Wonky Northern Briars Pipe?!?

[mikefu]

I just received this Northern Briars Jade stem Rox Cut Billiard, which has a really serious issue of being lopsided. Check out how out of round it is, and how the shank comes out way off center! Also the drilling is off, and there is a sandpit in the rim. This is my first Norther Briars pipe, which begs the question: are they inconsistent? This one is a normal, non-second pipe, but has more flaws than a basket pipe. I'm sending it back, but wanted to see if it is worth pursuing another, or if a refund is in order and a different brand sought.

 

[canadianpuffer]

Ive got 3 with no issues. I wish the grain on my 60th anniversary smooth was better, but that’s my only complaint

 

[ssjones]

I can't recall those kind of issues with that brand, but it's been a while since we've seen a new Northern Briars here.

 

[SpookedPiper]

Did you buy it sight unseen?

 

[mikefu]

Did you buy it sight unseen?

No, but the seller only had a few pictures, none of which were at angles which showed the flaws. It was from a retailer, and we’ve already been in contact about the return, so I’m good there. I am a bit disappointed that it made it out the door with such obvious issues, though.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I have bought a number of Ian's pipes. His drilling and frankly, his attention to detail is not good. Most of his pipes I have looked at that weren't perfectly straight wouldn't pass a pipe cleaner without a lot of finagling. I sold several, kept 2 or 3. I will say this. He must use good briar because they tend to smoke nice. And they tend to be priced reasonably.

 

[SpookedPiper]

No, but the seller only had a few pictures, none of which were at angles which showed the flaws. It was from a retailer, and we’ve already been in contact about the return, so I’m good there. I am a bit disappointed that it made it out the door with such obvious issues, though.

That's good that they are being responsible with the product they are selling. They always take the best pictures to sell and hope people are ok with it and don't want to take the time and effort to send it back.