Saw your question..., I gave up cigarettes in 1960 to save money for a motorbike, 3 weeks later I was smoking a pipe. My experience is strictly on the job. The pipe kit you bought is high quality, but owning one pipe will never do. I light a pipe once every hour or so, a good pipe should not be used over long periods and needs to rest from time to time. I rotate 2 to 3 pipes daily and cycle through a favorite set of 25 pipes. Pipes can become sour or saturated and may require up to a month to dry out if over used.
Filters, The Savanelli pipe and balsa filter are very good, excellent pipe. A system I used for many years, about 15 years ago I switched to the German style 9mm activ-charcol filter which to my mind is the best, very effective although it does reduce flavor. I have modified most of my pipes to use this filter. I have found that I must import the filters from Germany as they are not available everywhere.
Tobacco, mainly Edwards Blends over the Internet because variety where I reside (Australia) is very restricted.
Hope this helps.