$200 Artisan Help/Advice Needed

[delkhouri]

So I'm looking to spend about $200 on a pipe and I have wanted an artisan pipe for some time now. I might be able to spend a little more but some things would have to align to make that happen. Anyway I am fully intending on going to the columbus show in 10 days and was going to try to find something there. But in my online research I have found a few deals that I just don't know if I can pass up. I have found:
Andy Petersen (unsmoked)- Huge pipe - rusticated with a cumberland stem and a white/ivory spacer

Old Nellie (unsmoked)- lovat/ billiard rusticated with a cumberland stem (I emailed joe and he told me that this was one of his earlier pipes before he started doing his oil curing)

Larryson (unsmoked) - treebark/horn/dublin freehand

Scott Klein (estate) - Huge egg - sandblasted black stem

Simeon Turner (unsmoked) - Lovat/bulldogg sandblasted cumberland stem
I like certain things about all these pipes, but I am not blown away/in love with any. They all seem to be good deals at about $200 each. So here is the question, should I pull the trigger on one or wait for the columbus show to see what I can find?

 

[lostandfound]

You're going to be in the same room as a lot of beautiful pipes my friend. I would think about that.

 

[shaintiques]

I would wait as well. You can always go back and hunt for a pipe online later.

 

[dhizzy]

Delkhouri, I know that Mr. Nelson was there last year and I can't remember if Scott Cline was but there were definitely a decent amount of artisans / artisan pipes there. If I were you, I'd wait and I think you will find one that you'll be able to hold in your hand that will blow your socks off instead of one online that is just, ok. I think you answered your own question here:

but I am not blown away/in love with any.

8)

 

[delkhouri]

Can you find artisan pipes from guys like this or equivalent for $200-$250 at shows?

 

[pstlpkr]

It's my understanding that the pricing of pipes will go down close to the end of the show.

But, you might see a pipe that really winds your watch, and you risk missing out if you wait to see if the maker reduces the asking price.

However; you might consider haggling, but do so with considered restraint.

A real artisan, won't price his pipes with haggling in mind.

The time and materials involved in making a high quality pipe are considerable.

A pipe making friend of mine once said he didn't think he was asking more than $5 an hour for his work.... and they still cost $200.

Take some pipe cleaners for testing the draft hole.

And, remember the most important thing is to insure that you actually like the pipe.

If you buy it because you think it's a good deal but it doesn't fit your "look" or personae then you won't be satisfied with it.

::

 

[captainsousie]

Alternately, you could go with a Mark Tinsky or an Arley Curtz. Both artisans are great carvers and really nice guys.

 

[ssjones]

I bought a Rad Davis estate (mint) at the Richmond show for $125....

 

[nachman]

+1 on the Tinsky suggestion. I imagine he will have a booth at the show.

 

[numbersix]

I would recommend waiting as well. Whenever I have spent $200 on a pipe, I had zero qualms about spending the dough. You need to love the pipe to spend that much IMHO.
Good luck!

I bought a Rad Davis estate (mint) at the Richmond show for $125....

Wow - you lucky devil! 8O

 

[loneredtree]

I vote to wait also. I have bought several pipes off the internet and am not entirely satisfied. I want to hold a pipe in my hand up close and personal. It does make a difference especially for an artisan $200 pipe.
:puffpipe:

 

[delkhouri]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I will wait and see what I can find at the show. I can only go to the show in the morning but maybe I can find a good deal on a artisan pipe I love. If not I am sure with enough patience I can find something online eventually, maybe even one of the pipes I mentioned will still be available.

 

[delkhouri]

I'll just throw this out. It sounds, to me, that you really want the "prefect" pipe.

That may be but in reality I have trouble buying stuff online because I can't see/hold/feel/touch it in person. So one of those pipe I found might be just what I am looking for but I can't tell from just seeing a few pictures. I will see what happens at the show and then go from there.

 

[dochudson]

call Mark Tinsky and get a pipe made just for you.. an easier guy to work with you won't find.

 

[captainsousie]

Mark Tinsky...an easier guy to work with you won't find.

True. My buy couldn't have been easier. It wasn't a commission but he did have to make the pipe as there were none currently available. He was great to correspond with and made the whole thing a nice experience.

 

[sablebrush52]

Never buy a pipe that you don't truly like. Go to the show and see what really appeals to you. One artisan maker I both like and occasionally commission a pipe from is Tony Fillenwarth. His pipes are reasonably priced and I've never had a bad pipe from him. Check out his site. Arley Curtz is another great choice.