Instead of thread jacking Burs thread I thought I would start a new one for you. I was gonna do it in PM but figured others could chime in here with more info and advice on what works for them. Packing tamping lighting are techniques and what works for one person may not work for another.
Pipe. Start on a cob. I know it's "corny", pun intended, but honestly it is the best beginners pipe. It really doesn't ghost and it's very forgiving to the beginner. Plus if you screw it up, it's cheap, toss it and buy new. Honestly they are a joy to smoke. I keep one or two in my rotation.
Tobacco. One of the best to start on is Carter Hall. It, like the corn cob, is forgiving and as flavor goes it isn't too bad. And i believe its mostly burley. I try to keep it simple. Tobacco blends are more vast than cigar blends. I keep basically 3. Aromatics, Virginias, English blends. Aromatics are cased in flavorings. Virginias can be blended with many others such as burley or periques. Virginias are high in natural sugars which can cause the notorious tongue bite. English blends are blends with Latakia. Once you find a blend you love then chase other blends with the same tobaccos. That's what made it simple for me.
Tools. Soft flame lighter or matches. A torch is too hot and will scorch the tobacco. A tamp. A pipe nail is cheap and good starter. Tamp on one end and scraper on the other. Patience, that's the best tool you can have.
How to pack. Or rather how I pack. They are different ways. I will share what works for me. But I recommend youtubing it to see other methods. I pack in 3s. Fill bowl. Lightly push down with my finger, fill bowl, push down a little harder, fill bowl and push a little harder. I test the draw between each push just to make sure I didn't pack to tight sometimes. There is the Frank method but my big dumb clumsy AZZ needs at least three thumbs to make it work.
Light. I light the tobacco. Kinda a pre light to heat it. The tobacco usually expands from its moisture content. After some ash starts forming I tamp it all down then relight. That's when I get my really good embers. I gently tamp as I smoke thru the bowl occasionally have a relight but not so much anymore.
Don't worry about breaking in your pipe just pack it and smoke it. Don't worry about how many times you light. Just enjoy it. I have many more pointers but this should get u started.
Now I put this in the trade section cuz i have an offer. I have to do a n00b pipe box up for a n00b pipe trade thread I run on another forum anyway for a guy so if your interested I can make one up for you also. I just ask you be patient cuz I'm working so much I'm running kinda slow on getting my boxes out.
So wanna trade?
