Talk to me about Meerschaum.

tarheel1

Part of the Furniture Now

Oct 16, 2014

936

2

• Oct 26, 2015

• #1

When I first started smoking a pipe they were meerschaum pipes back in 1998. Unfortunately they were lost in the sandbox and I am thinking of getting a pipe or two. What should one look for in a quality meerschaum pipe? I know there are pressed blocks as well as natural blocks. One I am looking at is http://www.eacarey.com/5307k.html.

 

warren

Lifer

Sep 13, 2013

11,722

16,314

Foothills of the Chugach Range, AK

• Oct 26, 2015

• #2

You pretty much have to trust the vendor when buying on-line. Stick with reputable retailers, those listed in the left margin generally seem look after their customers, as pictures are no substitute to fondling and inspecting.

 

warren

Lifer

Sep 13, 2013

11,722

16,314

Foothills of the Chugach Range, AK

• Oct 26, 2015

• #3

Double post.
Lack of attention or an itchy trigger finger. Your choice!

 

gloucesterman

Lifer

Jan 4, 2015

1,858

11

Massachusetts

• Oct 27, 2015

• #4

Stay away from the pressed blocks. They are prone to cracking. I agree with Warren, purchase from a reputable dealer.

 

tarheel1

Part of the Furniture Now

Oct 16, 2014

936

2

• Oct 27, 2015

• #5

ea careys link I posted is a forum sponsor.

 

J

jitterbugdude

Part of the Furniture Now

Mar 25, 2014

993

8

• Oct 27, 2015

• #6

I'm a big fan of Altinok Pipes. Own 2, getting ready to buy this one: http://altinokmeerschaumpipes.com/detail.asp?product_id=FP106
Very nice quality and excellent smokers.

 

easterntraveler

Part of the Furniture Now

Dec 29, 2012

805

11

• Oct 27, 2015

• #7

http://www.meerschaumstore.com/ they also frequent this forum. I believe under the alias meerqueen.

 

cosmicfolklore

Lifer

Aug 9, 2013

33,979

75,688

Between the Heart of Alabama and Hot Springs NC

• Oct 27, 2015

• #8

Wow, in checking out these links, it looks like meerschaums are going up in prices significantly, just in the last year or so. I remember when, only months ago, you could buy a block meerschaum pipe for $60-120 at best. And, $120 would get you one of those flowery meers with a couple of different stems and a case. I don't have one, but am not against getting one. I just have been super picky all of this time. They aren't crazy "out of reach" or anything.

:::sigh::: anyways, one hasn't "spoken" to me yet. When I hold them at the B&M or at the pipe show, they just don't feel right in my hand. That makes me super skeptical of ordering online.

Oh well, good thing I am super in love with briar.
Good luck with your search.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate

Nov 12, 2014

43,431

109,327

• Oct 27, 2015

• #9

IMP, WGN, and AKB are very good block meer pipes. IMP went under and their lead carver started WGN, but they can still be found from time to time.

 

cortezattic

Lifer

Nov 19, 2009

15,147

7,638

Chicago, IL

• Oct 27, 2015

• #10

For me, the draft inside diameters of most meerschaums are too small ...and usually unalterable.

It's like sucking through a swizzle stick, and makes for a hot, wet smoke.

 

mrbigglesworth

Starting to Get Obsessed

Sep 1, 2015

196

1

Winston Salem, NC

• Oct 27, 2015

• #11

I would like to get a nice meerschaum, myself. I have one that my parents brought back from a trip to Turkey several years ago, but it doesn't get smoked that much. Cosmic, I agree, the prices just seem to be going up. Even on briars. My first two briars, a Boswell and a Brebbia Pura, were $40 each in the late '90's. Every time I look at a meerschaum I end up thinking I'll just put that money into another briar instead. And here I am trying to build up a nice collection that will be "grandpa's pipes" for passing down someday. Thus, I digress. Sigh...

 

brass

Lifer

Jun 4, 2014

1,840

7

United States

• Oct 27, 2015

• #12

I'm a big fan of Altinok Pipes. Own 2, getting ready to buy this one: http://altinokmeerschaumpipes.com/detail.asp?product_id=FP106

Click to expand...

ooooh, pretty.

 

okiescout

Lifer

Jan 27, 2013

1,530

6

• Oct 27, 2015

• #13

I have one like the bulldog in your link at the top. I purchased it from my B&M. He had picked it up at the pipe show. Smokes fantastic! I do not care for most of carving and I like them as plain as that one.

 

A

anarchisthermit

Might Stick Around

Aug 31, 2015

91

1

• Oct 27, 2015

• #14

I have 4 Altinoks and 1 IMP that are all fine smokers. They use a Delrin push tenon and a 4mm draft, about 5/32". I too like smooth finish, classic shapes like billiards and prince like shapes.
In the past I have tried bargain meers in the $45.00 - $80.00 price range and they all ended up in the trash.

 

meerqueen

Starting to Get Obsessed

Sep 9, 2012

221

0

• Oct 28, 2015

• #15

Lets be honest

Meerqueen in diamond series are the best meerschaum pipes you can own.

- Briar type teflon tenon connection

- Grade of block meerschaum is 6 out of 6

- Workmanship is 6 out of 6

- Lightest block meerschaum ever

- Signed by master artisans

- Life time warranty

- Customisation is available

 

easterntraveler

Part of the Furniture Now

Dec 29, 2012

805

11

• Oct 28, 2015

• #16

I am definitely excited for my pipe coming from meerqueen. I am having a replica pipe made of my favorite briar. I will post pictures when it is completed.