So, I'm considering buying a pipe...

[heders]

Some would say, "damaged tissue that is undergoing the healing process is particularly susceptible to damage from smoke. Don't risk it." Others would say," You already smoke and snus, what's the difference?"

I went for it anyways! Smoked half a bowl and tried not getting the smoke where the ulcer is. Wonderful smoking experience. Got some amazing tobacco and pipes from a friend of mine. Can't describe the difference between the one I smoked and my corncob + Borkum riff vanilla. This pipe was smooth as silk to smoke.

[DanielO]

It was probably the decent tobacco that was smooth as silk, not the pipe. Borkum Riff Vanilla doesn't have the best reputation.

Cobs are great pipes. I have about 30. I have many excellent briars and meerschaums to choose from, but about half my smokes are from cobs.

[lxskllr]

I still say clays are much better than corncobs. The bowl only gets hot if you are holding by the bowl. You can pick up a decent clay here:

I always heard clay pipes burned hot. I've never used one, but always wanted one, mainly out of historic interest. Even if they were crappy smokers, it would still be cool to have.

[Ansel]

I always heard clay pipes burned hot. I've never used one, but always wanted one, mainly out of historic interest. Even if they were crappy smokers, it would still be cool to have.

Well you never really get too big a bowl. The bowl itself gets very hot but if you hold the stem it's fine. I like them.

[DanielO]

I just have one clay, and the only reason I have it is because I am a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories (in the books he smokes a clay, not a calabash). Yeah, they smoke alright if you hold them by the stem. But cobs are great. If clays are your thing then good for you. But I think you'll find more cob fans than clay fans out there