The Importance of Finding Favorites
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- Опубліковано 18 жов 2024
- Just a little Sunday night visit, and a discussion on the benefits of finding (and sticking with) your favorites in pipe smoking.
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• Happy Autumn!
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www.hobbynothabit.blog
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And as always, Many Happy Puffs My Friends.
Thank you for your video. I was a new pipe smoker and right away loved half and half. I watched many videos and tried a lot of different tobaccos but was getting aggravated that I didn't like the expensive tobaccos.i got so upset I quit all together. I saw my box of pipes and old tobaccos sitting in my closet a few months ago and decided to try again. I stuffed the pipe with half and half and boy was it good ( was in a Ball jar since 2019). Well since then I just consider myself a Half and Half pipe smoker and just sample other tobaccos. I ordered an oz of 20 different types. If I like a few fine, if not, fine I'll stick with Half and Half. But I agree with you thoughts on choosing tobaccos. I almost never smoked again because I THOUGHT I had to like a "premium" blend or many blends. I did find a few that I liked but nothing is even close to Half And Half for me.
Your comment made my day, thank you. I think if more pipe smokers allowed themselves an honest look at things, and gave themselves, their pipes, and their tobaccos the time and practice they should... they'd find a simple truth they've all been missing and sincerely enjoy themselves and a warm bowl of tobacco so much more. Smoking a pipe is a fundamentally simple pastime and pleasure. Most of the complications imposed on it are by people who have something to prove or something to sell.
You get it pal... and are free to enjoy a pipe the old-fashioned way. No stress. No pressure, no pretense... just the comfort of a warm pipe and a favorite blend.
Much nicer this way, isn't it?
Don’t feel bad I’ve got a really nice Savinelli and some fancy tobacco but I prefer my Dr. Grabows and classic otc American burleys hell be happy you like “simple” things it’s cheaper
Bar none, Half n Half is my absolute favorite. It has such a beautiful and delicate flavor. You can't beat the retrohale with it. All around, it is my go to blend. I think it is some of the best of what pipe smoking has to offer (for me!).
What a wonderful video. I went through a phase where I was trying new tobacco after new tobacco but I found I really just love the old codger blends. My favorite is Prince Albert but lately I have Velvet coming in strong as a new 2nd favorite of mine.
I was pretty happy recently. I found a really beaten up dunhill at an antique store that's cracked. Well, there's no way i'll ever be able to find a dunhill in decent condition so it suits me very well! I'll send it off to have the stem fixed, the briar crack filled with briardust glue and restained. It's always great to hear from you.
That's a wonderful find, and the story that comes with that pipe will make it mean more to you than many new Dunhills will mean to the guys who pay for them off the shelf! You can take pride in bringing that old soldier back into service, and hear his war stories with every bowl! An old, cracked pipe lovingly restored and enjoyed to its fullest is worth more than a new one ever will be!
Your home looks very cozy and comfortable! Looking forward to seeing the new remodel when it’s all done!
Thank you so much! It's important to Mrs. Codger and I that our be warm and welcoming! I'm plugging away at the the basement project, but going into my busiest time of year with work will probably keep progress on the slower side... but there's always the rest of the house in the meantime!
So happy to see your videos up again.
Thank you! Please enjoy!
Thanks for the video, Codger. I especially appreciate your remarks about “keeping up with the Jones...”
Thank you Jeff! I missed your remarks! Glad to see you bud!
Thank you much Ben!! Great video and thank you for having a smoke with me.
My pleasure Brian! Thank you!
Wow...I went looking for that book. On Amazon for $300. Some other place I found it for $120 and a third place $156. You good sir have a real collector's item.
I just re-watched this and the message was even better the 2nd time around. Thanks for the great content!
Thanks Greg! I'm glad you liked it!
Ahhh.... Very nice video. I'm a pipe smoking infant!! Pipe smoking just happens to fit in with every other thing I do in life! Unfortunately....I smoked cigs for 30 years. Maybe that's why I "get it". I can see it only gets better. I had a desire to try everything. Now....I'm learning what I really enjoy. And I'm about to enjoy some Lane Black Raspberry in my Peterson Dracula and watch my new Dark Shadows box set tonight!! Haha!
Thanks for a great video. Have a fantastic week. You get style points all day.
As a former cigarette smoker myself, I can say that I think you're right buddy!
Thank you and all the best!
Thank you for a great video, Ben. So glad to see some of your videos again.
Thank you very much! I'm glad there are still a few of you guys out there who enjoy them!
I agree with you, in the end, it's for enjoyment, and it's unique for everybody
Whatever shape it takes for folks... it shouldn't be stressful! Thank you!
I enjoy your talks..ie your "pipe philosophy "...it settles me with the tobaccos and present pipes...Will relax and enjoy😁
That is the whole point sir! Relax and Enjoy! 😁
I agree with you about the the 8deco bamboo tamper Ben. On top of being affordable, it's also extremely light and compact for those of use who like to walk with a pipe. Furthermore, it's perfectly shaped to empty your bowl or loosen some ashes.
To me, smoking your favorite blend in your favorite pipe or the pipe you own that is best suited for it is like spending an hour with an old friend. You don't even need to think about it, the energy simply flows naturally and the magic operates time after time. Getting there does requires time and experimenting and keeping a journal has really helped me over the years to match certain pipes with certain blends to the point that I now often automatically reach for a certain pipe when I pick a blend.
And the system you have built is part of it too! Comfort in the ritual, and the familiarity with your pipes and tobaccos!
Exactly Christian! Thank you!
And those 8Decco bamboo tampers are thr BEST for scraping out the ash and dottle, the bamboo is soft enough not to gouge a well-built cake! I really do love those tampers!
Great to see you on, A.C.. Bummer to hear about the leak downstairs, but I'm really stoked for hearing about those other hobbies of yours! I love seeing vintage things restored to years of use today. I love old clocks, and typewriters as well. Guaranteed, I'll be watching when you get 2.0 up and running!
Already in the works! All ripped out, and the new electrical schematic and shopping list is done! We're off and running! ...but I'm a slow runner. 😅
Mixture #79 has been in my “favorites” category lately! Been really enjoying it a lot this time of year especially. Excellent video man! Happy puffs! 💨 💨
Thanks Eric! It's been one of mine for many years and it's great! But I don't need to tell you that. HAPPY PUFFS BUDDY!
You’re awesome man! Really like your insights and simplicity. You keep it real👍🏼
Appreciate that! It isn't a complicated thing, but you know people... 😉 They can't just let a good thing be a good thing.
Classic Codger here, no better and wiser knowledge to bestow upon our community. I too have played the field but always come back to my handful of favorites. Thank you neighbor to the north!
Thank you Chico, my neighbor to the south! I don't want to discourage folks from trying out new tobaccos or getting a new pipe... but I want to remove the misconception that acquiring those things is the point of pipe smoking. The only required point of pipe smoking is smoking a pipe!
The Artful Codger I feel all the same, we all have a choice and passion. But at its core, smoking a pipe is the point and start of it all. Enjoy what you like but keep in mind its pipe smoking.
@@coffeecan7440 Yes. Sir. 😎
Always enjoy a drop-in from The Artful Codger! Glad you're deciding to keep making regular appearances. The cockles are always warmed by your Golden Age of Radio approach...
Warming cockles is its own reward! Lol! Thank you so much!
Nice one, nice to see right before bedtime. Perfectly timed👍
Haha... thank you Jody! Like a warm glass of milk! 🥛🌜
Your home looks sooo good... old... American......comfortable! If there were a town of Codgerville, everybody would want to live there! Thanks again for a great video with great wisdom as only you can do Lt. 😊 Favourite pipes and tobaccos are like wives and sweethearts, except...in pipe smoking its great when they meet!😉
Absolutely! A wife and a girlfriend that work together to keep you happy! What a naughty but perfect way to phrase it! Thank you so much!
I just discovered you channel and I must say, I love it. In this posting, you said so much with such and so true. "Don't try to keep up with the Jones's" Learn to love what you have, instead of chasing what looks like the next best tobacco blend or pipe.
Thank you Felix! I'm glad it fell on some agreeable eyes!
Well said sir. Lot of great wisdom given. Great food for thought. Thank you.
Another great video and some great advice. Thanks so much, and keep ‘em coming. Your videos are a great asset to the community! Also, good luck on your renovation. Hope to see your new area soon.
Thank you so much, you're very kind! I'm looking forward to it too!
Thank you for the thoughtful commentary. I have a brother in law who restores old tube radios. He gifted me one and I purchased an am transmitter to broadcast old radio shows to it. I'm in year two of my pipe smoking adventure. Just realized recently that I was chasing too many blends and not getting to know one well. Will take your advice.
Thank you for watching Bob! Your brother almost certainly knows more than I do, but it's great that others are interested! Be sure to stop back and tell me how your experience goes settling down with your tobaccos more!
You made a great point! one of the main reason i love Prince Albert is because i know what I'm getting every time! there's something to be said for consistency!
Absolutely! I believe the only tobaccos worth buying twice are the ones that deliver what's expected consistently. Trying to make them too many things at once just makes a mess.
@@theartfulcodger Well said, sir! I really couldn't agree more. sometimes keeping things simple is the way to go!! that's why PA will always be one of my all-time favorites, it really sparked my love burley blends! anyway I hope you had a good Christmas!! and keep on piping!!
Hello my friend 😃👏🏻😃👏🏻I'm always glad to see another video from you...I can't wait to see the new Codgerville 2.0....I'm catching up on videos just got home from New Hampshire and I visited an old classic train station and I think you would have loved it brother....the train car we had was 100 years old..I thought of you brother 👍.....I agree with having favorites....I definitely do....I hope things are going well for you brother 👍🏻 😁 👏🏻 take care Ben and thanks for all you do
Thank you so much Brad! I probably would have loved that! Thank you for watching and thinking of me! All the very best and many happy puffs my friend!
Such a deep and awesome video...you answered all my questions and concerns that I’ve been having for quite some time. Thank you. I will stick with what I have and enjoy every step of the way!
You've got it! And thank you! Relax. Enjoy. And be content with the experience. No one out there, regardless of pipe or tobacco in it has access to more enjoyment of pipe smoking than you do right now. Enjoy your smoke, all the rest is just embellishment and preference!
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comment!
@@lonedisciple8053 Always a pleasure to reply, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!
I’m watching your video again. And I just remembered that years ago, I was on the phone with JM Boswell, and I was ordering many samples of tobacco- this was before you could ordered directly from their website and you either had to email them or call them to order. He told me that my problem was that I was not taking my time with the blends that I had. I was jumping from one blend to another without getting to know the blend. He said that the best way of enjoying the blend was to stick to a certain blend for a while, just like you said instead of jumping from one to another. But back then (7-8 years ago) I felt I was competing with other people on UA-cam in trying to have a big tobacco cellar. I’m 38 years old now, I’m getting to a place in my life where I want to settle down with my pipes
and tobacco, and I don’t want to complicate this way of life. Rather, I want to enjoy it. At a moment, it was becoming stressful due to the many pipes and tobaccos I had. What do I really like? That was my question. I’m still trying to figure out my weekly rotation because I want to try other blends all the time. So I’m gonna stick with what I have like you said and like Mr Boswell said years ago and enjoy every pipe and every tobacco I have and take my time with it. I still have to try Velvet though...Love your music. Can you send me some titles? Especially the organ music.
@@lonedisciple8053 Believe me, I know exactly what you mean. My story was very much the same. And you know what's weird, in my case anyway... I was also a cigarette smoker. I always smoked Camels and Chesterfields. They gave me comfort and familiarity. But when it came to my pipe? For 15 years I scrambled, dabbled, and competed to have and try so much (but I was still never sure what I wanted)... then one day it clicked. I had gotten the same advice Mr. Boswell gave you from my local tobacconist named Ray many years before, never listened. But when I realized I had counted on cigarettes for consistent flavor and experience all that time and I could have done it with my pipe instead. So I did. Stuck with a smooth, mellow tobacco I didn't have to fuss or worry over. Quit cigarettes, and I still get to "have my brand" and the pleasure is totally in the smoking, not the chasing, buying, competing, and trying.
That took me 15 years or so! So you're ahead of schedule! 😄
And the music? Just look up theater and popular organ music. There were so many guys playing classic melodies and hits on a Wurlitzer in the 1940s-60s it's crazy! I'll try to find a few of the good ones for you, my email is in the description box on my letters to codgerville vids.
Trust me Mr. Disciple, Mr. Boswell gave you good advice. I never enjoyed my pipe as much as I do know (and I spend next to nothing and fuss over it even less)!
I get more excited for your videos than I used to get for Saturday morning cartoons!
If you're wondering what type of cereal goes best with the Artful Codger Show, I'm afraid it's Grapenuts. 😁Thank you so much!
Ben ,
What another great video. Thanks so much for sharing. Be well and keep em burning. Blessings from Gettysburg pa
You too Shawn! Thank you!
What a delightful video. I concur completely, I think over the years I've gravitated to maybe two or three blends that I truly smoke on a regular basis.
Thank you! I'm in the same boat, and enjoying pipe smoking more than I ever did when I was hopping from blend to blend and pipe to pipe constantly.
And it's nice to have you back by the way!
Absolutely fantastic video, Ben!! Perfect!
Thank you Barry!!
Hello Ben. Another warm and relaxing video. As usual great advice! Thank you and be well.
Thank you so much! Warm and relaxing... that's exactly what I hope to hear! All the best and many happy puffs my friend!
Great Video! Some of my favorites are some of the ones I found in the first year of my serious pipe smoking, My original instincts told me what I would like and I found them right away. Sure I try samples here and there but there are the blends that are tried and true and like you mentioned you always can come back to them and know what to expect and will know that it will always be a satisfying experience. Cheers!
Yeah! When you just let yourself enjoy smoking a pipe... surprise! You actually enjoy smoking a pipe!
Words of wisdom as another secret of the mystery of pipe smoking is revealed. The magic that comes from commitment, consistency, repetition. All things that are just as important as the pipe and the blend itself.
Spot on Andrew!
Perfectly said my friend.
Great presentation, as always! Happy Smokes, my friend!
Thanks man! This one was very much from the heart!
Thank you Art for that enlightening reflection. Best regards!
Thank you Holy Smokes! All the best!
Thanks for the shout-out, AC!
Thank you Sheldon! Great video, great thoughts!
Sir, you've got a new subscriber. Greetings from Argentina.
Thank you Samir! Glad to have you! Greetings from the U.S.!
Absolutely fantastic video. Man you nailed your it. It has taken me many years to figure this out.
Regards
Mark
Thank you Mark! It didn't happen overnight for me either! It wasn't until nearly 15 years of pipe smoking was behind me that I finally learned to slow down, enjoy, be grateful, and stop giving a damn what anyone else thought. Maybe we can steer a few new guys there a bit sooner, and without the stress and expense!
Really enjoyed this video about sticking with the pipes & tobaccos you like.
I saw you use stem protectors , and I just finished watching The Channel and he said shrink wrap for wire works well and is not so thick.
But as a new subscriber I really like your approach to pipe smoking , keep it up.👍😎🥃
Excellent vid Art. Thanks a lot. Have a great week. All the best.
Thank you! And you too buddy!
$500 for a tamper? Now I’ve heard everything haha. Hell, an index finger does the job pretty well and that’s free!
I’d love to see some videos about fixing electronics. I work on my guitars and will probably do a video soon about biasing the tubes in my amp.
Regarding the favorite pipe, that seems to happen naturally, at least it did for me. The one that smokes the best gets used the most. It’s as simple as that. I haven’t smoked any other pipe in weeks, just the Grabow in the garage. I can see how people would like to mix it up, though. There’s definitely something to a certain pipe fitting a certain mood. Anyway, great video, Ben! Keep up the great work.
Absolutely! You don't need to limit yourself to just one, as long as you really love on every one and give them a shot to be their best! Tobaccos and pipes have a way of growing on you when you give them a chance!
Enjoy your channel greatly. Keep making new ones please.
I plan to! Thank you!
Ben, my friend, your well-earned moniker notwithstanding, it would be entirely appropriate to call you the Pipe Smoker's Companion. Well-presented wisdom. 👍 Perhaps it comes only with longer term experience, but, for many of us, the search for companionable pipes and tobaccos ended long ago. Not, as you aptly note, that we do not now and then try a new tobacco or are occasionally attracted to a new pipe, but that we found our heart's desire in a select group of both. Even in that company we likely have one pairing that has become like a lifetime best friend. Either may be high end, low end, or somewhere in the middle, but the pleasure of getting to know them on a first name basis is unequaled. A pipe meet-up is a great place to share and compare, but in your favorite figurative or literal hearth-side chair it is indeed the time and place for the familiar and predictable. Just anticipating an hour with your favorite bowl and blend starts you heading into that zone of peaceful relaxation from which the stress of daily busy-ness is banished. I'm looking forward to seeing the redeveloped Codgerville and learning of your other interests. Be well and stay totally awesome - peace
Absolutely Skip! You said it my friend. It's so important to have a comfortable home to go back to. You can always wander, or go visiting... but who wants to do that forever?
Good to here from you Brother ....Sorry about the basement.....Enjoy listening to your piping experience ... All it took was an
OTB and a Cobb to enjoy the Hobby ...It's easy to believe the Hype and get off track. .. Grandpa kept it pretty simple... More isn't always better.....Take Care Ben...
Right! And you know, the sad irony is that even those who have the ability to invest more, they still don't enjoy it if they have that mindset. The finer things can be a wonderful enhancement... but only if you enjoy the thing in the first place!
YOUR CREATIVITY IS AWESOME. NEW SUBSCIBER HERE. REALLY ENJOYING THE CONTENT. TY
Thank you very much!
Another excellent video! Happy Smokes ,Ben!
Thank you SGB! I'm really glad you stopped by buddy! And many happy puffs to you!
Great video! You hit the nail on the head👍🏼✌🏼
Why thank you! 🤪🔨
I carved my favorite tamper from a piece of Maple out of my woodpile.
Lovely production as always good sir. I am about at that point where I have tried the blends I wanted to try and found the ones I like. One of my companions is an estate pipe that needed lots of love to be usable again and with 1 blend in particular I get the same experience time and time again regardless of time or place. I have 1 favorite tamper and I agree, if given the option I would have several of the same type. Here's to progress on Codgerville and to companionship. Happy piping brother.
Thank you Frank. That's very good to hear! The single most important thing about pipe smoking is enjoyment. Having and enjoying are not the same, especially when the thing to have has a purpose it was made to fulfill.
I am interested in that tamper, where can I pick a few up? Another relaxing segment Ben. Cheers buddy
Thank you! They're available in a bunch of places... but you can get them www.smokingpipes.com/accessories/pipe-supplies/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=121008
Or even cheaper on ebay, just type in "bamboo tamper". Same exact product, Stamped differently... half the price!
I'm getting into this finding favorites thing man. I was able to find a new old stock Kaywoodie pouch was still in the original packaging! I'm enjoying carrying it! Just picked up from the sale guy on Ebay a new old stock Yello-bole pipe tool! Finding a favorite pipe is hard to do but I'm really into the corn cobs as of recently! I'm looking forward to using that Matches860 tribute pipe!
And it gets better as you really start to find what works best for you out of what you really like! A pouch that's soft, broken-in and easy for loading your pipe, a tamper that feels so familiar you don't even notice it in your hand anymore... guys just need to slow down long enough to let those things shine the way they're waiting to!
@@theartfulcodger
I'm liking this old school codger stuff man the OTC Codger blends. I have the zippo with the pipe insert that I have had for awhile now. Good stuff! A few weeks ago I picked up a Unopened pocket tin of Kentucky club! I opened it but haven't smoked it yet it's super dry. How can I date how old this stuff is?
I have two go tos. SWR and Plum Pudding. I have a bunch of other tobacco just sitting on the shelf, but I find myself gravitating towards those two blends quite regularly. H&H is another one I'll smoke often. Haven't tried Velvet yet, but will give it a go. Who knows, it may become my favorite 😉
When we stop looking so hard for something better, it's incredible how much more we start enjoying what we have!
Thanks, my friend! 😊
Thanks for your video… I find myself smoking CB Royal as my everyday go to blend. I used to get a house blend that was similar from a brick and mortar shop but because of the new regulations regarding flavored tobacco, he was unable to make it anymore.
I tried Mixture 79 but was disappointed with it. I didn’t mind the taste, but I found it difficult to keep lit. There was so much topping sprayed on it that the sugar would melt then immediately harden the second the cool air hit it. I couldn’t deal with the constant relighting and it even got to a point where if you tamped it down it completely stopped the air supply into the pipe because you had this hardened shell of sugar and half burnt tobacco not allowing any airflow.
I usually stick with aromatics, not a fan of English blends
Very good advice. I know I got cough up in buying pipes. Surprisingly the type of pipe I thought would be my favorite isn't. I was sure I would liked bent pipes but after years of use my favorite pipes are straight billiards. Choosing a tobacco took a few years. buying different blend types, purchasing tin after tin of all blends. Wile I haven't settled on just one brand I have found a blend type that I get consistent pleasure from and those I don't. I also found the cut type I like and don't like based on how it packs and behaves in the bowl as it is consumed. Just sound advise to both old and new pipe smokers.
Thank you sir! We'll all settle comfortably on whatever it is that best suits us! If we give ourselves permission to do it that is.
The problem is the misconception that there's always something better out there than what we have already... and that simply isn't true.
Great video great advice!
Thank you!
A most enjoyable video, sir. You ate absolutely correct. I think it's along the lines of acceptance. Our tobacco store, after several asking, have failed to get Velvet. Yes, I could have ordered from someone online. But, what our little store does have, is Prince Albert. It has done me well, for a few years. I takes on different flavors, I believe, according to my mood. I've come to learn that pipes and tobacco are related to pens and ink. My favorite being, Parker Quink black. Not the most exciting, and true, there are so many colors to choose from. But, it's like, when you find what works, there's no need to wander further.
And that wandering becomes tiresome... and very expensive eventually! Home is where the heart is! Thank you Charlie!
This was recommended to me by youtube..thought you were back! 😂 hope you're doing well brother, your channel is the best.
Thank you! That's very kind of you to say. I'm doing well and hope you are too!
How are you able to pack so much tobacco into your bowl and still get a smokable draw? Am I packing too loose? Any suggestions would be great. Good to see your videos back up.
@@Player-125 The truth is, despite any other advice you hear... it just takes practice. The more familiar you are with a pipe and a particular tobacco you become, the better "feel" you get for it. It becomes almost like muscle memory once you've done it enough. But switching things up every smoke will never help you get there. It's just a matter of allowing yourself the practice and familiarity! Packing your favorite tobacco in a well-loved pipe really does become second-nature eventually.
Lots of great advice thank you! I for one am not into “keeping up with the Jones”...
It's so tiresome... and expensive. I'd rather dump the stress and just enjoy! 😉
Fantastic video, sir. Take care.
-Alex
Thank you Alex! I'm glad you tuned in!
My hands down favorite pipe was an ebay find. It is a very notable brand that i snagged unsmoked for a real steal. When it arrived i was so disappointed, it is small and shaped differently than expected. After smoking it i was even more disappointed, It smoked hot... Ahh but after the real break in period about 100 bowls it is purely bliss and is today my companion. One other thing I'll add to the list for you (I'm sure you have learned this already) When it comes to the accouterments, lighters, tampers, cases and the like... Buy the one you want, then quit shopping for them.
I agree completely, and I'm so glad to hear that pipe got the chance to prove its stuff to you and become your companion! That is really terrific! Glad to see you again! Thanks for tuning in!
Good video, Ben. I think that really it's not a choice, sooner or later seasoned pipe smokers tend to gravitate towards certain blends because those are what they enjoy, but also to be able to find what you like it's OK to do some exploration. If someone has only smoked one blend throughout his life, to what extent can he or she say that it is his favourite? Just a thought. I hope you are well 💚
Very well, and thank you! It's a good question Hector, and I can't say I know the answer! So long as he enjoys his blend or his explorations, I think he's got it right! All the very best and many happy puffs!
In fact I think one of the worst things is having too much choice and making decisions, I've got a collection of baccies but now I'm just going back to certain favourites with the same pipe because its chilled and easy like smoking should be. Btw I missed Johns livestream last weekend, when is BRTV being aired? I looked on Brier report newsletter and couldn't find anything.
Right there with you! BRTV is live and on www.briarreport.org! Got two episodes up already! Enjoy, and thank you!
Agreed. I've had the same 8deco bamboo tamper for several years. It isn't my fanciest tamper. But it's the one I use.
Right there with you. 😁
Great video! Well said!
Thanks Everett!
@@theartfulcodger Yw!
Thanks for this video! I liked it alot. So true about all that caught up in buying new stuff. /The silent pipe smoker.
Thank you! While all the "new" can certainly be exciting, it's rarely much different than what we're already enjoying... and hardly ever "better". More expensive, rarer maybe, often better looking... but when it boils down to what is enjoyed in a pipe, it's a simple equation we can easilly forget.
I am really enjoying your chanle . I mean seriously I share similar tastes with you. In both tobacco pipes and style.
Thank you so much John! Birds of a feather eh pal? It's not such a bad way to be!
Also... thanks for the likes on IG today! Glad to have you tune in!
@@theartfulcodger absolutely you bet!
Great advice! Sometimes I think how awful it would be to discover an OTC that I liked knowing how much money I have spent on others! Not to fear, I’m working through the OTCs now… thanks for the video!
You know, it may not be an OTC you settle on... and even if it is, it's just the end of a process! Figuring out what you like and settling down to enjoy it will always save you a ton of money going forward... even if you spent more than you expected to get there.
Just be honest with yourself as you relax and take your time with your pipe. Understanding how much of the conversation out there is driven by people trying to sell you something or by others trying to justify their own gullibility and impulses is really key to freeing yourself up for genuine satisfaction and contentment with your own conclusions.
Honesty and simplicity!
Awesome class buddy im learning to enjoy what i have Ben and enjoy it i like to try new things but when you can enjoy a pipe and a familiar blend it truly make the smoking exsperance just that more delightful happy smokes buddy 😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍👍💨💨💨💨💨🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 best regards ole smoovie.
Absolutely Smoovie my friend, enjoyment is the first and only point of pipe smoking!
My go to daily tobacco that I'm always happy with is five brothers pipe tobacco with my go to daily use Falcon pipe.. I always take that one blend every were I go as well as the Falcon.
Sounds like a perfect, classic match! Never fails I bet!
Have a great week brother. 👍👍
Thank you Mike! You too buddy!
Me and Mrs Jones lol .. love to see your videos !!
Thanks buddy! Love to make them!
I love velvet smell is unmatched
Totally agree. No tobacco smells like Velvet. It's what makes it my very favorite!
Hi Ben ,and thank for sharing your thoughts, truly, find those blends what you feel suit your preferences and you feel comfortable with ,that just what I'm doing,I'm simple man and so are my preferences as far as tobaccies go,what I do smoke is mainly burley forward, simply blends, Dark Fired Kentucky or Va Kentuckies Such as St Bruno ,these two new Amphora offerings were great to discover, Burley &Kentucky blend,yet when it comes to pipe shapes, pipes on my shelves has to be in accordance to classic shapes like this Your Lumberman shape here , I was thinking it was GBD they had very similar small to medium-sized Lumberman shape in their line up , very nice indeed,yet multipurpose size and shape-wise, best greets now, Paul
Absolutely Paul! You got it buddy! Thank you!
Sage advice ... as always. 😎
Sage is always a good dressing for a Turkey like me! 😅
You know, this is a very important idea. I have smoked a pipe off and on since the tenth grade (more than forty years). This is my third real period of smoking. but in that time I never really locked on a standby favorite. I came close with London Mixture or Elizabethan; another time I thought it was Crooner or St. Bruno. But the point is, that too much flirtation (and spending) with tobacco will lead one to stop smoking altogether or for long periods of time. I have had "every" brand of pipe at one time or another and sold off entire collections twice. Now I am really enjoying old drugstore pipes which by our standards now have beautiful grain and craftsmanship. The tobacco? Don't know yet. But thanks for the advice.
Doesn't sound like you needed any advice sir. You already understand! Favorites can change... but they aren't something to avoid!
@@theartfulcodger Well, I will try Velvet for sure. I also once had a blend of Crooner and Peter Sokkebye's Cube Cut (2:1) braced with a few drops of Anisette ; I want to try and recreate that. But rest assured I am going to give a nice full pouch of Velvet a try. Thanks for your very "artful" indeed nostalgic videos--I have been enjoying them for a few days now! I can't watch one and not smoke a pipe.
@@ckhthd That sounds like the sort of problem I have! Enjoy it!
As always very nice! Appreciate the video's. I'm discovering Velvet as one of my favorites. I'm a fairly new pipe smoker and after trying several tobaccos that I come back to Velvet. You are so right!! There's nothing like it! What type of pipe is the one on the far right if you don't mind me asking?
I'm right there with you on Velvet, it is one of a kind and my very favorite of all!
The Pipe is actually Antique brand pipe, all four next to the bottle man are! The logo is a lion crest, they were made in Denmark in the 50s and 60s... excellent pipes!
Where'd you get that "Velvet" hat?
It was custom-ordered for me by a dear friend! He had it made at one of those mall kiosks!
My favorites are now Velvet,C&D Briar Fox and Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake and I believe that's the blends I'll stick to buying maybe a stray tin here and there
Exactly the way to do it. Enjoy what you like best, and occasionally taste test the rest.
Love this video!!
That's Crazy, Ivan! 😉 But I'm glad you do!
Well said! It’s fine to try different things to find what you like most, but you will never master a blend unless you really give it the focus it deserves.
Thank you Eric! Totally agree!
Great advise Ben and a recipe for contentment and satisfaction. I’m really excited about the plans you have for your den cum workshop...right up my street👍
Thank you John! I'm really looking forward to having it all come together, but it'll take time so I'll have to keep at it!
Good advice
Good stuff brother! As I enjoy the well rounded taste and the comfort that a good burley blend offers, I often find myself stuffing my pipe with some delicious Va-Per. I just wish Carter Hall would make a Va-Per at the same cost 😄! I know what I like in tobacco for sure. I'm not quite there on pipes though. There are those that I smoke more than other's, and perhaps this is what you are talking about, but I'm always staring at the pipes, trying to choose which one to smoke, while I most often have the tobacco of choice in hand (P.S. Bullseye 😉)! IDK...I hear what your saying, but most often struggle with the pipe side of it. Thanks a bunch for the video and I shall ponder more deeply on the subject as I smoke some Bullseye Flake in my Bings Favorite. Take care Codger!
Enjoy that Bing with a whole bunch of great smokes of that bullseye and you'll have a new favorite pipe in a month! They all get better with extra loving!
Yes it's been a bit since you have done anything, great to see ya Ben or do you prefer Artful Codger.
I'd love to see those other videos TV repair & Radios Cool stuff BTW do you get into old vintage video games seeing that you have that old tube TV
Thank you Frank! Ben is fine!
I'm looking forward to sharing some of those things when The New Codgerville Workshop is up and running! I have to admit though, video games are not a big part of my life anymore. I had an Atari, NES, Genesis, SNES and N64... and still love those systems and games, but find I don't have the patience for them I once did. Newer games? Not interested at all.
@@theartfulcodger Thais ok I really don't have a lot of patience myself but I have all of the systems you mentioned plus a few more have a great one my friend
your so right. great advice.
Thanks Paulie! I'm glad you're with me!
Love your schtick. Very original.
@@pauliepipes2593 haha, why thank you. I'm nothing if not "original" 🤪
Your all that and more! Love your channel.
Nice hat!
Thanks!
This is a great video Ben. May I ask what is the face guy in the middle of the rack for? Is that a pipe? Or Just decor? I love it. Sorry if you've told many this already.
Just decor! It's a stoneware bottle with a face. He makes me smile. 😁
@@theartfulcodger COOL! Thanks!
Wonderful 👍☘️😃
Thank you! 🙂☘
There are so many blends and you can't smoke them all. There is definite wisdom in finding something you like that is consistent and sticking with it.
We are missing you friend. Maybe you can post a short video! One 4 2024 . Tell us about a project while puffing . Ez going no need for a lot of prep. If you post I will go buy some more velvet! All I smoked last summer and it was a great experience. Unlike C&d you know what you are getting. I know after several iffy purchases I am pretty much buying tobacco’s that have been around a 50 year minimum., from now on.
I love pipe with a flat bottom, like your Captain Ahab.
So do I, a handy little feature for sure!
Nice to see you, Ben. I have a 1939 General Electric radio that’s is decent condition. Needs some aesthetic work done. Has the original tubes and wiring so I have never tried to plug it in but came from the original owner and worked when they had it. Drop me your email and I’ll send you a picture if you like. Beautiful radio.
Btw, smoked through the Velvet Pipefool gave me and truly enjoyed it. Gonna search around for some aged Velvet to see how that compares.
Be well, my friend--Doug
Awesome Doug! Let me know what you think! I'd love to see the radio! My email is listed on my Letters to Codgerville vids in the description box! All the best!
$500 for a tamper? For that amount it's going to tamp the bowl for me! Great advice. Still looking for my every day blend. Still new to this. 👍🏻👍🏻
It'll come to you! And just look at smoking accessories on the websites from Artisan makers... there are tampers and CLEANER HOLDERS that run into the hundreds... nu-uh! No thank you!
@@theartfulcodger I discovered early on that artisans would probably get little money from me because I can't afford them. Some are still within reach, but aside from how their products look, how much more will they contribute to our overall smoking experience? I wouldn't mind having a couple or several LCS pipes in my rotation later on, I'm not going to lie. Or even some from Jason Mouton....but money talks. We'll see.
@@4one6Piper I will tell you something, anything you pay over $120 is for the name or the grain... not performance. But truthfully? Many many pipes that perform as well as any $200 or $300 one can be got for less than $30.00. Performance and design are simple things with a pipe, despite what some would have you believe. And being made on a machine does not mean it can't perform perfectly.
@@theartfulcodger words of wisdom! My heart, mind and wallet thank you!
That's the best kind of compliment I can get! You're very welcome!
Ben, loved your show on brtv. It's funny how our journey with pipe smoking Mellows out over time. Enjoying what you have that's the key. I finally reached that phase. God bless
I'm glad to hear it Jimmy! A lot of guys get caught up in a vicious cycle of buying, looking for something they'll never find until they slow down and really get to know what they like best.
Thank you for the kind words about BRTV! Episode 2 is done and should come out tomorrow afternoon!
Hope to see a new vid from you soon.
Do you pack velvet loose or tight
Snuggly, but looser than you might expect. I find the more you pack it, the less flavor you get and it burns more poorly. So kind of loose, but snug!