Alden...

[jefff]

I made a deal with myself a long time ago that I would have one pipe by any one carver. I don't want a collection of pipes as much as I want a collection of pipes that I smoke regularly. I also decided not to keep a pipe that wasn't a superb smoker. This has cost me some time and too much money.
Recently I broke my own rule by ordering a second Ryan Alden commission. The first is as perfect as any pipe I have ever owned. That includes Dunhill, Heeschen, Rad Davis, Eltang, Pre trans Barling, Castello and Becker.
Today I was on SPC...because you gotta look at SPC...and I saw a new Dunhill Tan Shell for over 1000.00. Now I am not here to bury Dunhill, I like mine and it is a fine pipe, but for that money I could buy 3 Aldens, I could keep a craftsman working, and they would smoke as good or better.
Anyone on the fence about an artisan pipe should really take the time to check hm out.
Finally I have no financial interest here. I actually paid him a bit more than he asked because Paypal said "do you want to send this payment again?" and it was easier

 

[ashdigger]

I've owned a total of 5 Alden's and still have 2 (gifted the other 3). They are fantastic pipes!! Not to brag, but he even developed a stain color for me that he uses quite often. Okay, he developed it because I'm a fussy POS who asked for a golden tan. But his stem work is just fantastic!!! His blasts are really nice!!! Geez, sounds like I'm his bitch.....

 

[jefff]

His stem work is perfect and his engineering is spot on. The way things are going with the FDA who knows how long he will be able to carve. Folks should get one while they can.

 

[pagan]

sounds like I'm his bitch...

:rofl:

 

[shaintiques]

I have 2. One is a colab pipe between Alden and Bill Walther also a fine pipe maker. And then there is the custom. I talked to Ryan in New Orleans last year and began the process. The button and stem work are some of the finest I have seen. The pipe smokes perfect every single time and is so well balanced that it is an effortless clench. I will be ordereing more in the future.

 

[pipestud]

You guys are nuts gushing over your Ryan Alden pipes. All you are doing is making it to where he's going to start raising his prices to where they ought to be for the kind of work he produces. So, I'm not about to brag about my Alden sandblasted Lovat that I picked up from him at the June Kansas City Show that has already made it into my top-5 group of smokers.
So, how about toning it down a little before I'm priced out of the market? Sheesh!

 

[lonestar]

Aww, shucks

 

[Chasing Embers]

Everybody post pics, I may hit him up for one too!

 

[lonestar]

he's going to start raising his prices

I've grown accustomed to living below poverty level, I'm starting to like it. No one ever asks if they can borrow money, and my wallet is far more comfortable to sit on :lol:

 

[dcrguns]

I have three Alden's pipes. Two Authors and one Strawberry Wood tomato. Won't be my last. Great guy, great pipes.

 

[lonestar]

Here are a few pics of Jeffs latest pipe

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Meh... amateur
:rofl:

 

[lonestar]

You have to admit though, not bad for an amateur :nana:

I've only made about 6 or 700 of them now :D Some day I hope to get good at this !

 

[Chasing Embers]

Love the bowl shape, and that blast is gorgeous!

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I've only made about 6 or 700 of them now :D Some day I hope to get good at this !

keep practicing... you'll get there. :nana:

 

[pipesmokingtom]

Vegas?

 

[jefff]

This time I just said, "Carve me a pipe". I am happy!

 

[ashdigger]

Jefff, you made a wise choice. You'll absolutely love it.

 

[ssjones]

Uh, yep, that is gorgeous! Ryan stands tall among the current artisan makers, literally and figuratively!

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

All of my earlier kidding aside, the pipe is gorgeous. Enjoy the heck out of it! :D