Hi All,
Posted a longer intro in the new inmates section but thought I's drop a note here. I'm posted at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan for a few months. There is a thriving cigar culture here but I can't seem to enjoy them so I ordered a pipe "starter kit" (http://www.cupojoes.com/cgi-bin/spgm...KW&item=pmag59) . Looks like there are a few threads on starter tobacco but thought I'd wait until I at least start on the sampler pack that comes with the set. After reading more, I'm starting to think I should have gone for a better quality pipe but we'll see how it works out. Looking forward to learning more.
Mark
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A basket pipe is generally fine to start with. What I would advise is a couple of cobs for rotation and more open smoking. As far as starter tobaccos? Dunhill EMP and Escudo are famous for a reason. Also, don't discount Prince Albert and Carter Hall. There was a time in the beginning that I thought these were "ghetto" tobaccos, but they're really excellent to start with and occasionally smoke forever. Plus, they won't dessicate in the desert. Enjoy your journey! :-)

Oh, and Thank you for your service!!!:-)
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Welcome, Mark! I too thank you for your service to our country and people around the world who simply want a safe place to raise their family and provide for them.
I started getting into pipes (from cigars) because of the seemingly endless choices in tobacco styles. There's always something different to smoke if I'm not having luck finding what I enjoy right away - so give it some time. Be patient and enjoy practicing filling, lighting, tamping, and of course smoking your pipe!
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