Thanks guys! I really like them and don't want to smoke them b/c they are all so unique and beautiful pieces of artwork (but they will be smoked don't ya'll worry
). What caught my eye on these is the shapes, styles and the patterns of rustication. I know these pipes will bring me years of smoking enjoyment and relaxation. I like the fact the draught holes are already at 5/32" and I didn't have to alter them in anyway from original. I did clean the clay dust from the bowls as best I could and coated them with a very thin layer of honey to eliminate the foul taste and bad dry mouth I get if the pre carb isn't covered or reamed out completley.
I have only smoked the one pictured last from the set today since I can't figure out which pipes to 'dedicate' to certain blends.
I have smoked 3 bowls (well halfies to help break it in properly).
Pat, I'm more than pleased you are happy with the Tankard. I hope it brings you more joy of smoking than it did for me. This morning was a great way to start off a saturday and the caffine buzz I had lasted me until about supper time :P lmao! That coffee was SO good! I might head up there to buy a bag of beans for myself at home.
I can't wait to see how well the others smoke. I'm experiencing what I think everyone of us has gone throuh. What pipe to smoke and what to smoke in it. Dammnit it's a tough decision LOL!