Help Selecting My First Good Pipe

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brdavidson

Lifer
Dec 30, 2012
2,017
5
So I've decided that I won't be buying anymore pipes for a bit, my budget is constrained for the time being. However I think its time to get myself a Good pipe. My current stable of pipe include mostly $100.00 range pipes from decent factories, Savinelli, Brigham etc. Im looking for something in the $300 range in a classic shape, not a huge fan of freehands, I've really been looking at Bulldog shapes lately. I just dont know where to look for something like I mentioned, there are just too many brands to choose from. My birthday is at the end of July so I think I'll save up until then and then buy something really nice for myself. Any input would be appreciated.
Brian

 

brdavidson

Lifer
Dec 30, 2012
2,017
5
I should also add that I like sandblasted finishes, black stains or brown, and not something huge. I clench so I'd like something fairly light

 

pitchfork

Lifer
May 25, 2012
4,030
605
Ashton makes great sandblasts and bulldogs (classically shaped) for under $300.
http://pipes2smoke.com/Ashton/AST_07.htm

http://pipes2smoke.com/Ashton/AST_17.htm
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/ashton/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=117025

http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/ashton/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=117041

http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/ashton/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=124353
I've had two Ashtons and they are wonderful pipes. Solidly made, nice stems and sweet-smoking briar.

 

kashmir

Lifer
May 17, 2011
2,712
63
Northern New Jersey
In the $300 range, I'd recommend a classic English bulldog, straight, from Dunhill, Comoy or Ashton. As an estate pipe from a reputable seller on eBay or Briarbid.

 

brdavidson

Lifer
Dec 30, 2012
2,017
5
Thanksfor the input gents, an estate or a commison pique my interest. Ive liked several Ashtons I've seen that are new, are the new ones worth spending the money on?

 

plateauguy

Lifer
Mar 19, 2013
2,412
18
If you want something off the rack - I'm a Peterson fan. You can get a Harp or Rosslare for around $150, either is a class act. If you are just starting to pipe you might want to try the P-Lip. I really like the 999 shape.

 

pitchfork

Lifer
May 25, 2012
4,030
605
Yeah, I was just about to suggest Chris Askwith. His basic pipes run $250-300 and he's precise enough to make a great bulldog.
DSCF3099.JPG

The master of bulldogs, though is perhaps Mark Tinsky. Bulldogs run $150-240.
http://ssl.cybersun.com/4Dscripts/webcatalog4disapi.dll/4dcgi/view?AMS-CAT004N~101675807~1

http://ssl.cybersun.com/4Dscripts/webcatalog4disapi.dll/4dcgi/view?AMS-CAT013P~101675807~3

http://ssl.cybersun.com/4Dscripts/webcatalog4disapi.dll/4dcgi/view?AMS-CC422~101675807~1
http://ssl.cybersun.com/4Dscripts/webcatalog4disapi.dll/4dcgi/Products?AMS~101675807~1~103014
I haven't owned an Askwith, but the one Mark Tinsky I had was a very well made pipe. I think he also does commissions, so if you want a particularly light pipe, you could probably get it for under $300.

 

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,210
60,433
I haven't spent that much on one pipe, but I'd go with an artisan pipe, whether commissioned,

selected from existing new pipes, or an estate pipe. It will be one of a kind and worthy of the

expense. If it were me, if I were going with an estate pipe, I'd get it through smokingpipes.com,

cupojoes.com, or one of the other big online outfits. Ebay, while a great source for experienced

pipe smokers and ebay users, I think the authenticity of pipes and descriptions are much less

dependable. The sellers don't have as much accountability. The big online sellers don't want to

alienate the "small town" of pipe smokers, so they will endeavor to make you happy. Also, they've

reconditioned the pipes in advance. That's a worthy skill to learn, but starting out, you may just

buy a pipe you can go ahead and enjoy. If you are near an upcoming pipe show, and could meet

carvers face to face, to make your deal, that would be perfection. In my experience, Italian

artisan pipes give you more for your money at any given price level, in general. But if something

else appeals to you more, follow your instincts.

 

petergunn

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 3, 2013
183
2
IMHO you can get a real good smoking pipe for $100. and when I decided to spend $200.+ I went with Ashton and Dunhill,for me the real quandary is whether spending more than $100. gives you a significantly better smoke.
I'm not a collector so stampings and weird shapes mean nothing to me I just want a good smoker a traditional shape and the best quality I can get for my money.

 

pitchfork

Lifer
May 25, 2012
4,030
605
petergunn,
I'd say an Ashton is likely to smoke better than a $100 Peterson. The airways are more open, the briar is likely as good or better and the stem will be thinner. Plus, they're much better made (except for the higher grade Petersons). The same is true of James Upshall. I think Stanwell is the one exception, perhaps, except the stems these days are fairly thick and made of acrylic. But the briar on Stanwells doesn't taste as good as the oil-cured Ashton. YMMV, of course, and you're absolutely right that a $100 pipe can be pretty darn good compared to ones costing half as much.

 

pitchfork

Lifer
May 25, 2012
4,030
605
Ferndown makes a reasonably priced, classic bulldog.
http://pipes2smoke.com/Ferndown/LW_04.htm
L_4.jpg


 

jogilli

Might Stick Around
Feb 7, 2013
60
0
From what I think you're looking for, or what I understand you're looking for, I'd go with Chris Askwith... his classic English shapes are quite desirable in my opinion and I think you'll end up getting something you'll enjoy and will cherish
James
www.jsecpipes.com

 

stanwellman

Might Stick Around
Nov 5, 2011
76
28
Go to www.briarblues.com and cruise all the pages for ideas. The pipes are oganised by major countries of origin and thus allow you a quick preview of the available selections. Honest seller, awesome selection and decent pricing. Can't go wrong and will save you a ton of time.

 

pitchfork

Lifer
May 25, 2012
4,030
605
It might be just out of your price range, but some of the most exquisite, non-traditional bulldogs are from Old Nellie Pipes:
http://www.oldnelliepipes.com/sold-sqbdocs-00130.html

9244340.jpg


 
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