Good evening

No one here would call you foolish for falling victim to the charm of a pipe. In fact most of us are guilty of the same from time to time. I would recommend you set something afire in it though for maximum enjoyment. If it's making pipes you fancy, then we've got a couple masters on this very site. There's also a wealth of knowledge on smoking of pipes, restoring of estates, and tobacco selection. Your definitely in the right place friend, good to have you, enjoy.

ckr is the local master of pipe crafting... I myself am just a lowly apprentice. When you have questions, post away... we will be more than happy to send you in the wro... I mean RIGHT direction.

Ever see the Godfather? "Leave the gun... take the Cannoli's. Seems like it might apply here... LOL =o)

Making a pipe without having experienced smoking one is like a freshly hatched social worker college kid trying to teaech a parent of 12 children parenting skills ... ya gotta experience it before you know how to create them. Sorry. Just an opinion. Light it up pjc812 and when you've smoked for a few years you might have enough insight to start creating your own masterpieces. Not trying to be harsh ... just realistic.

Although it is quite possible to have an eye for pipemaking without smoking, there is alot to be said for knowing how a pipe functions by experiencing it.

Also, it may not seem it, but you become more familiar with a form by actively using it. What I mean by that is, when you are smoking a pipe and enjoying a blend, you really become one with it... I know, I know... it sounds corny, but you feel the curves, the shape, the transition from bowl to stem, etc. When smoking a pipe, you experience it in a different way from just holding an unlit pipe.

So, Rick has a good point. You really need to light up and become a part of your pipe. I guess its kinda like trying to be an Architect when you are blind.

Welcome to the forum. Just a point about your wife not wanting you to smoke: Wives comes & go, but pipes (& dogs) remain.

I don't think anyone will hold it against you if you don't actually smoke a pipe, but you'd be missing a big part of the whole world of pipes and tobaccos. At any rate, hope you stick around.

Thanks for the insights. I am a musician (classical guitarist) and would find it somewhat odd if someone was trying to imitate a Dietre Hopf having no clue how to play the thing so I understand the point. I'm mainly interested in the outer shape and how it feels in the hand for the moment, then will work my way to the function :0)

Sparks, I actually know a blind architect. As he gradually lost his sight he specialized in ADA issues. He's doing OK!

I find it harder to imagine making pipes without smoking them though. Welcome to the site, pjc812!

I believe there have been a few high-grade pipe makers who didn't smoke a pipe themselves, but managed to make exquisite smokes and stunning pipes. You'll do fine.

Welcome to the group!

You've found yourself a neat site. I'm glad you're interested in pipe crafting. I too am slowly getting my feet wet making pipes.

You have invaluable resources here. Don't be afraid to ask any question no matter how silly you think it might be.

Again, welcome and post often!

Welcome to the forums! Read all you can, and smoke a pipe while you're reading! It's more pleasant!

... It doesn't matter if you are a pipe smoker or not when it comes to being a member of our forum. Eventually, we'll fill you with so much smoke, you'll have to take up the hobby! Welcome Aboard.

I picked up a book from the library called The Perfect Pipe, which I am sure many are familiar with. It is not quite what I expected but is very informative nonetheless. I tend to move cautiously into new ventures no matter what they are. I was probably 23 before my first sip of Guinness or red wine and had contemplated it for quite a while. Now no steak dinner is complete without a very dark Bogle wine and pizza seems lonely without the stout.

Pipes have always interested me somehow, and I tend to fall in step whenever there is a gentleman walking down town smoking a pipe. I love the smell. Even just hacking away at this briar block I have is therapeutic in its own little way. We'll see how it turns out.

This site looks like a great resource and I look forward to learning more.

Slainte!