Ben Wade Town & Country

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pipebuddy

Guest

• Sep 30, 2018

• #1

I have heard of Ben Wade's Freehands.

But I wasn't aware they were doing much more than those. In fact, they seem to be the equivalent of Savinelli, but for the UK.

I found this charming Town & Country Bent Apple and fell for it, as the stem and the stain are very similar to Dunhill's County series-but at a fraction of their price.

At the price I paid, I am not expecting miracles. Just an honest smoker is all. :wink:

 

donjgiles

Lifer

Apr 14, 2018

1,571

2,523

• Sep 30, 2018

• #2

It's always the one you have no expectations of, that turn out to be the best pipes.

 

dottiewarden

Lifer

Mar 25, 2014

3,053

57

Toronto

• Oct 1, 2018

• #3

Looks like a keeper to me, congrats on the PAD. Now load that puppy up and let us know how it smokes.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate

Nov 12, 2014

43,398

109,159

• Oct 1, 2018

• #4

The Ben Wade name started in Britain and has an interesting and, at times, tragic history.
https://pipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Wade

 

P

pipebuddy

Guest

• Oct 1, 2018

• #5

Thanks, guys (and Duane, for the link).
Funny they name it Town & Country: classy enough for hitting town and casual enough for a stroll in the countryside. :D

 

npod

Lifer

Jun 11, 2017

2,942

1,024

• Oct 1, 2018

• #6

That's a great pipe for fall weather.

 

bnichols23

Lifer

Mar 13, 2018

4,131

9,554

SC Piedmont

• Oct 1, 2018

• #7

Totally concur, Neal; it's a real beauty. Granted pipe firms are like pharmacies/banks --they all buy each other all the time-- but every time I think of BW it makes me think of Jobey & other makers that've had "ups & downs & all arounds" when it came to location, ownership, & status.
Always makes me a little sad, too, since i can't think of the brand without thinking of Holm.

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,454

• Oct 1, 2018

• #8

Bought a new Ben Wade about two years ago, a basic straight billiard, rather compact, as a car/travel pipe, at my local independent pipe shop.

 

P

pipebuddy

Guest

• Oct 1, 2018

• #9

Bought a new Ben Wade about two years ago, a basic straight billiard, rather compact, as a car/travel pipe, at my local independent pipe shop.

Click to expand...

Sooo, mso, what's your impression of it?

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,454

• Oct 2, 2018

• #10

pipebuddy, my little Ben Wade is a good little smoker, just what I intended. Only two inconsequential problems. First, that I have, ahem, quite a few pipes, so it comes around on the rotation too infrequently, but it does well. The stamping is a little faint, which always gives the impression of a rushed assembly line process, but the pipe is good; I'm glad I have it. Like most of us, I have too many pipes and enjoy them all. I've unloaded all my clunkers. So when I sent a box of five to the active duty people at Bagram Airfield, they received good ones, for which I'm glad.

 

P

pipebuddy

Guest

• Oct 3, 2018

• #11

Thanks, mso. :D

 

mikethompson

Lifer

Jun 26, 2016

11,326

23,458

Near Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Oct 4, 2018

• #12

I had a few estates that I've sold locally that were marked Town & Country, but they didn't look half as nice as that pipe. Maybe T&C is used by several makers? Enjoy your new pipe regardless!

 

P

pipebuddy

Guest

• Oct 6, 2018

• #13

Having received it today, I must say I am, overall, very impressed by the pipe.

Fist thing I di, after inspecting it, is to remove the pre-cake with some rubbing alcohol and pipe cleaners.

The sandblast is really nice too.

It clenches like a dream and is extremely comfortable.

It seems to be the English interpretation of an Author rather than an Apple.

I'm quite happy with this new pipe!

 

mikethompson

Lifer

Jun 26, 2016

11,326

23,458

Near Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Oct 6, 2018

• #14

I can't tell if it is just glare off the stem in the photos, is it black or does it have a slight swirl to it?

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,454

• Oct 6, 2018

• #15

Nice blast on that one. I know people admire the deeply grooved blasts, but I think a lighter blast can be handsome, a little more subtle.

 

snagstangl

Lifer

Jul 1, 2013

1,607

769

Iowa, United States

• Oct 6, 2018

• #16

Who is making ben wade pipes now?

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,454

• Oct 6, 2018

• #17

Good question. For what it's worth:
https://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Ben_Wade&mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile

 

P

pipebuddy

Guest

• Oct 6, 2018

• #18

I can't tell if it is just glare off the stem in the photos, is it black or does it have a slight swirl to it?

Click to expand...

It's Cumberland look alike acrylic

Who is making ben wade pipes now?

Click to expand...

According to the link mso procured, it would still be in England....The stamp says "Ben Wade of London Town & Country".

 

P

pipebuddy

Guest

• Oct 6, 2018

• #19

Nice blast on that one. I know people admire the deeply grooved blasts, but I think a lighter blast can be handsome, a little more subtle.

Click to expand...

I fully concur with your assessment, mate. I have had deep blasts and light and when it's detailed, light blasts are very nice looking and feel more natural in hand.
I like it so much I have decided to order another one, a Bent Billiard Town & Country.

I am confident they will smoke just fine.

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,454

• Oct 7, 2018

• #20

Have my Ben Wade cooking right now, with C&D Riverboat Gambler; fine little pipe. Correction, it is slightly bent. Good pipe for a shorter smoke.