I like the grand old traditional shapes, and I like some of the hybridized and unusual shapes, freehands and others, too. Traditional shapes are often safer purchases, a standard product from the factory line and a dependable exercise of artisan talents. But when they are done really well, factory or artisanal, traditional shapes can exude a craft and design process that transcends just doing a predetermined shape. I just spotted a Becker Dublin on the "What Are You Smoking" thread that had such exquisite balance, proportion, and finish realized in one traditional shape that it is original and creative as many jazzier pipes meant to be creative aren't. Sometimes the formality of the traditional forms really works, beyond just being comfortable and recognizable. I like the creative pipes, but sometimes the traditional ones are notably creative.
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