Pipes Magazine » Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions

1. 

   ahitofmeth
   

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   Living in Hong Kong, i've come across a few shops and open market stalls that sell all sorts of accessories like combs, brushes, those little massage hammers for your back and back scratchers made of different types of stone and wood. They also have wooden pipes, which I've always been curious about. The wood used is sort of a dark brown or reddish type wood, similar to that of the rosewood furniture we have and some wooden ornamental carvings made of rosewood or cherrywood. Quality seems good and so does the craftsmanship, at least from what I can tell.

   I don't know much about these, or pipes in general, so I'm wondering if anyone has experience with these and any other information about them.

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 

   metarzan
   

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   A hit of meth. Might not be suitable for your needs. You would probably be better off with a corncob than one of those pipes.

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   numbersix
   

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   Not sure how the other folks on this forum will feel, but my guess is that it could actually be made of rosewood. But odds are they are not going to give you a good smoke. Most quality wooden pipes are made from briar root. Other, usually less expensive pipes use other materials, often with mixed results.

   btw: Love Hong Kong. Been there a couple of times and enjoyed every minute of being there. I look forward to going back again some time.

   "Be seeing you" —Number Six, The Prisoner
   
   
   

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   Chris
   

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   Welcome to the forums

   Most Chinese made pipes are very low quality, I would guess its probably made of walnut

   The most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen...not necessarily in that order

   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 

   lonestar
   

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   The typical Chinese pipes sold here in the USA are very poorly made. That is not saying there are no quality Chinese pipes, but the exported pipes are really low quality for sure. I have seen a number of Chinese wood pipes that are claimed to be "Rhambutan" wood but I dont know what type of wood that is. I would recommend finding an American made Corncob pipe from Missouri Meerschaum company if you are interested in a good smoking pipe for very little money. They sell for under $15 here in the US and even with shipping to Hong Kong it should still be affordable.
   There are corncob pipes being made in China that are sold here, but these are very poor quality and usually only last for a few smokes. A Missouri Meerschaum corncob should last for many years.

   Posted 4 months ago #
6. 

   schmitzbitz
   

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   When the Canadian Box Pass last touched down at my place, I took out a couple of Chinese made rose-wood pipes. I can attest that the quality was atrocious (neither stem fit properly, one had a cracked shank that was repaired with what appeared to be tin-foil and epoxy, the engineering was no-where near correct, and worst of all, metal bowl-liners). I didn't venture to smoke from either - a poker shape made it into my sons toy-box after reshaping the stem and disinfecting the works; while a billiard shape is firmly planted in the snowman in my front yard.

   I too love HK; lived on Lantau for a year as a teenager, the best times of my early life (although I hated the hovercraft ferries that ran between Discovery Bay and Central with a passion).

   Posted 4 months ago #
7. 

   zonomo
   

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   If you happen to run into any real Chinese Cultural pipes can you please PM me? So far I have acquired 4 cultural pipes (Indian lakota peace pipe, 2 Peruvian Pipes, and 2 Kiseru Japanese piple). When I searched for Chinese pipes, they looked like Kiseru's to me.

   Posted 4 months ago #
8. 

   ahitofmeth
   

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   Thanks for the input guys. I last had a look at one several months ago. I remember they felt solid in my hand, a little heavy, which from what I know now is not what you want in a pipe. They were quite expensive and they did seem to be of good quality but I guess the ones I saw were meant mostly for display or ornamental use. I'm sure they must make some pretty decent ones for smoking as well since many of the older locals are quite fond of smoking pipes, and I do often see them smoking in public areas like parks despite there being an all out smoking ban in such areas.

   I went by one of the markets (Sham Shui Po) yesterday to have a look but the stall wasn't open, I did end up buying a whole bunch of crap I have no use for - an led flashlight, jewelers loupe, a spirit level, commemorative coins from the handover and some fake Ralph Lauren socks that ended up being too small despite the packaging having them listed in my size. No pipes though.

   @Zonomo I don't actually know what you mean by "real Chinese Cultural pipes", if your talking about the same ones I've mentioned or those long thin ones made of some kind of stone or animal bone.

   Posted 4 months ago #
9. 

   rothnh
   

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   I suppose it's all about whatever floats your Cheerios ... but I would stay away from Chinese pipes, Chinese jars, etc. I know you live in Hong Kong, and obtaining many things is a challenge, but fortunately, I don't have to deal with that here in the USA.

   If I were you, I'd focus on getting known, quality products from established vendors who sell them. It's Soooo much worth the effort.

   Posted 4 months ago #
10. 

    numbersix
    

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    I would imagine you could pick up a fine pipe in HK. There are so many fine shops there, but I am not so sure you'll fine anything worth buying at a stall. I often wondered if Dunhills were well priced there, being a former British stronghold.

    Posted 4 months ago #
11. 

    zanthal
    

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    Yes, pipes are sometimes made from rosewood, and no, you don't want one of them. They burnout really easily.

    You don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a good pipe, but you do want to avoid the El Cheapo's.

    

    Posted 4 months ago #
12. 

    misterzombie
    

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    Speaking of wood types, I understand briar is best, but what are other wood types used that are also pretty good? Such as Ash, Cherry, Apple, etc? Are pipes made from these woods decent/good to smoke from?

    "If you meet Buddha, kill Buddha. If you meet your father, kill your father. Attached to nothing, bound by nothing. Live life for the sake of life itself." - Buddhist proverb

    Posted 4 months ago #
13. 

    ulrich
    

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    Other than briar the only other woods I've heard of that makes a decent pipe would be Morta, Cherry and Olive. I'd imagine there are others that one could turn into a smokeable pipe though to my knowledge the ones I listed are the more common woods (other than briar). I know Mr. Brog makes a very respectable Olivewood pipe.

    Posted 4 months ago #
14. 

    vinvin
    

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    Ok, so in my last trip to Hong Kong (I normally go back once a year) I bought one just to try it out. From what i gather it should be rosewood (I have another rosewood pipe and the subtle hints of the wood smell roughly the same) and they smoke alright, somewhat hot but bearable. I wouldn't say it's great but it's nothing horrid.

    Posted 4 months ago #
15. 

    rothnh
    

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    Pipes are a lot like women. What's beautiful and wonderful to one guy, is butt ugly and unpleasant to another.

    I suppose that is why women (and pipes) as well s what they are made of, come is so many shapes, sizes and colors.

    Posted 4 months ago #
16. 

    rmbittner
    

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    I only know rosewood from its use in guitars, but it's typically quite heavy -- it would be significantly heavier than a briar pipe. And, I'm guessing, it wouldn't be nearly as conducive to long-term smoking.

    I know that non-briar woods have their fans. But, to me, a wooden pipe is a briar; anything else is just a knickknack for sticking on a shelf somewhere. And I would absolutely agree with the person here who mentioned that you should be able to find some fine pipes in Hong Kong. You'll just need to go to an actual tobacconist or pipe shop and avoid the street vendors altogether.

    Bob

    Posted 4 months ago #
17. 

    mrhooker93
    

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    Stay clear away from a pipe like such. It will only yield poor smoking qualities.....

    Posted 4 months ago #
18. 

    tbradsim1
    

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    I have made a very conscious effort that anything I eat out of or drink out of , does not come from CHINA, much less a pipe, Daughters husband bought a set of Magnalite made in CHINA, wife just came back home after spending a week babysitting so daughter. Could go to a work related conference, wife brought her own USA made pots and pans, don"t trust it , you do not know how they made that CRAP. The old cajun

    The Old Cajun

    Posted 4 months ago #
19. 

    sothron
    

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    While i hate to generalize, the Chinese reputation for manufacturing with toxic compounds would suggest avoiding a Chinese made pipe (or Chinese made anything that goes in your mouth).

    Posted 4 months ago #

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