Due to the influx of new members, I thought that I would post a link to an article that I wrote awhile ago. Maybe it will be of interest to some of you.
Pipes: They're Not Just for the Wealthy
Pipes: They're Not Just for the Wealthy
Pipes: They're Not Just for the Wealthy
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lol.. Very true. Seconds of major manufacturers are usually excellent pipes.. some you can't even tell the flaw. (which is cosmetic to be sure) On some "seconds" I've found no flaws so it seems to me that "back in the day" they tossed out better briar even as a "2nd" if it didn't have superb graining.
"A day's wage for a pipe" seems to be the adage/rule of thumb: Does Pipe Price Make a Difference in Quality? - https://www.brighampipes.com/does-pipe-price-make-a-difference-in-quality/
Most of my pipes are low or mid-range, with a few more expensive ones which serve as a comparison. Research, as in lots of window shopping, is a key to getting a good pipe at a lower price. Learning the more dependable brands helps. Learning about filters, no filter, and filter adaptors helps, so you know what you are getting. I'd direct people toward briar pipes for starters, because the durability of briar is proven. Bob's assessment on the pipe cleaner test is good; it's useful, but less so on bent pipes. Once you have done your homework and gained some experience, you can find work horse pipes new for $40 or $50, and less as estates. MM cobs with acrylic stems can be had for about $25. I am all for beautiful artisan pipes, and I own a few, but no one should feel apologetic about enjoying pipes that are budget friendly.
Bruce would have killed me, I'd have been doing daily commissions.
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