Which of These Pipes Would You Choose?

bilbobaggins · Jul 24, 2013

Hello. I am looking to buy a new pipe that really captures the feel of Middle Earth. In my search, I have come across Vauen's "Auenland" (The Shire) Series of pipes which have been made to follow the success of their Lord of the Rings series from the early 2000's. I very much like the smooth "Hugg" pipe, but I am not quite certain that it is the one I will choose. It has proven a hard decision for me, so I thought I would seek the council of this fine community. From the picture below, which of the 6 options would you choose if you were looking for a good Middle Earth-style pipe, and why? Thank you kindly in advance.

pruss · Jul 24, 2013

Hi bilbo. Welcome to the forums.
Thanks for posting, I hope you'll find the pipe you like and post here as to how it smokes.
Given my choice of the pipes above I too would go for the Hugg, but I like the blasted version. The bend on the Hugg is a nice bend for sitting in a deep chair, and allows for a comfortable hold on the bowl. I also like the colours of the stain on the Hugg. I think the blasted version has a look and feel that lends itself to the character of ME in a way that a smooth finish speaks to me of cities and towns... the smooth is more Elflike, and I'm definitely of the race of Men.
-- Pat

cortezattic · Jul 24, 2013

Welcome to the PM.com forums, Bilbo. :clap: You'll never want for a opinion here! :lol:
I like the pointy heel of the Gilg -- and sandblasted for the same reasons as Pruss.

buster · Jul 24, 2013

The art.- NRA. Hug.
Nice church wardens if that is your thing. These days I lean more to the pocket/nose warmer kind of pipes. I have one mini church warden but it doesn't see much use these days.

anthonyrosenthal74 · Jul 24, 2013

With this pipe forum community, I think you're likely to get an equal number for each and every one of those pipes. Tastes are all over the board here

I personally would go for the smooth hugg, although the blasted is nice too. I'm not normally into blasted pipes but every once in a while I see one I'd like. My second choice would be the smooth gilg... maybe. I admit I like the Friddo's too. Oh crud.... I can't make up my mind! Ok smooth hugg is what I would purchase before any others.
Now I have to ask, where can I order one of those? I really really really want one now.

peckinpahhombre · Jul 24, 2013

And whatever you do, don't wear the ring. Oh, you will want to put it on, but just don't.

smokeybear · Jul 24, 2013

I like all of them but if I had to choose Gilg

crazypipe · Jul 24, 2013

I like art-nr hugs. sandgestranhlt. 159-

bilbobaggins · Jul 24, 2013

Thank you to everyone who has posted their opinions so far, and a very big thank you for the warm welcome that I had a feeling I would get here

As it stands, my choice is leaning a little more slightly than before towards the smooth Hugg. This is mostly because of Pruss' input that it looks more "Elflike" than its counterparts. It does look like something and Elf would smoke out of, if ever an Elf were to smoke a pipe

Yes, I know we are but mortal men, but the Elves are in my opinion the most enthralling race in our beloved Middle Earth, and beings who I would give each and every one of my worldly possessions to meet if the opportunity ever arose.
So, because Elves do not generally seem to part take in the act of pipe-smoking, I do not think this would be the pipe of an Elf, but the pipe of an Elf-friend, because of its eye-catching beauty, and a fairness that I have seldom seen among pipes of its kind.
Though now swayed farther from neutrality, my final decision remains open for debate, and I look forward to more input from the community.

sparrowhawk · Jul 25, 2013

Well, friend, let's whittle this down logically: i.e., a pipe that would have been made in the quasi-medieval world of Middle Earth. Sandblasting is out, since sandblasting wouldn't have existed in the world of Middle Earth. The apple shaped bowls on some of the other pipes seem equally unlikely for the same reason. That leaves the single, polished Hugg Glatt, which is long, polished by sanding (which of course was done in the medieval world) and has the long stem. Also, it has the earthy wood tone finish making it appropriate for Middle Earth. But ultimately, of course, you have to go with the pipe that you feel comfortable with. Let us know what decision you make!

trailspike48 · Jul 25, 2013

I'm not really into churchwardens, but for me the Hugg smooth looks like a comfortable easy chair smoke.

andrew · Jul 25, 2013

Gilg

bigboi · Jul 25, 2013

I like the shape of the Gilg but prefer the way the stem is on the Hug. Sorry, but I can't decide between the too. I would have to hold them first.

snagstangl · Jul 25, 2013

I guess if we are trying apply the possiblities of Middle Earth, don't limit yourself to only smooth. Remember that magic is a important part. Surely there is a sandblasting spell of some sort to allow for any of the textures not just smooth. Or there are other manual ways that a sandblasted or rusticated texture can be accomplished. So just get the one you like, find the one that gives you some kind of plesant guteral reaction when you look at it, if that makes sense.

homeatsea · Jul 25, 2013

And whatever you do, don't wear the ring. Oh, you will want to put it on, but just don't.

But seriously. Don't.

homeatsea · Jul 25, 2013

Also, if you're really interested in LoTR pipes you may want to check out the book "Pipe Smoking in Middle Earth". There is quite an in-depth analysis on the books and Tolkien-lore that basically states that the pipes smoked in the books are not actually churchwardens, as depicted in the movies.

plateauguy · Jul 25, 2013

Friddo smooth Glatt would be my choice.
Am I the only one that hasn't watched any of the Lord of the Rings series?

jeepnewbie · Jul 25, 2013

I have to agree with the others the choose the Hugg, and it seems like it would be really comfy to sit and hold. If it wasn't available I would probably go with the Gilg then, but I would prefer it in the Hugg smooth finish and not green (nothing wrong with it), just doesn't seem middle earth really. Good luck in your adventures Bilbo.

hunterwold1 · Jul 25, 2013

Hugg smooth would be my first choice. For all and any of the reasons stated above. . .

chrisschneck · Jul 25, 2013

I too like the Gilg, but I've never smoked a Vauen. Hard to say unless it was in my hands which one would be the "right" choice.

Which of These Pipes Would You Choose?

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