I like Chris Aswith work and wanted an opportunity to own a British-made artisan pipe. Recently, he released his "Hand Finished" line with very reasonable prices. I popped for this bent Billiard, as it had that classic British profile.
The pipe arrived yesterday and I've smoked two bowls in it and though I would share my observations.
Chris found a stock of old English briar stock. The stem material is vulcanite, from some old German stock that he found. The stem fitment is perfect and the button is sublime, just to my liking and much like my older Sasieni's in shape and feel. The stem has a great mouth feel and Chris reports it doesn't oxidize in use (one concern that I had). I was a little concerned as the pipe will not pass a cleaner. As I suspected, Chris said the strummels were pre-drilled, so he had to work within those shaping confines. I am happy to report, that after two smokes, the pipe was dry as a bone and cool. The wall thickness is also just to my preference. Chris says he is still learning to work with this supply and appreciated my feedback.
Ordering was smooth and completed via email. It was pleasant to have some interaction with the maker.
This one appears to be a good addition to the rack and has whetted my appetite for a future Hand Made pipe.
The pipe arrived yesterday and I've smoked two bowls in it and though I would share my observations.
Chris found a stock of old English briar stock. The stem material is vulcanite, from some old German stock that he found. The stem fitment is perfect and the button is sublime, just to my liking and much like my older Sasieni's in shape and feel. The stem has a great mouth feel and Chris reports it doesn't oxidize in use (one concern that I had). I was a little concerned as the pipe will not pass a cleaner. As I suspected, Chris said the strummels were pre-drilled, so he had to work within those shaping confines. I am happy to report, that after two smokes, the pipe was dry as a bone and cool. The wall thickness is also just to my preference. Chris says he is still learning to work with this supply and appreciated my feedback.
Ordering was smooth and completed via email. It was pleasant to have some interaction with the maker.
This one appears to be a good addition to the rack and has whetted my appetite for a future Hand Made pipe.
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