High End Pipes vs Artisans.

[ben88]

I understand that $200-400 may not be actually considered a high end pipe, but given a choice, would you buy a Dunhill or Costello, for example, or commission the pipe?

 

[Chasing Embers]

I would get a commission.

 

[davet]

A dozen estate Grabows :mrgreen:

 

[mwsmoker]

Depends on the commission. Price is a bad way to gauge carvers' talent and pipe quality.
At $400 or less, it would be estate Dunhill or Castello, or a new Mark Tinsky.

 

[cortezattic]

I never owned a Dunhill, but it seems to me that both it and Castello are overpriced. That is not to say that they aren't good, but there are a few brands out there that are as good, and less expensive. If you can work with a pipemaker to create a custom piece, you might get more satisfaction for the money.

 

[philobeddoe]

If I had $200.00 - $400.00 to spend on a pipe, I would buy a Castello or two. Every Castello I've ever smoked, has been excellent. Dunhills are hit and miss, IMHO. Artisan pipes can often be spectacular smokers, but not all artisans are created equal. Buy a Castello or two, then start researching artisan pipe makers, find out which ones will craft a pipe to fit your style. Then buy several estate artisan pipes before you commission one, that should be down the road a bit.

 

[sasquatch]

I think the answer should depend on why you are buying such a pipe, what you hope to achieve? Do you want to own something one-of-a-kind, or something with a corporate history that dates back 100 years, or something that's a benchmark, or something that you had a hand in designing.... There's a hundred right answers here.

 

[saltedplug]

The only way I've been able to afford better briars is to buy estates. Double the value of your money is quite the inducement. Although new is better, what do I care if someone else smoked it?

 

[jpmcwjr]

I'd go for a commission, but I am lucky and have a few Dunnies, and a Castello sea rock. I'd get another Castello if I could make sure it felt light in the clench.

 

[chilipalmer]

Ben88,
That's an interesting dilemma.
The price point for high-end pipes and most artisan made pipes keep me out of the game. While I could occasionally afford such an investment, I use my pipes and I work them pretty hard. Honestly, I don't want a pipe that is so valuable that I am afraid to smoke it for fear of damaging it and that is the deal breaker for me.
As with many things, paying extra for a marquee isn't always the best investment. I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for and these days that's not nearly as much as it once was with Dunhill and some other high-end brands. That said, I would go for the commissioned pipe over the "high-end" pipe every time. With a commission, you get the exact pipe you want for money you feel is appropriate and that, to me, is the deal maker. In fact, I own a fair number of Boswell's pipes for that exact reason.
Cheers,
Chili

 

[jon11]

I prefer a handmade artisan pipe from a quality artisan every time. From my experiences most of these artisans do not let a pipe that doesn't meet their standards out of the workshop. I would say 99% of artisans choose this career bc they have a passion for making pipes, not to get rich. That passion reflects in the one of a kind, carefully handmade from start to finish pipes that hit the market. Their names are on them and they do everything they can to make those pipes as perfect as possible. From my experience, and I have around 90 artisan pipes, it's hard to find a lemon with most of these pipe makers.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Tough call for me. I'm crazy enough to choose a certain Peterson I've been hounding over a commission if given the choice :rofl:

 

[ashdigger]

I own Dunhills and various other forms of Britwood and while they all smoke pretty good, nothing comes close to my herd of Ryan Alden pipes. Right from the start they smoke great.
So if I could only smoke one brand or artisan,.... Ryan Alden all the way.

 

[tschiraldi]

I have several Castello pipes and three commissioned pipes from Jesse Jones, and have had other commissioned pipes. First let me say that Castello pipes ARE artisan pipes. There are 6 artisan carvers making them in the shop. I have both because I love both! Jesse will make a sandblasred pipe of your design for 350 to 375, and is a site sponsor (see Blue Room Briars). I have yet to find a Castello that wasn't exceptional! Again, what are you looking for, a high quality marquee or something you want made specifically?

 

[alexnorth]

I haven't come close to those kinds of numbers yet but I feel like I would prefer to commission a piece that will be uniquely made for me rather than order a stock pipe even if it's mechanically on par.

 

[ben88]

Thank you, gentlemen, for your advices.

However, once again, the best advice came from a woman. "Just get both and shut up about it" she said before shutting computer down)))))

So, now I have a Castello, heading my way

I hope I haven't overpaid

Anyone knows more than it's a G65?
And on advice of Dave G, I bow down to him for all help and knowledge, I'll be seeking a commission from Marvic pipes

 

[fitzy]

I give you two options.
1. One pipe from Ryan Alden

2. Two pipes from Adam aka Clickklick
I've got one Castello pipe and for the price of an Alden commission why would I buy another Castello?

 

[crashthegrey]

I personally prefer to support an artisan pipe maker, but I can see the appeal of the history of a factory. I tend to buy factory pipes as estates to keep my pipe budget for the artisan maker. And yes, as jon11 pointed out, pipe makers don't get rich doing this, it is for the love of the pipe. It's why I started making pipes, too.

 

[ben88]

Thank you, fitzy.

I have 3 pipes from Adam.

Small tomato and 2 huge mortas.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

Commission is the way to go.