From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!zeppo!mmc
Newsgroups: net.general
Title: Re: Request for pipe info - the smoking - (nf)
Article-I.D.: zeppo.425
Posted: Wed Dec 15 09:40:29 1982
Received: Fri Dec 17 01:56:24 1982

#R:otuxa:-16700:zeppo:7900003:000:1472
zeppo!mmc    Dec 15 09:34:00 1982

For the beginning pipe-smoker, the following recommendation:

	DON'T.

If you choose to disregard this suggestion, I offer the following
suggestions based on 20 years of pipe-smoking:

	I personally tend to avoid pipes with "hard"
	finishes (paint, lacquer, or varnish) or
	dark stains.  My own preference is for "natural",
	wax, or oil-finished pipes.  The open grain
	tends to help in the break-in process, and the
	smoke seems softer.  I have a few sandblasted pipes;
	I don't smoke them much.

	Brands are irrelevant.  I avoid pipes with filters
	or metal inserts (this eliminates brands like
	Kaywoodie or Medeco).  I buy pipes from a tobacconist
	rather than from drug-stores; specialists have a
	better selection.

	"Seconds" smoke just fine, and are cheaper than
	first quality pipes.  Above about $5-$10, you are
	paying for appearance.

	Get a pipe with relatively thick walls and a bowl
	deeper than it is wide.  Pre-smoked or carbonized
	bowls don't seem to make any difference for breaking
	in.  Get a pipe that balances well from the tip of
	the stem; avoid really bizarre shapes, and choose
	a pipe of reasonable size.

	Have at least two pipes, and alternate them.

	For the sake of peace and friendship, choose a relatively
	non-aromatic, neutral-smelling brand of tobacco for
	smoking in company.  I like Amphora (brown package) or
	Sail (Yellow or White package).  Experiment with more
	robust or smelly tobaccos in private.

		Mark Chodrow
		zeppo!mmc