Hello! From a newbie pipe smoker.

EAM · Hello! From a newbie pipe smoker.

I just wanted to take a minute to say hello and introduce myself.

I've lurked on these forums for a few days now and finally decided to join. I became a newbie pipe smoker when I decided to quit smoking cigarettes once and for all. I started by switching to cheap cigars the likes of which you find at 7-11. Too much like a cigarette, I was inhaling them and I could tell they were doing twice as much harm as the cigarettes were.

Well, one night I was browsing around ebay like I usually do, fiending for a cigarette when I remembered that a friend of mine in high school used to smoke a pipe and how much grief we used to give him for doing so. My friends and I in all our infinite high schooler wisdom thought smoking a pipe was only something old farmers did, so we poked fun. So I started thinking about it and a light bulb came on. I'll try smoking a pipe!

The next day I made a trip down to the local tobacconist and walked away with a couple Missouri Meerschaum Cob's, a czech pipe tool and a couple ounces of their best selling house blend aromatic tobacco. I've been hooked every since!

It took a while to learn how to properly pack a bowl. I'm still perfecting that art. I also at first smoked my cob like a cigarette. It burned hot, bit my tongue on many occasions, needless to say it took me a little while to slow down and enjoy the taste and sensations of smoking a pipe...and most importantly, the calm and clarity it provides.

I suppose I should explain why I registered here. I've been smoking my cob pipes and I enjoy them a lot but I think it's time to move on to a briar pipe. I've done lots of research. Looked at all the different brands and styles available, and since I don't have lots of money to put into this hobby I stumbled across Dr. Grabow pipes. So far from what I have found they are inexpensive and smoke really well. Just what I am looking for. The history of the "Drugstore" pipe kind of fascinates me as well. I think I've decided my first Dr. Grabow is going to be a "Omega" as I quite prefer bent pipes to straights.

I hope it arrives soon and I'm sure my first Grabow wont be my last! I look forward to chatting with you all!

~Eric

steverino

Hi Eric, welcome to the forum. I'm glad to hear you've joined the ranks of pipedom. I have some Omegas and they smoke really well, I hope you enjoy yours. In fact, I think most Dr. Grabow models are very serviceable pipes and some are excellent pipes. I hope this will be your experience. Enjoy.

Sir Duke

Welcome Eric,

Well said. Put on your farmer jeans, put down the pitch fork and welcome to the world of pipesmoking. Its so different for everyone.. is what makes it fun to join a group.

I think Dr. G's are THE place to start, and in my case finish (I've bout unloaded all my more expensive pipes) Read the forum... smokum and you'll see why.

They are oddly collectable (not in the sense of they'll appreciate monetarily, nut in the sense that while your saving your money, you'll appreciate them.

I once read some j@ck@ss say the Dr. Grabows actually turned away more pipesmokers than they generated. Hogwash I tell ya! Serioulsy, its about the dumbest pipestatement Ive ever heard. Now I;m not judgemental or abything, and I'm open minded indeed... but something tells me you'll get hooked (in a good way.)

SOME of us here are old farts. I anin't namin names, and I aint no spring chicken, but its good to see someone younger taking up the tradition!

BTW, nice dog!

Tom

drbridges

Welcome, Eric. I hope after you have learned to enjoy real tobacco in a pipe, you won't find cigarettes appealing.

If you find the Omega's mouthpiece difficult, look around here. I have modified mine for a more comfortable grip, and the pictures are posted here somewhere.

ted

Welcome Eric.....Glad to have you with us...ted

Terry292

Welcome, Eric. Dr G's are a great place to start, as others have said, and to stay, if you want. I started about 42 years ago with a Dr Grabow Duke Bent Apple and a flip-top can of Sir Walter Regular. And, I smoked them for years before I knew there were other pipes out there. Since I've joined this forum, I've migrated back somewhat to the Dr G's, simply because of the enthusiasm so many members have for them. I had 4 when I started here; now I'm up to around 20, or so, and the number keeps growing.

When you have questions, don't hesitate to ask, about Dr Grabows, or any aspect of pipe smoking. Somebody here will be able to answer them. I think you will find pipe smoking is a pasttime that grows on you with each passing bowlful.

Smoke in peace,
Terry

Sir Duke

EAM · Thanks for all the welcomes!

Well, I still haven't received my Omega yet. But while at the local CVS pharmacy I noticed they had a few Dr. Grabow pipes available to my surprise. I picked up a Savoy and I have to say that I love it compared to my cobs. It smokes well I enjoy it!

I think I have the pipe collecting bug already. I'm going to have to start a regular rotation of briars. Wink

~Eric

drbridges

Do you do Facebook, Eric?

EAM

drbridges

Eric, Sir Duke has started a sister DG Forum on FaceBook and he is looking for someone to kind of oversee it. Many of us here are from the wrong generation to be familiar with FaceBook.

EAM

Colt

Hello, and welcome Eric. I've only been a part of this forum for a week or so, but a pipe smoker, mostly D.G's, for many years. I am one of those who find the mouth piece on the Omega uncomfortable. Also prefer the bent stems, I guess my favorite is the Royal Duke.

gillywalker

Hey is that Les Paul and a Guild in your profile picture? I'm a guitarist as well.

EAM

gillywalker

EAM

gillywalker

EAM

EAM

I checked out your myspace links. Reluctant Aquanauts has that Dick Dale - Misirlou`esque sound. Nice. Smile

Sir Duke

Listening to The Stacks now. Love it.
Play the Blues in Chicago, "Its the Law"

Hello! From a newbie pipe smoker.

Thanks for all the welcomes!