I've been smoking a pipe on and off for 40 years. During that time, I have built up only a very modest collection of pipes -- both in number (around 15) and cost (none more than $100 new). Two years ago, I got back into the hobby big time after a few years off. Since starting back in with the pipe, I've bought five new pipes, and although it wasn't intentional, all of them are Italian pipes. So in the last two years, I've picked up the following: two Radices, a Savinelli, a Luciano, and just today the UPS man delivered my first ever Claudio Cavicchi. Although the Radices and the Cavicchi were more expensive than what I've even previously spent for a pipe, they were still very reasonable -- especially considering their quality.
The Savinelli is a lower end model -- and is a very solid, if not spectacular pipe. The Luciano is quite interesting, as it is one of the ones that the Radice family hand finished. It really is a terrific and beautiful pipe, and it smokes great, although the draft hole is quite large -- and for a heavy puffer like me -- that sometimes makes for a rather short smoke (that's my bad). The Radices are just incredible pipes -- all hand-made and simply fantastic smokers. Very, very hard to find that quality out there for the price. The Cavicchi on the other hand is out of this word. As much as I love the Radices, there is something about Claudio Cavicchi's pipes that makes them truly special. I had read a lot about them on this and other pipe sites. I finally took the plunge. And everything that people praise them for I found to be true. He uses fantastic briar, the fit and finish is unsurpassed, and it is astonishing that he sells such beautiful creations for such a low cost. Yes, his very highest grade pipes can be over $1500, but for around $200 to $300 you can get (new) one of his pipes that is of fantastic quality -- certainly as good or better than many artisan pipes that cost much, much more. I have no association whatsoever with any of these manufacturers. But I just had to share what I think are some great deals out there on some truly exceptional briars.
Here's a picture of the new Cavicchi:
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The Savinelli is a lower end model -- and is a very solid, if not spectacular pipe. The Luciano is quite interesting, as it is one of the ones that the Radice family hand finished. It really is a terrific and beautiful pipe, and it smokes great, although the draft hole is quite large -- and for a heavy puffer like me -- that sometimes makes for a rather short smoke (that's my bad). The Radices are just incredible pipes -- all hand-made and simply fantastic smokers. Very, very hard to find that quality out there for the price. The Cavicchi on the other hand is out of this word. As much as I love the Radices, there is something about Claudio Cavicchi's pipes that makes them truly special. I had read a lot about them on this and other pipe sites. I finally took the plunge. And everything that people praise them for I found to be true. He uses fantastic briar, the fit and finish is unsurpassed, and it is astonishing that he sells such beautiful creations for such a low cost. Yes, his very highest grade pipes can be over $1500, but for around $200 to $300 you can get (new) one of his pipes that is of fantastic quality -- certainly as good or better than many artisan pipes that cost much, much more. I have no association whatsoever with any of these manufacturers. But I just had to share what I think are some great deals out there on some truly exceptional briars.
Here's a picture of the new Cavicchi:
