Why are estate pipes ok?

[SpuddsBuckley]

It is interesting to know your preference in shoes, but the analogy is not valid at all.
First, because today’s sportswear is superior to that of any previous era, and its positive impact on performance is undeniable.
Second, because—although it may understandably cause some discomfort among certain smokers—it is well established that the use of estate pipes is a common and harmless practice within the pipe‑smoking community.
Third, because a used pipe is not the same as a dirty pipe: no one puts a pipe in their mouth without first cleaning it or making sure it is in proper condition.

Kind regards.

For those allergic to comedy, I was joking. I own multiple estate pipes. In fact, my first ever pipe was a mid-century estate Grabow, which I still smoke.

 

[MisterBadger]

For those allergic to comedy, I was joking. I own multiple estate pipes. In fact, my first ever pipe was a mid-century estate Grabow, which I still smoke.

Not a question of allergy, @SpuddsBuckley , but one of cultural and linguistic differences: I note with interest that the two of us who took the original remark at face value, are not from the USA, and not native speakers of American English. And I don't know about @Alejo R. , but personally I am now wondering whether I should take offence at being described as humourless.

(Joking).

 

[SpuddsBuckley]

Not a question of allergy, @SpuddsBuckley , but one of cultural and linguistic differences: I note with interest that the two of us who took the original remark at face value, are not from the USA, and not native speakers of American English. And I don't know about @Alejo R. , but personally I am now wondering whether I should take offence at being described as humourless.

(Joking).

 

[Alanon]

To be honest, this is the first time I’ve encountered such vociferous opposition to estate pipes. In my neck of Europe, most every pipe smoker I know partakes.

I can of course sympathize with the "ick factor", but after reaming the briar, cleaning the wood, treating the stem in Oxy and a disinfectant, then sanding and polishing it, that estate is probably more sanitary than any pipe I smoke and clean with alcohol-dipped cleaners. And this is only counting what I can do with my modest skills. A proper pipe restorer can remove the cake to bare wood, drill out the channel and neck to bare wood, and essentially make the pipe almost factory.

I will admit that I’m sensitive to certain smells, and I’ve had estates whose carbon waft has left me icked out. But there’s nothing in there that’s not in any of my new pipes, the only difference is who produced it.

I do wonder though, for the people who are squeamish, are there any exceptions? If your wife wanted to give you a bite of her food at dinner, and she took her fork, stabbed the bit and reached out to feed it to you, would you recoil in horror?

 

[SpuddsBuckley]

To be honest, this is the first time I’ve encountered such vociferous opposition to estate pipes. In my neck of Europe, most every pipe smoker I know partakes.

I can of course sympathize with the "ick factor", but after reaming the briar, cleaning the wood, treating the stem in Oxy and a disinfectant, then sanding and polishing it, that estate is probably more sanitary than any pipe I smoke and clean with alcohol-dipped cleaners. And this is only counting what I can do with my modest skills. A proper pipe restorer can remove the cake to bare wood, drill out the channel and neck to bare wood, and essentially make the pipe almost factory.

I will admit that I’m sensitive to certain smells, and I’ve had estates whose carbon waft has left me icked out. But there’s nothing in there that’s not in any of my new pipes, the only difference is who produced it.

I do wonder though, for the people who are squeamish, are there any exceptions? If your wife wanted to give you a bite of her food at dinner, and she took her fork, stabbed the bit and reached out to feed it to you, would you recoil in horror?

I will not buy a pipe with teeth chatter on the stem. That's where I draw the line.

 

[MisterBadger]

I will not buy a pipe with teeth chatter on the stem. That's where I draw the line.

I might cross that line if I really liked the stummel and overall design, and get myself another stem to replace the old chewed one.

 

[tartanphantom]

I might cross that line if I really liked the stummel and overall design, and get myself another stem to replace the old chewed one.

Been there, and done that, generally out of necessity if the stem has been chewed through.

 

[Alanon]

I will not buy a pipe with teeth chatter on the stem. That's where I draw the line.

Interesting, is just a little enough or are we talking holes or deep gouges? Sanitary or aesthetic reasons?

I either sand that out or try to lift it up with heat for vulcanite... even large-ish holes can be patched up to look almost indistinguishable, although I personally haven’t had the need yet.

 

[SpuddsBuckley]

Interesting, is just a little enough or are we talking holes or deep gouges? Sanitary or aesthetic reasons?

I either sand that out or try to lift it up with heat for vulcanite... even large-ish holes can be patched up to look almost indistinguishable, although I personally haven’t had the need yet.

I mean, if it's really chewed up and wasting away, then forget it. A couple of small bite marks, I'm not worried about it from a sanitary standpoint, as it could be heavily disinfected... But it's more the idea of some other man's teeth marks being on that stem that I can't really get past.

 

[spike]

Spike, I met you and your wife a few years ago at the Chicago pipe show. It’s people like you both that I keep going to the pipe shows. That and the food of course.

Thank you, My Friend. Looking forward to next year’s show and seeing you again. But please tell me there your real name. I am sure I will remember you.

 

[Revnatorade C.P.G.]

I own plenty of estates as I cant buy pipes that arent made anymore. Do I smoke many of them? No, but not because im squeamish as they have all been cleaned by me or a restorer that I bought them from, but mainly as I dont want to risk damaging them as they're old and a piece of history.

 

[rowdyroddypiper]

I like vintage stuff like weber, custombilt, etc. So I'm all about estate pipes. I also like the process of restoring them.

 

[dozicusmaximus]

Because I'm cheap.
I like used guitars too. Take a pickguard off of one of those and look inside... The screws to take the pickguard off are usually rusty from sweat. The fretboard is loaded with a nice combo of dead skin, oil, sweat, dust, spit, blood, ash, beer, etc. Give it a good clean and good to go.

 

[tartanphantom]

Because I'm cheap.
I like used guitars too. Take a pickguard off of one of those and look inside... The screws to take the pickguard off are usually rusty from sweat. The fretboard is loaded with a nice combo of dead skin, oil, sweat, dust, spit, blood, ash, beer, etc. Give it a good clean and good to go.

Same approach here re: guitars and other musical instruments.

 

[wyfbane]

That's what they make those rubber nubby things for... lol

 

[Wesley pipes]

Serious question and something I've never understood about the pipe community. And I understand the whole "90% of everything is crap" idea behind estate pipes being more reliable.

That said, when I purchase something I'm going to be regularly placing in my mouth, someone else having already regularly placed it in their mouth immediately ends that deal.

I'm sure a good toothbrush can be rebristled and sold for 70% of the original price, but who in their right mind would buy such a thing?

That said, I just never understood it, but many pipe smokers much wiser and more experienced than me certainly have a different opinion, so just curious why estate pipes are popular.

Personally I if the stem is in excellent shape then I use Some very light sandpaper to remove any stains or tooth chatter and then sanitize them, oxyclean or rubbing alcohol works good, a lot of time I soak the stem in some bourbon whiskey to get the old vulcanite taste out. if the stem has a lot of damage or looks gross, then I replace it. if you want to buy estate pipes and the thought of a used stem bothers you, then buy a bunch of new stems and just have them on hand, they go up for sale all the time on ebay and are not expensive. I have bin buying, selling, and restoring pipes for many years. that is how I’ve accumulated a very nice collection of pipes! some very high end Thant I paid almost nothing for. This box of about 120 stems cost about $140 some stems are pre molded and need to be carved a bit but that’s not a big deal. To answer your question… personally I think antique and vintage pipes were generally made better! Especially those made before 1960, kaywoodie brand is a good example of this.
again just my opinion.

 

[Wesley pipes]

Personally I if the stem is in excellent shape then I use Some very light sandpaper to remove any stains or tooth chatter and then sanitize them, oxyclean or rubbing alcohol works good, a lot of time I soak the stem in some bourbon whiskey to get the old vulcanite taste out. if the stem has a lot of damage or looks gross, then I replace it. if you want to buy estate pipes and the thought of a used stem bothers you, then buy a bunch of new stems and just have them on hand, they go up for sale all the time on ebay and are not expensive. I have bin buying, selling, and restoring pipes for many years. that is how I’ve accumulated a very nice collection of pipes! some very high end Thant I paid almost nothing for. This box of about 120 stems cost about $140 some stems are pre molded and need to be carved a bit but that’s not a big deal. To answer your question… personally I think antique and vintage pipes were generally made better! Especially those made before 1960, kaywoodie brand is a good example of this.
again just my opinion.

 

[Wesley pipes]

Its ok with me. Thats why they make new pipes. If you dont like them dont buy them. The idea doesnt concern me so that leaves more for me. Estate pipes have allowed me to obtain a collection that even if I could afford, I would not.

I work with custom saxophone mouthpieces and there is a huge vintage market for them as well. They are hard rubber/vulcanite. I dont concern myself with where they have been. I clean them and move on. I get that some people just cant get an image out of their head and thats fine. The pipe police arent holding a gun to anyone's head.

Estates also give people the chance to collect super vintage pipes as well.

And I definitely dont pay 70 percent of new value. Ive bought a lot of pipes that retail north of 4-600 for under 200.

I keep wanting to buy a peterson but I keep buying Kai pipes and such becuase I can buy them estate for less than a new Pete.

Do whatever floats your boat.

I got me some sweet pipes over the years buying estates, but I do have a standard of how i clean them if I’m gonna stick it in my mouth, like I always say buy new stems in bulk! It’s a game changer.

 

[Wesley pipes]

Whatever. To each their own. I have other things to be worried about.

Also, I regularly smoke pipes that are over 100 years old. I’m only 62. Do the math.

Finally, why do you care what I do or stick in my mouth?

It’s your god given right to stick whatever you want in your mouth… respectfully.

 

[Wesley pipes]

It’s your god given right to stick whatever you want in your mouth… respectfully.

Whatever. To each their own. I have other things to be worried about.

Also, I regularly smoke pipes that are over 100 years old. I’m only 62. Do the math.

Finally, why do you care what I do or stick in my mouth?

Agreed. Like anything people put in there mouths these days is much better than a vintage pipe.