80 briar. You can move it from cob to cob if you burn out a bowl, a lifetime investment, and you can sell it off close to retail if you find out the pipe isn't for you.
 
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Not the best to start on.
Hard to see what you're doing while lighting and tending/tamping.
Minimal smoke travel distance means it can't cool as long and you're much more prone to burning your tongue.
But, if you're patient and persistent, you'll do fine.
I would say start with a couple cobs, full size, not the minis. Try a bent and a straight. See how you take to it. They're really great smokers, just buy a genuine Missouri Meerschaum and not some cheap Chinese junk.
Oh, and sign up for the pipe newbie sampler trade!
Nailed it @cgraunke
 
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Well... I think all the advice that has been given is gold - Given by men who have "been there. " The only thing that gives me pause is this:

Pipe noob here,
I absolutely love the nose warmer style of pipes.
!
Though a nose warmer might not be the "best way" to start - it might be the best way for you to start. Why do I say that? Because a big part of this hobby is loving the tools you are using. I mean ultimately, or rather eventually, you may never care what pipe you are smoking through, so long as it makes the tobacco taste good... but becoming a purist takes a while, so loving on your pipe helps lol.

I started with nose warmers. Actually - with the exception of one pipe which is still borderline, all my pipes are nose warmers. I am not at the point yet where I want a larger pipe.

Do my pipes burn hot? Sure. Especially if I am smoking quickly. But I'll take the heat to get the size :).

I like the Savinelli Lolita line - they come in different bowl depths and you can put a filter in it if you care too. Mine smokes great!!

All I am saying is - if you really love the small pipes, get one. That love could translate into staying power.
 
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