I bought one two months ago, got it for seven bucks, and has become my best smoker. I originally bought it to bring on the boat when I'm Fluke/Striper/Shark fishing so if I lost it I wouldn't be heartbroken...now I think I might be!
My father bought the carved type with the anchor on it, and similarly, its become his go-to pipe now as well.
The pear wood needs a few smokes before the taste is gone, but after that, its great. The only problem I had with mine was that when the draft hole was drilled, it was pushed too far, crossed the bowl, and drilled the opposite side a bit. I just filled it with some pipe mud, and now I don't give it a second thought.
Buy one, you won't be disappointed.