Tobacco Pipes for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started

In my tobacco shop I often run into new faces eager to start smoking tobacco pipe and embark on a journey of no return to the world of slow smoking.

Those approaching the tobacco pipe, having little knowledge of this fascinating artifact, tend to rely on me for the choice and purchase of their first.

In my 30 years of experience as a tobacconist and, first and foremost, as a tobacco pipe enthusiast, I have become familiar with the characteristics that can facilitate a beginner.

But none of these characteristics is more decisive than the personal taste of the buyer, who absolutely must follow his instincts and choose the tobacco pipe he likes best.

The tobacco pipe is a personal object, reflecting the smoker's personality with its design, and this should never take a back seat.

Moreover, those who know me well know how I often tend to say to those intent on choosing their first tobacco pipe:

"It is the tobacco pipe that chooses the smoker, not the other way around!"

That being said, here are some tips for choosing your first tobacco pipe.

How to choose your first tobacco pipe

The first piece of advice for a beginner is to prefer a straight tobacco pipe rather than a curved or semi-curved one, perhaps of medium size, because it reduces the formation of condensation.

Condensation formation is a rather common phenomenon when one first starts smoking because one has not yet mastered proper smoking technique.

The puffs must be of medium frequency and low intensity, otherwise it is very easy to create condensation, which not only makes smoking more difficult but also negatively alters the taste of the tobacco.

Bents require a little more attention in smoking and are more likely to create condensation, unlike a straight one.

That said, one shape that I would rule out is the "Full Bent," which is the most curved shape ever, but that doesn't take away from the fact that you can start with it if you were particularly fascinated by it.

What material should the first tobacco pipe be made of?

In terms of material, I would opt for a classic briar tobacco pipe.

I would definitely avoid a corn cob one because it needs the proper resting times. The corn cob tobacco pipe is more fragile and, smoking only this one, you will risk breaking it in a short time.

Meerschaum and Bog-Oak pipes have the characteristic of being "aseptic," so they do not affect in any way the taste of the smoke, which will depend solely on the characteristics of the tobacco. Added to this is that the former, being made of sepiolite, can break when they fall.

Which brand for the first tobacco pipe?

If you are looking for brands with an excellent value for money, I can recommend Stanwell, Savinelli, Brebbia, Vauen and Santambrogio.

I am talking about brands with a certain history, which certainly do not go unnoticed and have been giving enthusiasts fantastic and timeless designs for many years.

Alternatively, if you want a more complete solution, you could choose starter kits, such as Vauen's Starter Set, which you can purchase here.

This kit includes a straight, semi-curved or curved tobcco pipe (you can choose from these 3 options), and everything you need to get started, so pipe tamper, pipe tool, pipe cleaners, matches, filter and reducer (in case you don't want to use the filter).