Authors... Why so popular?

lasttango

Part of the Furniture Now

Sep 29, 2012

875

17

Wilmington, De / Ithaca, NY

• May 31, 2016

• #1

It seems too me that quite a few folks on this site love Authors. What is it about that shape and it's smoking qualities set it apart for you? I see they tend to have quite large thick bowls and rather wide mouth pieces. I'm asking because I am contemplating one at the moment.

 

ssjones

Moderator

Staff member

May 11, 2011

18,426

11,327

Maryland

postimg.cc

• May 31, 2016

• #2

Bulldog and Rhodesian shapes are very popular and the Author is a pretty close relation to both. They are usually smaller pipes (which appeals to me) and they fit the hand nicely. Despite their overall small size, the bowl is decent, so they yield a long-ish smoke. But for myself, it is primarily those curves!

 

davet

Lifer

May 9, 2015

3,815

330

Estey's Bridge N.B Canada

• May 31, 2016

• #3

I have trouble saying no to Authors, Bulldogs and Rhodesians. About 45 at the moment, I can't help myself :crazy:

But for myself, it is primarily those curves!

Click to expand...

EXACTLY!

 

jefff

Lifer

May 28, 2015

1,915

6

Chicago

• May 31, 2016

• #4

I was about to type "Authors are to squat and fat for my skinny face"...Then I looked over at a big ass Castello 55.
I guess Authors just aren't my thing...but I love Rhodesians!

 

B

bigpond

Lifer

Oct 14, 2014

2,019

13

• Jun 1, 2016

• #5

Well, I think most people have their image of the author as tied to the sav 320. I have one. Visually, the shape is interesting but where it really shines is in the hand. The shape, size and balance work together to make for a really comfortable and deceptively large pipe.

 

iamn8

Lifer

Sep 8, 2014

4,248

14

Moody, AL

• Jun 1, 2016

• #6

While I do love Authors, they make my ass look fat.

 

zack24

Lifer

May 11, 2013

1,726

2

• Jun 1, 2016

• #7

If it seems like you're seeing more of them this year, it might be because it's the shape for the KC Carving Competition and every carver in the country is doing more of them trying to get that perfect pipe for the competition. I think I've made 6 or 7 this year...A very fun shape to make!

 

leacha

Part of the Furniture Now

Jun 19, 2013

939

8

Colorado

• Jun 1, 2016

• #8

It funny you ask that question. I was thinking the same thing so I ordered one to find out.

 

pruss

Lifer

Feb 6, 2013

3,558

370

Mytown

• Jun 1, 2016

• #9

I agree with Bigpond.
The shape is a wonderful one to hold, and is also surprisingly easy to clench. I've built up a nice little collection of Authors over the last 24 months and if I'm not careful I may end up with a seven day rotation of them.
To Zack's point, there are plenty of Authors on the market at the moment as carvers prep for the GKCPS so that's helping folks get good long looks at them.
Here are some of mine...
Alden Olive



Brigham 7 Dot


Kaywoodie 13b & Brigham 3 Dot


Edward's


-- Pat

 

lonestar

Lifer

Mar 22, 2011

2,854

161

Edgewood Texas

• Jun 1, 2016

• #10

Dang I like that Edward's pipe. It's very Prince like in shape.

 

phred

Lifer

Dec 11, 2012

1,754

4

• Jun 1, 2016

• #11

I like big bowls and I cannot lie... :D
As noted by others, they're surprisingly good clenchers - not nearly as heavy as one might assume. The chamber is nice and roomy, so you can sit down with a good book and have plenty of time to read before having to refill. I've got large hands, and the bowl fits nicely - YMMV. And finally, it's a very aesthetically pleasing shape, at least to my eyes. I've got 2 now, and will likely be adding another (or several) in the future.

 

JimInks

Sultan of Smoke

Aug 31, 2012

61,254

563,417

• Jun 1, 2016

• #12

My sentiments are the same as SS Jones'. I love the design, it clenches well, and wide bowls are better for picking out nuances in more complex blends. I like pipes with round bowls in general. They look good and feel good in your hand.

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,459

• Jun 1, 2016

• #13

I have slightly trimmer versions of the author -- a Peterson rusticated, a Luciano, and a Dr. Grabow Ruff-Tone. I like them all, but especially for the good wide bowl that brings up the best in blends with five or six different tobaccos, to give them a chance to expand fully with flavor. Also, none of mine is extra-heavy, so I like the balance between really ample bowls and not being a tooth breaker. Some of the chubby ones seem to be heavy for their size.

 

papipeguy

Lifer

Jul 31, 2010

15,778

35

Bethlehem, Pa.

• Jun 1, 2016

• #14

I think Al stated things perfectly. It is a pleasant shape to hold and behold. That was enough for me to get one.