What Pipes To Take To A Pipe Show

mso489 · Mar 27, 2016

Most attendees to a pipe show end up buying at least one pipe. My only exception was when I went to a pipe show before going to my dentist for a chipped tooth -- and there went my pipe show money. But my question is, what pipes of your own do you take to a pipe show to sample tobacco and to enjoy in the smoking area? Do you take your very best, highest priced pipes; or just a trusty cob or two; or small pipes for sampling; or your more dramatic pipes to start conversations; or your largest to show your commitment to pipes? What do you select, or grab on the way out the door? I've been thinking about this as the TAPS pipe show in Raleigh, N.C., on April 9 approaches. Do you go with pipe(s) or without?

jefff · Mar 27, 2016

I was wondering this myself. Yes I live in Chicago and yes I have smoked a pipe on and off...mostly on for 30 years. But this will be my first time at the show.
I was thinking two pipes. And Eltang Cutty that sings with any Latakia blend and a cheap ass Barling straight Brandy that I bought new 30 years ago. I can now afford much "better" pipes but this thing smokes flakes so perfectly I'll smoke it forever.

andy · Mar 27, 2016

Great topic! I have been giving this some thought recently too, as I have just finalised my travel plans to my first Chicagoland Show (fortunately my business travel arrangements played perfectly to the show dates).
My thoughts were my small Eltang Sailor for sampling, a bent Savinelli for wandering, and my large Ser Jacopo bent bulldog for socialising and starting conversations in the tent.
But then there is always going to be new acquisitions to add to the mix too!

jefff · Mar 27, 2016

Thats what I was thinking.....but maybe I need to bring the recently acquired Hesschen. Its a pretty large bowl that loves anything Virginia.

mso489 · Mar 27, 2016

...right now I'm thinking I will take two pipes, a medium and a small, probably not my most treasured, but not my least ones either, and suppose I will pick up at least one more at the show or be surprised if I don't. One year I was after panels, and found a completely unique one, partially rusticated carved of Mountain Laurel, and another from a local independent shop, an unfinished Sav panel, both at great prices. Sometimes it's like the exhibitors are reading my mind. Some year I may take something mildly outlandish, like a 14" clay pipe, just to start conversation. Some pipers go for drama -- Caveliers and cutty's, pipes with chains, tassels, and metal covers.

dread · Mar 27, 2016

Never been to a pipe show, though someday I want to. I would think at least one cob so you don't have to worry about multiple bowls with different blends.

ray47 · Mar 27, 2016

I've never been to a pipe show, but if I did go I'd probably take small cobs for sampling. If I bought a pipe at the show I'd be smoking it there the first chance I got.

peckinpahhombre · Mar 27, 2016

I brought 5 pipes to Chicago last year. Came home with over 20. Enjoy!

mso489 · Mar 27, 2016

peck, that's the spirit!

condorlover1 · Mar 27, 2016

But I bet you don't own a 'cutty' Peck!

derfargin · Mar 27, 2016

Seem to me you're the only one that can answer this? How do you smoke your pipes? Do you have a strict, one bowl then rest your pipe for 6 months attitude? If so then you might want to thing about how many bowls you intend on smoking an then plan accordingly. On the flip side, you can get by with a few. I took 3 pipes to a pipe meetup when I was in NJ, and ended up only smoking one.
I think lots over-think this whole pipe smoking endeavor and make things tougher than they need to be.

winton · Mar 27, 2016

Since I go home to my own bed, each night of the show, I choose two pipes each day. One for aromatic and one for non-aromatic. I also will try to bring a clay or a cob for blends that could ghost my pipe.
Another question, is how many lighters should I bring. At least two. I feel silly bumming a light every time my pipe goes out. I remember sitting with a guy trying to get his expensive lighter working. I smoked half a bowl before he got his lit.

sablebrush52 · Mar 27, 2016

I bring 4-5 pipes of various sizes that are good smokers. I may also bring some of my Barling bling to share with other collectors. My last two forays at the WCPS featured Barling throwdowns.

delkhouri · Mar 27, 2016

Pipes to take to a show can be summed up in three categories for me:
1) Pipes I wish to sell

2) Pipes I wish to show off

3) Pipes I wish to smoke... often pipes in categories 2 and 3 can be interchangeable.

lestrout · Mar 27, 2016

yo mso - after a coupla dozen pipe shows under my belt, my drill tends to bringing small taster pipes, several of which are dedicated to VAs. I tend not to bring trophy pipes for fear of damaging or losing them.
hp

les

jpmcwjr · Mar 27, 2016

Medium and smaller ones, nothing fragile. A show for me means a trip of several days minimum, so I'll travel with a handful—and come home with two handfuls.

lifesizehobbit · Mar 28, 2016

For me, one show isn't enough to say "what I would bring" - but it was enough to cause me to be more selective for the future. I recently attended the St. Louis Pipe Show; I took 6 pipes and smoked 2. Came home with 4 more.
Based on my single experience, it's kind of like Hotwheels - you want to bring them all, play with a few and show your friends. Then, find a way to bring home more. :lol:

mso489 · Mar 28, 2016

lifesize, I think the Hot Wheels image may be especially apt!

deathmetal · Mar 28, 2016

That image completely nails it. Toys for men, and having the whole collection matters!

mso489 · Mar 28, 2016

Hot Wheels, no number is too many. Another one is always better. The next one will make your life complete. And the next one after that.

What Pipes To Take To A Pipe Show

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