The Pipe, Venturi, The Smoke

All three names in the title are basically the same pipe that was given different names throughout decades. I'm sure some have heard of it. I've found a lot of information on these things because I got into a conversation about Venturi pipes with someone while I was in a tobacco shop. Inquiring minds want to know more so I researched Venturi Pipes and a lot came up. Apparently they were sold in the Sears Catalog, are made of plastic with a graphite insert in the bowl and only very few of them are made of briar.

Something very interesting I read was that when one of these pipes are taken care of properly and smoked, they offer the true taste of the tobacco. More so than meerschaum. What also struck me as interesting is that one article said that it is not uncommon for blenders to have one of these types of pipes handy for tasting the tobacco they blend. Is there any truth to this?

I was wondering if anyone has experience with The Pipe, The Smoke or Venturi. If so, what do you think of it? Why do you like or dislike it? How do these pipes compare to briar and meerschaum?

Thanks tuold, for your point of view on these things. I did see thepipe.info page and I was amazed to find so much compiled information in one place about a plastic pipe. I can't count how many times I've glazed over these things when I found them in antique shops. I knew they were made around the 60's and 70's, before I read anything about them. I thought they were mainly used to smoke the wacky tobaccee. I didn't take them seriously until I read Bill Taylor's site. I ended up buying one for this man I had a conversation with and am in the process of cleaning it up for him. After handling this old thing, I want one for myself.

Thanks for the links yaddy. Awesome. I'll check that show out tonight.

I've also noticed that it's a love/hate thing with these pipes. To me, a pipe is briar or a cob. Even my meers don't see a lot of mialage either.

This person I've been talking to at the shop loves his plastic pipe and loves the way it smokes. When I see them around, I can scoop them up for next to nothing because of how most pipe smokers feel about them. I'm going to keep buying them and cleaning them up to give to this guy. They make him happy. I like happy people. Happiness through pipes for all!

I'll eventually pick one up for myself too. I'd like to try it out.

Thanks all!