Meerschaum...function vs art?

crazyhog

Starting to Get Obsessed

May 18, 2015

229

26

• May 1, 2016

• #1

Hi, I've been looking at a few Turkish made full block Meerschaums with delrin push/pull fittings. My practicality side is telling me to go with a smooth billiard style while my artistic side likes viking, skull and Indian heads in a 3/4 bend. Unfortunately, I can't afford both. What to do??

 

username

Lifer

Dec 24, 2014

2,095

14,294

Tucson Az

• May 1, 2016

• #2

Flip a coin?

 

shikano53

Lifer

May 26, 2015

2,061

8,085

• May 1, 2016

• #3

I personally prefer a smooth finish Meerschaum because I like the way they especially color beautifully over time. The carved ones will too for sure but I like the smooth ones. I have an IMP meer that is a lattice and it is an awesome smoker. I also have a smooth Altinok churchwarden. Perhaps for now pick the one that appeals the most and go with the second one at a later date? Just a thought.

My pipe bucket list has a hand carved dragon Meer at some point in the future space/time continuum.

Just my 0.02 cents worth.

 

jpmcwjr

Moderator

Staff member

May 12, 2015

24,706

27,302

Carmel Valley, CA

• May 1, 2016

• #4

How bout in between: a traditional billiard, apple, etc. shape, but with a pattern carved into the bowl and perhaps stem?

 

Z

zitotczito

Lifer

Aug 12, 2014

1,128

175

• May 1, 2016

• #5

I have a popcorn finish and a smooth one, they just felt better in my hand. Both are great smokers. The over done carvings to me would seem to be annoying to hold, but each to their own.

 

mackeson

Part of the Furniture Now

Mar 29, 2016

758

2

• May 1, 2016

• #6

I'm in the "Prefer the smooth" camp, but if you like carved, get a carved. The carving won't impair the functionality at all. That's the great thing about pipes in general - functional art

 

xrundog

Part of the Furniture Now

Oct 23, 2014

737

1

Ames, IA

• May 1, 2016

• #7

I'm a clencher. The figurals are usually kind of heavy for that. So I go for traditional shapes. A little texture or interesting carving is fine. But my favorites are smooth.

 

tbradsim1

Lifer

Jan 14, 2012

9,099

11,051

Southwest Louisiana

• May 1, 2016

• #8

. Love My Frog.

 

crazyhog

Starting to Get Obsessed

May 18, 2015

229

26

• May 2, 2016

• #9

Thanks for sharing Brad. Never thought a frog could look so cool!

 

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Reactions: edger

crazyhog

Starting to Get Obsessed

May 18, 2015

229

26

• May 2, 2016

• #10

carving won't impair the functionality at all

Click to expand...

Thanks, that was a concern also. Carvings putting more stress on a medium sized bowl.

 

shikano53

Lifer

May 26, 2015

2,061

8,085

• May 2, 2016

• #11

Thanks for sharing Brad. Never thought a frog could look so cool!
Are you talking about the pipe or the smoker???????? 8O
Just kidding man! That is one awesome pipe!

 

stewartu

Might Stick Around

Apr 15, 2012

59

77

59

• May 2, 2016

• #12

I think the alure of meerschaum is the tradition of carving. Go for a carved one.

 

crazyhog

Starting to Get Obsessed

May 18, 2015

229

26

• May 3, 2016

• #13

Thanks, I'm going to start with a latice version. Still searching...

 

cosmicfolklore

Lifer

Aug 9, 2013

33,950

75,591

Between the Heart of Alabama and Hot Springs NC

• May 3, 2016

• #14

I wouldn't mind one that doubles as a water fountain. And, maybe it could come with wheels for lunting about, or a special sling and harness for smoking in the car... driving and dancing waters. ::

 

crazyhog

Starting to Get Obsessed

May 18, 2015

229

26

• May 3, 2016

• #15

Ha, I agree that some of these big, heavily sculptured meerchaums are more for collecting than smoking.