Hey folks

I've got two pipes: a cheap falcon bent-stem (my first pipe, which inevitably smokes wet - probably why I don't use it much), and a churchwarden (made in czechoslavakia, bought in Florida). The churchwarden smokes pretty well, although I took the metal 'filter' out of the stem, which improved the issue of condensation forming in the bowl.

I intend to buy another soon, to commemorate my immigration to the USA (my churchwarden was purchased to commemorate my first visit to the US), and have my eye on a merschaum pipe from a vendor in a small town in NC.

As for tobacco, I prefer mild aromatics (not artificially flavoured) that have a 'fruity' smell to them. Currently I'm smoking the "blue ridge blend" from the aforementioned vendor. I'll admit to a) not knowing the specifics of the tobaccos in that blend and b) frequently committing the 'crime' of putting different tobacco types into the same pipe.

Like several others here, I only smoke occasionally - maybe once or twice a month. It's an indulgence, more than an addiction. A pipe, a drink (coffee, tea, or something "stronger") and a few minutes to myself. Since both my pipes have relatively small bowls, my pipes only burn for 10 mins or so before I've gone thru the lot...but that's fine with me.

When I eventually find full-time employment, I'll have to indulge in my vices a bit more: another pipe, and another kilt!

cheers

Hachiman