So ... yeah, don't ask, the Dr Grabow Riviera I have ordered this winter finally arrived from the US today. I almost wrote it off as a loss, but non the less here it is. First off, I didn't have much expectation from Dr Grabow, therefore there was no disappointment. I must admit though, after the long wait I was quite excited, however upon opening the parcel I wasn't at all impressed by the looks. The pipe is new, but the details leave quite a bit to be desired. The stem is black alright, but with a mate finish, no shine at all (I wonder if I can give it a polish with micro mesh?). If I were to take a wild guess, I would put my money on plastic, yes sturdy but inexpensive plastic. The white "Spade" trademark on the side looks cheaply painted. The bowl looked somewhat better, resembling the stock picture on the internet. The smoking ... now the smoking does not match the appearances. The pipe smokes flawlessly, no gurgle, no over heating, so on and so forth ... but for some reason I did think they were better looking. By the way, I was not inspired to purchase the filters that come with it as well, so would the 6 mm balsa fit?
My first smoke out of it was McCleland no. 22 Virginia, and I am happy with the smoke, trumping the experience of some of my more expensive pipes by far.
My first smoke out of it was McCleland no. 22 Virginia, and I am happy with the smoke, trumping the experience of some of my more expensive pipes by far.
