DISCLAIMER: I show no brand loyalty ― and though, on occasion, I may make light of certain topics ― in reality, I'm no piping snob. One of my most enjoyed pipes is a non-branded, more-than-frugal estate purchase, that is as ugly as it is mammoth in size. With that being said...
I have a wonderful wife, that not only encourages my debauchery, but also likes to share in the shenanigans. So, sometime back, we purchased a 'starter kit' from a well known supplier of vices. The kit included 5 (house blend) aromatic tins, a(n) (amazing) tamper, pipe cleaners, and a 'briar' pipe. ... And all of this luxury for (a penny) under $50!
Now, I'm a realistic man, so I wasn't expecting Dunhill to be represented in this order ― and I actually ended up, thoroughly, enjoying the tamper. However ― with my wife's fear of ruining a new pipe ― the petite, unmarked cutie sat on the pipe rack for several months ― just waiting to be asked to dance.
Last night, I purchased up the last tin of Peterson's Holiday Season 2015, from my local brick and mortar, and while debating on whether I should throw the tobacco into my meerschaum or a briar, my wife got excited and insisted, "Why not start to break in my pipe for me!"
How could I refuse?!
She's just so darn sweet.
So, after my wife and our oldest daughter left for their mall safari this afternoon, I knocked the dust off the virgin tool, and sat down with my holiday tin and a cup of coffee ― ready to get my cheer on.
I took a moment to inspect the pipe: It's nice enough; simple; no major flaws, that I can see; rather comparable to a basket pipe. I took an empty draw... Hmmm, it has a bit of a whistle, but otherwise the draw is fine.
I checked the chamber, and find pre-carbonation, so the flavor during break-in could go either way. The walls are a bit thinner than I prefer, but I'm not a hot smoker, so all should be all right.
I pack and light ― and there is nothing abnormal about the first few sips: everything is burning cool; the taste of pre-carb is apparent, but not offensive... Yeah, this pipe will be an acceptable aromatic pipe.
Then the gurgle starts.
Well, that's fairly normal for a new pipe; and besides, I don't expect filet mignon when I order McDonald's. I reach for a pipe cleaner and run it down the stem... Uh oh, the cleaner doesn't clear the draft hole. Hey, the pipe will still make a decent yard pipe, and I'm sure my wife won't notice (or care about) the difference.
I finish my bowl, and take a Q-tip and flashlight to the chamber; nothing surprising upon inspection. After allowing the pipe to further cool, I break it down and clean... and while putting the pipe back together, I notice the dimple.
Next to the draft hole, now showing some spidering, I notice a pea-sized cavity. One smoke in, and this pipe is quickly on it's way to burnout.
I've never had a pipe this predisposed to damage. Is this normal for an 'ultra' budget pipe? Or do you think it was user error? And, most importantly, do I flush the pipe down the toilet and tell my wife that it and the Holiday Season 2015 ran away together, and eloped?
I have a wonderful wife, that not only encourages my debauchery, but also likes to share in the shenanigans. So, sometime back, we purchased a 'starter kit' from a well known supplier of vices. The kit included 5 (house blend) aromatic tins, a(n) (amazing) tamper, pipe cleaners, and a 'briar' pipe. ... And all of this luxury for (a penny) under $50!
Now, I'm a realistic man, so I wasn't expecting Dunhill to be represented in this order ― and I actually ended up, thoroughly, enjoying the tamper. However ― with my wife's fear of ruining a new pipe ― the petite, unmarked cutie sat on the pipe rack for several months ― just waiting to be asked to dance.
Last night, I purchased up the last tin of Peterson's Holiday Season 2015, from my local brick and mortar, and while debating on whether I should throw the tobacco into my meerschaum or a briar, my wife got excited and insisted, "Why not start to break in my pipe for me!"
How could I refuse?!
She's just so darn sweet.
So, after my wife and our oldest daughter left for their mall safari this afternoon, I knocked the dust off the virgin tool, and sat down with my holiday tin and a cup of coffee ― ready to get my cheer on.
I took a moment to inspect the pipe: It's nice enough; simple; no major flaws, that I can see; rather comparable to a basket pipe. I took an empty draw... Hmmm, it has a bit of a whistle, but otherwise the draw is fine.
I checked the chamber, and find pre-carbonation, so the flavor during break-in could go either way. The walls are a bit thinner than I prefer, but I'm not a hot smoker, so all should be all right.
I pack and light ― and there is nothing abnormal about the first few sips: everything is burning cool; the taste of pre-carb is apparent, but not offensive... Yeah, this pipe will be an acceptable aromatic pipe.
Then the gurgle starts.
Well, that's fairly normal for a new pipe; and besides, I don't expect filet mignon when I order McDonald's. I reach for a pipe cleaner and run it down the stem... Uh oh, the cleaner doesn't clear the draft hole. Hey, the pipe will still make a decent yard pipe, and I'm sure my wife won't notice (or care about) the difference.
I finish my bowl, and take a Q-tip and flashlight to the chamber; nothing surprising upon inspection. After allowing the pipe to further cool, I break it down and clean... and while putting the pipe back together, I notice the dimple.
Next to the draft hole, now showing some spidering, I notice a pea-sized cavity. One smoke in, and this pipe is quickly on it's way to burnout.
I've never had a pipe this predisposed to damage. Is this normal for an 'ultra' budget pipe? Or do you think it was user error? And, most importantly, do I flush the pipe down the toilet and tell my wife that it and the Holiday Season 2015 ran away together, and eloped?
