Pipe smoking is so relaxing, I really love it. I don't light up too often, about once or twice a month, that's why I tried to find better tobacco than the run-of-the-mill Danish-style flavored variety or that cheap crap you can buy by the pound for less, many of which leave a smell of horse manure behind and are too moist.
In short, I'm a follower of the English style, both in terms of pipes and tobacco. Took me years to find my current favorite Asthon Old Pebble Cut, thankfully most tobacconists and online shops offer samples so there will always be something new to try out. IMO that's the best part of pipe (and cigar) smoking.
Speaking of different styles, it's recommended to use different pipes for flavored and natural tobacco, mixing it may lead to unpleasant experiences.
Of course a good pipe should only be smoked once a day and then left to cool down, otherwise it may crack and/or the protective coal layer in the head may loosen which leads to a burn-out in less than a year. Good "pipe hygiene" is a must, always clean that thing after smoking but don't scratch out the coal.
For a beginner, it's recommended to buy one of those ready-to-go pipes, you only have to fill in some tobacco and you're read to light up while high-quality pipes come fresh off the pipemaker's workbench and have to be "smoked in", there also are special tobacco mixtures that may be helpful here. The idea behind this procedure is to create a layer of pitch-black coal in the pipe head that protects the wood from burning out. Your fave tobacconist will give you some tips here.
Oh, and don't waste too much money on your first pipe, around $50 is okay for a beginner pack with pipe, filters, cleaners and tamper. Later on you may or may not fall prey to the pipe collecting virus which may be more expensive than buying homecarts, so beware, this shit will drain your account faster than a girl on a shopping spree...
