Ahmet - Meerschaumpipemaster.com

I've been smoking meerschaum pipes for at least the last 35 years. I discovered meerschaumpipemaster.com a few years ago and ordered a few pipes from them. I was introduced to 9mm pipe filters last year and decided to switch over. Ahmet, the owner of the company, easily provided me with pipes meeting my specifications. About 7 months ago I asked Ahmet if he could produce custom pipes to meet my specifications. We agreed on a price and he delivered two pipes to me that exceeded my expectations. Unfortunately, one of the pipes developed two large cracks (one horizontal and one vertical) that rendered the pipe useless. Amet's website clearly states all of his pipes have a lifetime guarantee. I contacted him regarding the defective pipe and, after several more emails, he at last responded that he would produce a new pipe to replace the defective one. I have been sending him weekly emails, thanking him and asking when I could expect the new pipe. It has been almost a month now and he has failed to provide any answer.
I know that meerschaum is nothing more than a unique clay and potentially subject to defects. That being said, having purchased several dozen over the years, this is the first time I have had the experience of an inferior, defective pipe. Even so, the fact that Ahmet has failed to respond to my emails presents me with a dilemma. The fact that he sells a wide assortment of pipes is wonderful. The fact that he can produce completely custom ordered pipes is even bett er. BUT, the fact that he has not responded to me, leaves me no choice but to warn others of his less than acceptable professionalism. So, like everything in life - let the buyer beware!
Welcome to the Forum! Fixed thread title, please see rule number 9. Pertinent portion: Please capitalize words in the thread titles. Thank you, Robert.

I find it interesting that someone here decides that the proper course of action after reading a negative post is to check the authors prior posts. Is this some sort of witch hunt?
As I mentioned, I have been smoking meerschaum pipes for a relatively long time and, until this recent experience, have always been happy with my purchases. I felt the lack of response from this particular supplier warranted warning others of potential problems. If this action is contrary to a forum for pipe smokers, I am sorry I posted it (them). On the other hand, as a pipe smoker, I would want to read negative comments prior to making an investment of a few hundred dollars to have a custom pipe made for me. To me, no negative comments equals a good source. But again, sorry I posted negative comments about this company as it apparently is taken as offensive. It's too bad I can't include a picture of the defective pipe, less than 8 months old.

I understand your comments about my lack of posts. I do review information on the forums here on a fairly regular basis. I think I should explain the history of my negative post. Please excuse my very long winded story.
As I mentioned in my original post, I have been smoking meerschaum pipes for a very long time and have accumulated several dozen over the years. A while back, my dentist told me he noticed my upper pallet was being affected by my pipe smoking. He suggested making a 'pallet guard' for me to use while smoking to protect from the heat. That sounded horrible. I discovered that pipes can be equipped with a 9mm filter and purchased one. Months later, my dentist commented that this change seemed to be helping prevent any new damage to my pallet. I attempt to convert a few of my meerschaum pipes instead of buying new ones. This was a disaster. In the past, I had purchased a number of pipes from Ahmet and knew he made custom pipes. I had him make me one and was very happy with it except that it was on the small side. I am retired and walk quite a bit. Instead of constantly stopping to refill my pipe, I had Ahmet make me a large pipe - 2 inch bowl depth and 1 inch inside diameter. It was great. About eight months ago I decided to go for broke and had Ahmet make me two new pipes, complete with my monogram carved in the front, with a silver ring to prevent cracking where the stem is inserted (I have had the experience of the meerschaum breaking at that location) and, of course the ability to insert a 9mm filter. The pipes he made for me were exactly what I wanted. I have a feeling that, based on the price he charged, he did not use the highest grade of meerschaum. I have purchased pipes from Altinok Pipes and have been very pleased with them. Sinan, the owner, also does customer work. Sinan is a most agreeable man and I can highly recommend him. The only reason I did not have him make my custom (dream) pipe was because his quote was twice Ahmet's. As I reported in my original post, one of the pipes Ahmet made for me developed two sever cracks that rendered it useless. I suppose this is always a possibility, but it's never happened to another meerschaum I've owned. Ahmet does guarantee his work for at least a year. When I emailed him about the problem, with several pictures, he did respond (after a few weeks f silence), promising to make a replacement pipe for me. It's been more than a month now and he has not responded to my requests for an approximate delivery date. Hence my warning. I must say that both of these company's have a very extensive offering of wonderful stock meerschaum pipes and believe anyone would be happy purchasing a pipe from them.
Again, sorry for being so long winded. Perhaps I have cleared up a few complaints and offered some good information.

Sorry, I forgot to provide the websites for these two sellers of meerschaum pipes -
http://meerschaumpipemaster.com/
and
http://altinokmeerschaumpipes.com/

I want very much to update my original post.
I have just received a message from Ahmet of Meerschaum Pipe Master.
He tells me that my replacement pipe will be ready to ship in a few days. :clap: :clap: :clap:
In view of this, I would love to remove my original post in which I complained about the defective pipe and the lack of response from Ahmet.
I believe that if you want to purchase a meerschaum pipe, either custom or stock, you should not pass up the opportunity to visit Ahmet's website, that I posted above.
I still think you must be aware that meerschaum comes in all qualities. Clearly, the more you pay (hopeful) the better quality pipe you will receive. A magnificent pipe can't be cheap.

I guess I spoke too soon. It's been three weeks since Ahmet made his promise. I have not hear from him since. So, I guess I should rescind my positive remarks about this source for meerschaum pipes.
I have a feeling no one really cares but I felt obliged to post this update.

DON'T BUY ANYTHING FROM
http://meerschaumpipemaster.com/
On this website, it is clearly stated that pipes have a "Quality, lifetime guarantee"
This is a lie! as you can see above, I've been waiting for a replacement pipe for months. I get promises but no pipe.