Looking into another pipe, just wanting some of my fellow pipers opinions. Im set on a Peterson Sherlock Holmes bent 05 Dublin/Calabash just trying to decide which finish?
Rusticated,Blasted,Smooth Peterson
- Thread starter dublinpiper90
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Hard to go wrong with PBS, Sandblast, or smooth. But I’m not a fan of Petersons current rustication. It’s a bit clunky to me.
I have one of the originals and it is one hot smoking pipe - no idea if that’s normal but if I ever get another it will be rusticated.
Peterson rustication often looks like a rabid beaver got ahold of the pipe.
I've found if a pipe isn't aesthetically pleasing, I'll reach for it less.
I've found if a pipe isn't aesthetically pleasing, I'll reach for it less.
This ^^^^
I’ve always loved some texture but Peterson’s rustication style makes me think they put a running Dremel tool into a box of stummels for exactly seven minutes while an apprentice pipe carver shook the box vigorously, lol.
Still have to admit mine still smoke perfectly even if they make me grimace when I look at them.
PSB. When they get it right it’s wonderful 
Damn, those are lovely pipes!
Never owned one but typically hear that it gets pretty warm at the "waistline" where the bowl pinches in.
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One of each! Then you can decide which is your favorite.
Their rustication is better than it used to be and not as good as it was at times 3 or more decades ago.
I actually love ALL of Peterson's finishes. I collect the XL14 shape (Sherlock Holmes Deerstalker) and they are all appealing to me. The original release of this pipe had a neat red-ish sandblasted finish and I smoke that one a lot. The Heritage finish, as well as the Ebony, are also quite nice and elegant. But I have to admit my weekly smokers are the rusticated and rougher styled sandblast models. I'm starting to get into the XL13, too, after picking up one of the St. Patrick's pipes in that shape, but haven't moved yet on the Sherlock version (Baker Street).
Peterson has really upped their game In recent years, esp with the sandblasting
Their smooth finishes are pretty good too. These 2 are in their "Dark" finish - one of their cheaper lines
All 3 bought in the past 2-3 years
Their smooth finishes are pretty good too. These 2 are in their "Dark" finish - one of their cheaper lines
All 3 bought in the past 2-3 years
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My sandblast 106 looks good, and feels good. My 313 is rusticated and I love the haptics of the way it feels in my hand. You can’t go wrong, but
If able definitely check
It out in person.
If able definitely check
It out in person.
For me, personally, a smooth Peterson in a classic shape is truly a thing of beauty. The mostly warm stains and beefy interpretations just do it for me. Their sandblasting doesn't look near as pretty in my book. But that feeling goes away as soon as my fingers wrap around the bowl. Their rustication... has its fans. I'm not here to yuck anyone's yum, so I'll say I'll leave the rusticated Petes for those who will appreciate them.
I'll go against the grain here and say I love the rustication. It is aggressive but it feels nice in the hand and looks great in person, definitely not one to show off nice grains but even ugly grain need love too.
I read somewhere its supposed to mimic a pine cone design ...
The ebony is supposed to be the purest grain free bowls so that 5 layers of lacquer will properly adhere ... that might be the coolest smoke as there would be little grain for heat to travel through ... but just an untested opinion. My rusticated and sandblast pipes are cooler than my smooths and hardier for working pipes. 2 Cents.
I love my rusticated System Standard 313 and XL315. My 05 is the smooth Dublin Filter model and, as some have noted, it can get quite hot around the waistline. That being said, it is a dynamite little pipe for flakes.