About two-three months ago, primarily because it was such a lovely pipe, I again succumbed to PAD and purchased a Nording Giant Rustic Pipe. When I got it in the mail, I was awed--both by the beauty of the pipe and because of its huge dimensions. (I wish I was able to take a good picture of a truly exceptional plateau.) When they called it a "giant," they weren't kidding! I feared trying to smoke it because that would make it impossible to return to the vendor, but because of the kind encouragements of the "enablers" here, I finally got up the nerve to try this fearsome monster. Well, with this encouragement, how could I not try it?--So I did, and the Nording gave me a truly memorable smoke. Now I've had it for about three months, and here are some observations that you might find useful if giant pipes are not in your rotation.
The chamber, of course, is deep and wide, and I soon realized that this made it an ideal pipe to smoke if you're fond of moisture-filled aromatics. This is because the huge chamber allows more air and oxygen to reach the tobacco, allowing for a full, consuming burn. You'll easily burn right to the dottle with a pipe like this. I love my Molto Dulce in this pipe.
Second, this is a pipe that is great for a smoke if you're in a meditative mood. I find the Norway great as a beginning-of-the-day smoker, when everyone is asleep and the house is quiet and the sun is just rising. It allows for an easy, slow sipping with few re-lights, again because the chamber is so large it holds a burn much more efficiently than smaller, regular pipes. Depending on your smoking style, a smoke from this pipe easily lasts at least a half-hour.
Lastly, it's a great sitter because there is so much surface area to flatten out. You'll find that's handy because it's too large for a pipe rest, and indeed too large for a pipe rack. But it also makes for a great paper weight--or a defensive weapon.
So, if you haven't experienced one of these giants--and I would gamble that most of us do not--try one out. I think you might find it a worthwhile addition to your collection. I already have a second Nording giant on layaway that I hope to get in another month.
PS--If you're a clencher, you might have some problems. :twisted:
The chamber, of course, is deep and wide, and I soon realized that this made it an ideal pipe to smoke if you're fond of moisture-filled aromatics. This is because the huge chamber allows more air and oxygen to reach the tobacco, allowing for a full, consuming burn. You'll easily burn right to the dottle with a pipe like this. I love my Molto Dulce in this pipe.
Second, this is a pipe that is great for a smoke if you're in a meditative mood. I find the Norway great as a beginning-of-the-day smoker, when everyone is asleep and the house is quiet and the sun is just rising. It allows for an easy, slow sipping with few re-lights, again because the chamber is so large it holds a burn much more efficiently than smaller, regular pipes. Depending on your smoking style, a smoke from this pipe easily lasts at least a half-hour.
Lastly, it's a great sitter because there is so much surface area to flatten out. You'll find that's handy because it's too large for a pipe rest, and indeed too large for a pipe rack. But it also makes for a great paper weight--or a defensive weapon.
So, if you haven't experienced one of these giants--and I would gamble that most of us do not--try one out. I think you might find it a worthwhile addition to your collection. I already have a second Nording giant on layaway that I hope to get in another month.
PS--If you're a clencher, you might have some problems. :twisted:
