Should I know anything about buying a Bulldog?

[puffy]

I don't like sharp edges on a pipe.I hold my thumb around the back of the bowl when I smoke so the shape of the shank of a bulldog bothers me.This probably isn't an issue to most but it keeps me away from this shape.

 

[redpanda]

I think there are two kinds of Bulldogs: The ones with the wide and shallow chamber, and the ones with the more traditional chamber. If you are going to smoke Englishes or Balkans in it, my humble advice is to get the shallower chamber. They seem to work better with those blends for some reason and the smoke does not get so bitter near the bottom, because they are not so deep I guess.

 

[mso489]

Hey, let us know when you finally find your first bulldog. You might want to look at pipesandcigars.com Big Ben bulldog with free shipping. I'd shop far and wide and learn a lot.

 

[shroedingerscat]

You should make sure it's had all of it's shots......

 

[yazamitaz]

By far my favorite shape but I prefer the 1/4 bent. My favorites are Savinelli, Brebbia, and my commissioned Tinsky and Layton.

 

[buster]

British, French, American, just buy one. Maybe two? I have a Butz Chocum bulldog I picked up brand new and a few estates also. Each and everyone is a great smoker.

 

[davet]

just buy one. Maybe two?

Why didn't someone tell me this when I started?

 

[mso489]

The Sav 673 shape is a good bulldog. It's quarter bent, but not much, and has bead lines. It has a sort of Peterson look for a Sav, and an ample bowl. The Opera version I was gifted has a solid feel but isn't heavy.

 

[okiescout]

I have a number of them and love the type. To me they are truly a tailored looking pipe.

 

[foggymountain]

If it barks it might bite.

 

[mso489]

Here's a Sav, no bead line(s), but a handsome pipe:
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/savinelli/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=166561

 

[twangthang]

The bull dog is the most represented shape in my collection.

There isn't a bad smoker in the bunch. My preference is for the squat style, but as far as shape I don't think you could go wrong.

 

[dutch65]

A Red Nose is a good choice. Clip the ears if you must, but leave the tail. They need it to keep a proper balance.

 

[mso489]

Here you go, smooth bulldog with bead line, reputable brand, good discount:
http://www.iwanries.com/Savinelli-Laguna-Smooth-504-P14776C2187.cfm

 

[buster]

I have had some good luck on eBay but I'm picky about what I bid on. I never spend much unless I can see the pipe in person. The top one is the Butz Chocum I got at a local shop for $50 brand new. The bottom one is a Bond Street I got on eBay for $9!

 

[mso489]

lasttango, I know I'm the one who advised you to shop a lot and take your time ... still do. But let us know what you finally do! Be interesting to know.

 

[iamn8]

Prior to purchasing a Bulldog, I recommend having a firm grasp on the laws of gravity and thermodynamics.

 

[stvalentine]

I am nuts about Bulldogs! One thing that I find strange is the near absence of the Bullcap or Haiti shape. Last night I was lucky in finding one but it is only my second pipe in this particular shape. Are they out of fashion?

 

[lasttango]

Still taking my time... so far my favorites include some ligne bretagnes, rattrays and comoys...

 

[mso489]

lasttango, good for you. Be sure to get the filter or no-filter arrangement you want. Best is if you can get the pipe designed for smoking the way you'll smoke it, but adapters can be entirely satisfactory too. I'm lining up my Johs straight saddle stem bulldog for a smoke while I vicariously shop for yours. Ha! Also my Stanwell shape 32 bulldog, my Dr. Grabow Royalton bulldog, and my Peterson Around the World bulldog in honor of Ireland. Four, I think that's it, two bent, two straight. Love them dogs.