mmc (12/15/82)
#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