$165 Northern Briars Mistake

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cortezattic

Lifer
Nov 19, 2009
15,147
7,642
Chicago, IL
If it makes you feel any better, here's a $500 Ardor that has a similar asymmetry in the thickness of the wall...



 

sasquatch

Lifer
Jul 16, 2012
1,708
2,999
It is not to be expected that "handmade" means "asymmetric".
The pipe in question is not a super well shaped pipe, and I suspect it's because it didn't fit on the lathe, so it was put into round on a sanding belt, and held in Ian's hand in doing so. I think he'd say it's not his best piece. It's also a pipe that retailed for quite a bit less than his best pieces would.
I think if you buy a Rad Davis, you'll find (if it's supposed to be a symmetric shape) that the symmetry is very good. Same with Mark Tinsky. But a 500 dollar pipe is going to get more care and attention than a 150 dollar pipe out of anyone. If, for example, Rad produces a more symmetric pipe, it's also because he is not selling ANY pipes for 150 dollars.
I bought a grade 5 Savinelli Autograph a month ago. It's not especially symmetric. It's a diamond shank, and the airway is nothing like parallel to the "spine" on the shank. But I also knew that I was buying an eccentric Italian pipe. Myself, in building that particular pipe, I would have done it more symmetrically, because that's the way I work, that's the style I'm after. But again, I'm not selling anything that would retail for 165 bucks.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that no pipe is "perfect". This pipe is off in terms of bowl shaping, but that only makes it "wrong" if you are comparing it to a pipe that was cut on a rotating machine. If you are comparing it to other "hand shaped" pipes, you'll find that while it's not maybe a "best of breed" it's a fair representation of what you'll get at that price point.
I'll bet it smokes great and I'll bet the stem is very comfortable. Lots of guys see the eccentricity as "proof" that it's a one-of-a-kind piece and not just one stummel grabbed out of the box of 10,000 identical to it. Others would say that it's just a poorly shaped pipe and that's all there is to it. So be it.

 

oldshacker

Might Stick Around
Oct 26, 2012
64
0
Now you can’t tell me that your new pipe of yours doesn’t have personality :nana:

 

docwatson

Lifer
Jul 2, 2009
1,149
10
New England
That's a fine looking Northern Briars pipe, and if you are not happy I'm sure the seller will make good for it like others have already stated. However, it is a HANDMADE pipe and none are perfect. Each handmade pipe has its own character or flaws if you wish to call it that. Can't beat the price, but I'm sure you will get satisfaction whichever way you choose to deal with it. Sorry to hear that you are disappointed with your pipe.

 

mlaug

Part of the Furniture Now
May 23, 2010
908
3
Iowa
Its things like this that make me glad I only smoke freehands.
There isn't a straight line or symmetrical pipe in my collection. :oops:

 

cigrmaster

Lifer
May 26, 2012
20,248
57,310
67
Sarasota Florida
I am of the opinion that a pipe that out of round should have never left the shop. I would not settle for it and as I told you on the phone Chris, I think you should return it. For 165.00 I think people deserve a pipe that is perfectly round, stems that fit flush and are properly drilled. I don't think that we as consumers should allow pipe makers or factories to pass off inferior quality products on us. Out of round bowls and stems not fitting flush are major defects in my opinion and should always be returned.

 

gwtwdbss

Lifer
Jun 13, 2012
2,945
21
54
Some great points made here for both sides. It does have character and it is on the low end of the price scale as far as Northern Briars goes. It indeed may have sold for much more if it was perfect. As I said, I just got in too much of hurry to smoke it and did not examine it closely enough when I first got it. It does smokes well and it is nice and light for clenching. As igloo and others pointed out it is unique not perfect. That is a great point and opened my eyes a bit. If I didn't smoke it I would probably would have sent it back. But since I did, I am going to keep it and be thankful. It will be a reminder to me not to get in a hurry, and that we all have our flaws. One of these days down the road, I believe I will be glad I kept it. After reading some if the comments posted here and seeing the varied point of views, the pipe is actually starting to grow on me. Sure it is a little off balance and imperfect, but hell, so am I. :puffy:
Mods should we close this thread as to not damage Ian's reputation more than I may already have? I know a lot of folks here love their Northern Briars and I was probably being too selfish and picky.

 
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