Stanwell 2015 Pipe of the Year is Out
- Thread starter pylorns
- Start date
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
- Status
I haven't purchased a new Stanwell so I don't have a comment on the quality, but I also have an open mind and until I see a rash of complaints by experienced pipers regarding their disgust with the new productions engineering and cosmetics I'll remain neutral.
I know nothing about the Danish Stanwells but I have 2 newer Stanwells that are excellent smokes... and at great prices. IMO, they are every bit as good smokes as my Ferndown, Radice, Savinelli and other quality pipes.
Those are sharp looking pipes. And I have to say that I have been very, very happy with my Italian made Stanwells. Superb smokers and great craftsmanship.
Never met a panel pipe I liked to begin with. And I think the large escutcheon is garish.
But in 35 years of pipe smoking, I have learned that SOMEONE loves every pipe.
Interesting take from newbie. I have one Stanwell, a very large billiard that was my Dad's, purchased ~ 1950.
Note that the founder of Stanwell actually changed the name to Stanwell so it would sound more English, as England was then the center of pipe manufactury for the world. [He eventually changed his OWN name to Stanwell.] So now the Italians buy the name and folks think they're getting a Danish pipe.
Stanwell History
But in 35 years of pipe smoking, I have learned that SOMEONE loves every pipe.
Interesting take from newbie. I have one Stanwell, a very large billiard that was my Dad's, purchased ~ 1950.
Note that the founder of Stanwell actually changed the name to Stanwell so it would sound more English, as England was then the center of pipe manufactury for the world. [He eventually changed his OWN name to Stanwell.] So now the Italians buy the name and folks think they're getting a Danish pipe.
Stanwell History
I don't think it is any secret that the new Stanwell pipes are no longer Danish made. But that doesn't mean that they are a worse pipe. Stanwell has always been a machine made pipe, and in some cassess, designed by a famous carver. Does it really make a difference where the machine is located during manufacturing?
I agree with you newbie. The danish made Stanwells are far superior to the ones being put out now. I purchased an Italian made one a while back and promptly returned it after finding the quality to be so subpar. The cost does not reflect the craftsmanship in the new Stanwells that is a fact.
Plus, when they've practically been giving them away at bucket pipe prices, I would have a hard time paying high end prices ever again for a Stanwell. I hate to say it, but they've fallen into the KIA category for me. It was the stupidest business decision ever; cut the throats of their workers and sell out their country all to make their pipes as cheap as a bucket pipe. That's the stupidest trade off ever.
They will have a very hard time breaking the $300 pipe category ever.
They will have a very hard time breaking the $300 pipe category ever.
I'm sorry to hear the move to Italy was a scourge of their faithful Danish employees. I have to admit, the Italian pipes
I've bought, three of them, have proven good. As for the 2015 pipe of the year, the design is pleasing to me, but I
cannot resign myself to those little commemorative plates on the shanks. It's just not my thing. The pipe is my personal
possession; I don't want to smoke a historical marker. Just give good info on the stamp and leave the little metal plates off,
for my money.
I've bought, three of them, have proven good. As for the 2015 pipe of the year, the design is pleasing to me, but I
cannot resign myself to those little commemorative plates on the shanks. It's just not my thing. The pipe is my personal
possession; I don't want to smoke a historical marker. Just give good info on the stamp and leave the little metal plates off,
for my money.
MSO, that's alright, I always just scrape all of the nomenclature off of the pipes that I buy. That way a Dunhill and a Peterson can set side by side on my rack with no discrimination, and a Castello and a Grabow all will smoke just as good, ha ha.
One of our forum members, stanwellman, who is obviously a fan, expressed his high regard in a post from 3 yrs. ago.
In this post, Peter70 wasn't very impressed with the Italian Stannies.
And courtesy of former member, rothnh, here's a link to the Pipe Club Of Sweden Home Page stating that machinery and material was auctioned off to local craftsmen, and didn't get shipped to Italy.
In this post, Peter70 wasn't very impressed with the Italian Stannies.
And courtesy of former member, rothnh, here's a link to the Pipe Club Of Sweden Home Page stating that machinery and material was auctioned off to local craftsmen, and didn't get shipped to Italy.
I picked up a Featherweight and a bulldog back when I didn't know much about pipes. Great smokers. I think that between the Stans, the Nordings, and the Savinellis, a new smoker could build up an excellent rotation without having to make too much of a commitment. Any of these brands put out $60 pipes that would definitely be a step up from a corncob (no disrespect to the MM folks). Just like a Kia would be an excellent car for someone buying their first car. I bet its rare for a starting smoker to buy a Dunhill as a first briar.
But, all in all, it will be interesting to see if these POY pipes hold any value. I am assuming that the reason for the POY pipes is to put out a high end pipe for "collectors." Collectors being those who buy pipes for resale or aesthetic value. They are nice designs. It's just a shame that they messed in their nest like they have, IMO.
Even Savinelli has had a hard time holding value in their Autograph line as they have tread into the shallow end of the market more and more. And, Nordings aren't even holding value like they used to either.
But, all in all, it will be interesting to see if these POY pipes hold any value. I am assuming that the reason for the POY pipes is to put out a high end pipe for "collectors." Collectors being those who buy pipes for resale or aesthetic value. They are nice designs. It's just a shame that they messed in their nest like they have, IMO.
Even Savinelli has had a hard time holding value in their Autograph line as they have tread into the shallow end of the market more and more. And, Nordings aren't even holding value like they used to either.
I'm not much on panel pipes. I do have an Italian-made Featherweight and a Danish-made Flame Grain. They both smoke well and while the briar on my Featherweight is nice I give the nod to the Flame Grain on appearance and smokability. I purchased the Featherweight as part of P&C special.
- Status