Savinelli Cricket leather covered pipe

[maxpeters]

I just recieved a Savinelli Cricket pipe today. I had been wanting to try one out for quite a while now.

There's just something homey about a leather covered pipe. I'm aware of all the down sides about leather covered pipes, but I still find them intriguing.

You picture a paneled den and leather arm chairs, and a glass of single malt on the tabel.

There are gun cases, and a fireplace. Pictures of your champion Llewellin setters on the walls, and so forth. Just the perfect setting for a nice relaxing smoke.
Oh well, I don't have a paneled den, my guns are locked away in a safe now, and my setter has been gone for many years, but you get the picture.
Anyway, about the Cricket pipe. It is very light and feels good in the hand. The stem looks to be a cheap plastic Cumberland imitation.

There is a coating inside the bowl which I usually don't care for. The leather seemed to be very thin. The stitching looks cheaply done.

The only other leather covered pipe I have to compare it to is a Longchamp pipe made during the 60's I think.

I have included both in the photos. The stitching on the Longchamp looks much better done, and it has lasted quite well, given the age of the pipe. The leather also appears to be slightly thicker.

I haven't smoked the Cricket yet. I usually trust Savinelli to do a good job with their pipes. Hopefully this one will not prove the exception.
It looks cheaper made than the Longchamp, but looks can be decieving. I will put it through it's paces pretty soon.

Happy smoking.

 

[jonesing]

Cool.
Reminds me a football.
You say the stitching looks cheaply done. I can't see it in the photos.
Is the leather removable in any way?

 

[yannispap]

just lit up my Cricket for my morning coffee...

it is light,draws well and seems well stitched together.Will it last?time will tell....so far,so good!

 

[hobie1dog]

cool looking pipe.

 

[bootlegbonvivant]

I always wondered how one of those would smoke. Seems like the leather would be able to handle the heat and help keep it cool.

 

[expatpipe]

My Kiko smokes great and feels great. This pipe gets a lot of use! Sometimes I use a dab of leather conditioner.

 

[wallbright]

I'm aware of all the down sides about leather covered pipes

What would these downsides be? I have not heard of this before and it is intriguing to me as I was thinking of getting a leather covered pipe.

 

[sirbogglesworth]

Very nice pipes gentlemen.

 

[hilojohnny]

I believe that the downside is that you cannot examine the quality of the briar that is covered with leather.... :?

 

[expatpipe]

Kinda like a meer lined pipe, people like them or not at all.. I like both. Maxpeters, I love that Longchamp! I have always wanted one. Finally saw one I wanted and put out a bid and won! Will be my pipe of choice while I'm at the horse track. :wink: