Falcon Vs. Dr. Grabow?

lightmybriar · Mar 21, 2016

I've been wanting a Falcon style pipe (the removable bowls, metal shank, etc.) and I see them all the time...but I see very similar looking pipes, the nicest of which are Dr. Grabow Vikings. The Vikings are nicer to the wallet, and I was wondering, is it comparable? Is there a significant difference between Viking and Falcon? All advice is appreciated, thank you!

papipeguy · Mar 21, 2016

I don't know anything about the Vikings but, to me, the fact that one can easily buy extra bowls and supplies for Falcon is an important consideration.

ray47 · Mar 21, 2016

I'm a big Falcon fan and have smoked the Dr. Grabow Viking, in fact it was the second pipe I ever bought. I like the Falcon pipes better. They smoke cooler then the Viking and I think Falcons are constructed better. You get what you pay for.

lightmybriar · Mar 21, 2016

I figured there was some difference, as usually "you get what you pay for" is pretty apt regarding pipes. Thanks for the input, guys. Very appreciated!

loneredtree · Mar 21, 2016

I only have a Viking so can't compare them. One difference is that the Viking stem is removable as designed and the Falcon that may not be done with out damage. I do like the way the Viking works but wish new bowls were easily available.

lightmybriar · Mar 21, 2016

Oh wow I didn't even know the Viking wasn't designed to be removable. I'm glad you guys responded! When I convince myself I'm allowed to buy another pipe (ha!), it'll definitely be a Falcon. THANK you, guys!

mso489 · Mar 21, 2016

Falcon owners seem very pleased with those pipes, so I'd go ahead with that. Dr. Grabow pipes are good ones, too, so eventually, I think you'd like one of those too. Personally, I like to replace the filter with a Savinelli adaptor so you can smoke without a filter. Of the Grabow series, I'd spend a few dollars more and get one of the Royalton pipes, with a nice acrylic stem and a little higher grade finish. They are durable, good looking, solid American factory pipes; I own two, a bulldog and an apple that looks more like a prince to me.

mso489 · Mar 21, 2016

Oops, forgot the Viking was the Dr. Grabow aluminum stemmed pipe. Definitely go with the Falcon. It's still being made (I don't think the Viking is) and it's more popular for a reason (the Falcon). My recommendation on the Royalton briar pipes stands.

deathandtaxes · Mar 21, 2016

For clarification, the Falcon stems are NOT removable, I learned this the hard way

tuold · Mar 21, 2016

I find the Viking pipes easier to clench and to clean. Bowls are easy to find on ebay though the only new ones I've seen being sold were made in Mexico. If you find any Koolsmoke bowls (another brand of metal pipe) they are also interchangeable with Viking pipes.
Why not have a Viking and a Falcon? I have two Falcons and three Vikings. There's always room for one more, right?

shutterbugg · Mar 22, 2016

The big advantage to a Falcon is they are still being made and can be bought new cheaply. It hardly pays to buy one of these pipes used, the price differential is not a bank-breaker, and used is the only way you'll get a Viking.

lightmybriar · Mar 22, 2016

Is there a way I can get notified every time somebody replies to a post? I've been having to keep track of pages on here because this is the first forum I've ever participated in, and I don't know my way around. I don't want to miss anybody's replies! Thanks again for the advice, and, while my wallet disagrees, the answer to your question, tuold, is there is absolutely always room for one more pipe haha!

jazz · Mar 22, 2016

Is there a way I can get notified every time somebody replies to a post?

Click on "Add this topic to your favourites" at the top of the thread.

lightmybriar · Mar 22, 2016

Excellent! Thank you, jazz!

lightmybriar · Apr 1, 2016

I'm happy to report I picked up a beautiful vintage American made Falcon and spent about an hour cleaning it up, and wow it smokes amazing! It looks brand new now, too, after the cleaning and buffing. Thanks for the push in the right direction, guys!

michiganlover · Apr 2, 2016

History lesson of the day: Falcon sued Grabow for basically hijacking their design. Grabow redesigned the fluting/ ribs so their pipe looked a little different than a Falcon.
One might be able to get replacement bowls directly by calling Dr Grabow; I know you could a year or so back.

jah76 · Apr 2, 2016

Good info Michiganlover.
I like my Falcon. I just don't have much of a reason to grab it lately.

Falcon Vs. Dr. Grabow?

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Site Sponsors

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Starting to Get Obsessed

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Lifer

Lifer

Can't Leave

Lifer