P.A.D.

[JiveTurkey]

Yesterday, I bought my first pipe, an inexpensive Italian-made H.I.S. briar from the local B&M. It was just what I was looking for, something between a straight and bent, balances upright on the table, and a dark red/brown.

Also picked up an ounce of bulk Samuel Gawith Bown Virginia. The tobacconist tried to sway me toward the aromatics since I hadn't pipe-smoked before, but I went for a more natural flavored tobacco in lieu of added sweetness/flavor.

First smoke, so I only filled it half-way. This was more of an experimental smoke to start getting some technique. Got to experience some of the bads: tamped too tightly, gurgling, tongue-bite, frequent re-lighting.

The tobacco was good. At first it tasted a bit too much like a cigarette, but it mellowed and took on a fuller, more-cigar like taste. I'd like to look into other non-aromatics that have a natural sweetness like a good maduro cigar.

Here are some pics:

[cigarsarge]

One more for the herd...It's an un-smoked Tracy Mincer "The Doodler". It's an interesting odd pipe. It has cooling holes bored in the rim of the bowl and is pretty large and chunky. That particular pipe is supposed to be a real nice smoker. It dates back to the late 50's or early 60's.

[ashauler]

A Kawoodie billiard, like this one: http://www.grayfoxonline.com/shape07.html
Starting the cleaning and sanitizing processes and hope to smoke it fairly soon. It has some damage, but should be good enough to smoke and a great primer for cleaning and sanitizing.

[WinstonSpencer]

My first briar. A Savinelli natural panel billiard. I'm diggin' it so far.

SavinelliNatLuc by birdhouse118, on Flickr

[cigarsarge]

Just picked up this Dr. Grabow Viking with three bowls for a song...