A Lurker's Query: Ever Bought a Beautiful Pipe, But

[Ramon Allones]

You couldn't bring yourself to smoke it?

First some background, I have been a pipe smoker for 30 years and a lurker on here for many years - love the dialogue, education and opinions - even those I think are askew.

I smoke a wide range of leaf from lightly topped aromatics, english, scottish, ginnies, vapers, cigar leaf, and on and on.

Pipe wise I tend to go mid-size, plumper styles, typically with some sort of slight bend - more a holder than a clencher, but I run the gambit - my current rotation includes Peterson, Savinelli, Ardor, Dunny, Cavicchi, Castello, and Tinsky. I tend to prefer briar over mers, I tend to prefer sandblasts, but my aesthetic tastes vary also.

Okay, so let me get to my question. I recently bought a Ser Jacopo Historica 2020 Pulchra in Sandblast.

Now this was a really wild departure for me as I tend to opt for more understated looks and shapes, but there was just something about this pipe that kept saying "buy me, buy me. buy me..." And I did.

However I now find myself reluctant to smoke it, it is so beautiful, but so not me. Yet it still keeps calling my name.

So for weeks I have just looked at it, fondled it, thought about what would I christen the bowl with, but can't bring myself to pack and light it.

Almost afraid to sully it, knowing how it is just not me - worried I would smoke it a few times to only shelve it to be neglected.

I wonder should I just sell it to someone who will likely get far more use out of it? Assuming it smokes well it could become someone's most cherished pipe.

Or should I just wait and think about it?

Have you ever had this experience?

And what did you ultimately do?

RA

 

[UncleRasta]

They look better once smoked. Until then they are ornaments.

 

[bullet08]

No. Every pipe joins the rotation.

 

[mingc]

Yes, I've four that I've a hard time lighting up for the first time. Two because they're too big (I bought them because they look terrific but I almost never smoke big bowls). And two smoke because they're either too pretty or too expensive. I don't sweat it too much though as I've got enough other pipes that I can use.

 

[tobefrank]

Welcome to the forum!

I have had this with clothes but not with pipes. I have bought T-shirts or pants that were wilder or louder than I am comfortable with wearing because they looked "cool'. These clothes typically end up not getting worn, so I try to imagine myself wearing clothes now before buying.

I think I would personally appreciate the pipe a bit longer and then sell the pipe unsmoked. I want to be completely happy with all the pipes I own and smoke.

 

[wyfbane]

Yes, I've four that I've a hard time lighting up for the first time. Two because they're too big (I bought them because they look terrific but I almost never smoke big bowls). And two smoke because they're either too pretty or too expensive. I don't sweat it too much though as I've got enough other pipes that I can use.

+1

If you have enough pipes, some can be 'ornaments'.

 

[mingc]

+1

If you have enough pipes, some can be 'ornaments'.

Yes, lol!

 

[Infantry23]

That pipe sure is purty! I'd light it up, but that's just me

 

[brut666]

Me, personally.
I'd light it up, then make a decision on how it smoked. For me I have to be 100% happy with the pipe. I have to like the look and how she smokes, handle's. If I'm not happy with everything then it goes. Not really in to pipes just to look at but that's just me. Is s pretty pipe thou.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I wouldn't smoke that one at all, as it is not pretty to me.

 

[Casual]

But a more precious pipe. Admire that one. Then you’ll be comfortable smoking this one.

 

[jaytex1969]

About 2/3 of the pipes I have acquired have gone directly into the "strategic reserve" mostly unsmoked by me.

They are a mix of new and estate, cheap and "not cheap".

Similar to my cellar, which is half full of stuff I've never tried.

I may or may not like them all in the future. But if I don't, someone will.

It's OK to have an unsmoked pipe if your needs are otherwise met.

I have a rifle or two that rarely leave the safe under similar circumstances.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[scloyd]

At one time I had two new pipes that I never smoked. Not expensive or anything special, a Stanwell and a Brebbia. I have enough pipes to smoke, so I never got around to smoking them. I gave the Stanwell to a nephew recently who just started smoking a pipe. The Brebbia still sits in a drawer.

 

[shanez]

I have 2 pipes that I've not smoked due to their price but not their looks.

Any other pipe I have that I haven't smoked yet is because I forgot I owned it and have others that I routinely smoke.

 

[ChuckMijo]

Nope that’s why I can’t have nice things.

 

[didimauw]

I specifically don't buy pipes I believe to be too fancy looking, or expensive to me. I like plain. Then I don't feel bad about dinging then down the road.

 

[bnichols23]

Anything I buy is always to smoke. Cheap or otherwise. Some become real favorites, some relatively rare. Not much help, I know, but that's just me.

 

[warren]

Have you ever had this experience?

No. I wouldn't think of buying a pipe I wouldn't smoke. I usnderstand collectors do but, I buy one to admire and smoke.

 

[saltedplug]

If you're thinking of selling it, put off smoking it until you decide. You lose half the value

 

[sablebrush52]

There are different ways to enjoy ones pipes. I'm primarily a smoker of pipes, but I do own a few that I choose not to smoke, like my unsmoked 1907 Barling companion set, several other unsmoked Barlings, and a couple of other vintage pipes. I have no shortage of pipes to smoke and have no desire to smoke these vintage pieces. I simply enjoy having them. People who have a problem with this are welcome to keep it to themselves or talk it out with their shrinks.

With a particularly rare vintage pipe, that first match is going to be very expensive, since it will take about 30% to 50% off the market value. Though I have no intention of selling them, if I ever do have to sell them, they'll make me a tidy sum.

Also, you run a bit of a risk firing up a century old, or older, unsmoked pipe, since they may crack on the first smoke. Very expensive match in that event.