Ever been fascinated by your own behavior? I've been a true fan of the world of pipes for only a few months. I think most begin with the love of a single pipe that catches our attention, not always but often. For me this was a Dunhill Diplomat that sucked me into that brand. I liked the Dunhill aesthetic, the storied past, deep history. I loved their vision of a pipe smoker, a classy undertaking with smoke filled leather bound rooms filled with important people discussing important things while wearing expensive watches and drinking cognac or single malt. If eBay is the path you take to more pipes, you're likely to begin buying similar pipes. Anybody with an affinity for a brand, it's EASY to start going through them thinking "oh that ones nice!!"? and "ah that one to". I purchased the pipes I found aesthetically pleasing because without the benefit of handling a pipe first, aesthetics in a photos are all you have to go by. I ended up with a cabinet of a couple dozen Dunhills within the first couple months. I did a LOT of reading online in forums and other sites. I handled the pipes I bought, but was afraid to light them for fear I'd damage these marvelous pieces of briar. As I continued reading I'd eventually find that I'd seen all the photos. I began looking at other pipes, ones outside of my general aesthetic preferences. I read about other finishes and the stories behind other pipes and carvers. I discovered a Cooke pipe I wanted badly. As I moved outside of Dunhill, I discovered what I guess all of us eventually do. There is a whole world of other pipes and other histories. I realized that I had a cabinet full of beautiful pipes I liked a lot, but only a few I loved. Once you do some exploring outside of whatever preconceived notions you had about pipes and what you think you want, your initial impressions will either be reinforced or altered. I discovered I liked the pipes where it was obviously carved by a master carver who'd invested a great deal of time and thought. These were the expensive pipes and so I had a choice to make. After some chitchat and consideration, I decided I'd rather have a dozen or so pipes that I loved than dozens I really liked a lot. It was easier than I thought. I began by picking my four favorite Dunhill pipes and moved them from the display case to the coffee/pipe table. In the days that followed, if I felt the need, I'd move other pipes from display to table which, at that moment, I felt I couldn't live without, while others moved back to display. It only took about a week. I ended with five Dunhill's that I'd never let go. The rest were traded and sold away to fund the purchase a few far more expensive pipes. I was somewhat scared that I'd grow to regret my choices and end up having to hock an organ to repurchase the Dunhill's I'd let go.... but now as time moves forward, I'm VERY happy with my choice!!! A few pipes you like a LOT vs a couple you love isn't a difficult choice at all.
Here's a photo of my collection taken today while the ones below it were taken in the previous months. What's my point you ask? No point really except to state the obvious. Focus your efforts on love, not like. This applies to all things and while it sounds overly simplistic and trite, it was a revelation to me.
Here's a photo of my collection taken today while the ones below it were taken in the previous months. What's my point you ask? No point really except to state the obvious. Focus your efforts on love, not like. This applies to all things and while it sounds overly simplistic and trite, it was a revelation to me.
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