Hey everyone! This will officially be my third post on the forums. I was hoping to get some clarification on some issues I've been worried about. I have yet to purchase a pipe or tobacco but am impatient to do so. Regardless of my lack of patience...I need to get these few concerns taken care of before I spend a bunch of cash on a pipe or two.
I'm very attracted to Meerschaum pipes; specifically, eagle claws. Ever since I seen Jefferson Davis's famous Eagle Claw pipe I knew I would accept nothing less. I've found plenty of excellent examples of these pipes but am worried about merchants trying to pawn off pressed meerschaum block as opposed to the real Turkish block. To be honest I wouldn't mind owning a cheaper quality block...as long as it colored properly, was reliable, and didn't come with the high pricetag of a turkish block pipe carved by a master carver...
Another concern is fragility of the pipe. It seems that Meerschaum pipes can be quite delicate...I'm not one to be delicate with most things I own...my mindset is that if I pay money for something I want to get my use out of it by....well..using it. I plan on handling my meerschaum by the bowl, cleaning it (but not on a daily basis). Only when it starts to taste off between weekly, maybe monthly, cleaning. I also plan to carry mine with me most places. I will be purchasing a Cob for general daily carry (work, commute, school) so if it isn't advisable to carry my Eagle Claw everywhere I go...I guess I could let it stay at home.
In short..
1) Do Meerschaums really require delicacy when handling?
2) Who are reputable dealers from which I can purchase a legitimate Turkish Block Meerschaum at a reasonable price? ($100)
3) Are Meers something that you generally keep at home tucked away in it's custom fitted case on a shelf somewhere for special occasions?
4)Do any of you carry yours every day?
Lastly, I'm concerned on the reliability of those stems with the plastic looking (teflon?) male connector piece...do they hold up well?
I've read the beginners guide to Meers on this site and another forum and have done some pretty extensive research on available pipes, general price ranges, block types, and other general knowledge.
I really appreciate your insight and suggestions. I'm looking forward to making my first pipe purchase...I'm hoping I'll at least find somewhere to purchase a pouch or tin of tobacco and a cob....Great Dane..or Country Gentleman. Maybe even a reliable inexpensive briar!
I'm very attracted to Meerschaum pipes; specifically, eagle claws. Ever since I seen Jefferson Davis's famous Eagle Claw pipe I knew I would accept nothing less. I've found plenty of excellent examples of these pipes but am worried about merchants trying to pawn off pressed meerschaum block as opposed to the real Turkish block. To be honest I wouldn't mind owning a cheaper quality block...as long as it colored properly, was reliable, and didn't come with the high pricetag of a turkish block pipe carved by a master carver...
Another concern is fragility of the pipe. It seems that Meerschaum pipes can be quite delicate...I'm not one to be delicate with most things I own...my mindset is that if I pay money for something I want to get my use out of it by....well..using it. I plan on handling my meerschaum by the bowl, cleaning it (but not on a daily basis). Only when it starts to taste off between weekly, maybe monthly, cleaning. I also plan to carry mine with me most places. I will be purchasing a Cob for general daily carry (work, commute, school) so if it isn't advisable to carry my Eagle Claw everywhere I go...I guess I could let it stay at home.
In short..
1) Do Meerschaums really require delicacy when handling?
2) Who are reputable dealers from which I can purchase a legitimate Turkish Block Meerschaum at a reasonable price? ($100)
3) Are Meers something that you generally keep at home tucked away in it's custom fitted case on a shelf somewhere for special occasions?
4)Do any of you carry yours every day?
Lastly, I'm concerned on the reliability of those stems with the plastic looking (teflon?) male connector piece...do they hold up well?
I've read the beginners guide to Meers on this site and another forum and have done some pretty extensive research on available pipes, general price ranges, block types, and other general knowledge.
I really appreciate your insight and suggestions. I'm looking forward to making my first pipe purchase...I'm hoping I'll at least find somewhere to purchase a pouch or tin of tobacco and a cob....Great Dane..or Country Gentleman. Maybe even a reliable inexpensive briar!