If I may, can I express it as "The Pipe That Most Disappointed"? This pipe has been the bane of my life and I cannot tell you how saddened I have been by the experience of owning it. Strangely, for me, it is a Peterson. Now I am a self confessed Pete Nut, but this damn pipe has really made me angry. It is a Kinsale XL26 Smooth Finish, basically, The Hansom but without the refinements.
I ordered this from my favourite online emporium and was thrilled when it arrived. Not so thrilled however when during the first smoke, yes, the first, the finish started bubbling and flaking on the side of the Bowl. The Pipe was not Hot in the hand, I had been extremely careful as I had heard tales of the somewhat suspect finishes on some Petes. I should perhaps add that I have several other Kinsales and have never experienced any such problems with them. So I returned the pipe and explained the problem. The supplier sent another example straight out to me, which was very much appreciated. Until..... Same thing occurred. Returned that Pipe and received a replacement straight away. Same thing happened! I rang the supplier and explained that I was acutely embarrassed by the whole situation and asked whether there was anything that Peterson themselves could do. He responded very swiftly that they had the previous pipes and were inspecting them. One more was dispatched and sadly, yet again, the same thing happened, but this time accompanied by a very nasty plastic like smell. I still have this pipe and I have considered removing the entire finish and starting all over again. I have also considered trying the Rusticated version to see whether that will be all right. I am somewhat agin doing that as I find the Smooth model far more pleasing aesthetically.
The other Horror in my collection is a Vaugn Tomato. The Mouthpiece renders this pipe all bar unsmokable for me, so that is having a new mouthpiece made that hopefully will make this one a goer again.
Communicating via this internet malarkey is an ideal way for me to socialise with YOU, the great unwashed and uneducated, whilst keeping you all at a distance. Tones it down you see?
