An Eltang By Any Other Name

[solideogloria86]

I've recently realized that I have several pipes I really like but only a few I love. This has led me to evaluating my stock and getting rid of every pipe I don't love and then pursue a collection that consists of only those I'm absolutely satisfied with every aspect of. This brings me to the title of the post.
I have really fallen in love with the Tom Eltang pokers. I have not fallen in love with the $500+ price tag. So my question. Is there a pipe make who captures some of the Eltang poker esthetic, particularly the thin shank and more diminutive overall profile? Preferably closer to the $200-300 range? I'm not looking for an Eltang clone per se, just something similar. I have seen the eltang basic and theu don't scratch the itch. Looks like a souped up nording compass.
I have a feeling the answer will be "only an Eltang will do" but hopefully someone has something.

 

[anotherbob]

I've recently realized that I have several pipes I really like but only a few I love. This has led me to evaluating my stock and getting rid of every pipe I don't love and then pursue a collection that consists of only those I'm absolutely satisfied with every aspect of. This brings me to the title of the post.
I have really fallen in love with the Tom Eltang pokers. I have not fallen in love with the $500+ price tag. So my question. Is there a pipe make who captures some of the Eltang poker esthetic, particularly the thin shank and more diminutive overall profile? Preferably closer to the $200-300 range? I'm not looking for an Eltang clone per se, just something similar. I have seen the eltang basic and theu don't scratch the itch. Looks like a souped up nording compass.
I have a feeling the answer will be "only an Eltang will do" but hopefully someone has something.

custom job might be the answer.

 

[kwg116]

I would look at Suhr and Michael Bay from Denmark. Both makers apprenticed under Eltang and they both have similar Danish styles.

 

[cigrmaster]

I recently unloaded 40-50 pipes that were being ignored for the most part for at least a couple of years. I would just look at them and wonder what I was thinking when I purchased them. I have a strict criteria when it comes to buying pipes so all of these were bought before the criteria came into being. I plan to continue buying and collecting American made pipes. I believe with some carvers I am getting better made pipes for a lot less money.

I see European made pipes with weak blasts, weak shaping and totally over priced. I can buy American made pipes for 3-600 less and the pipe looks like a well made pipe that has a shape that actually looks like a Billiard or a Dublin.

 

[FurCoat]

custom job might be the answer.

+1

 

[Sonorisis]

I would look at Suhr and Michael Bay from Denmark. Both makers apprenticed under Eltang and they both have similar Danish styles.

Yes! And, Ken Dederichs from Germany.

 

[solideogloria86]

I recently unloaded 40-50 pipes that were being ignored for the most part for at least a couple of years. I would just look at them and wonder what I was thinking when I purchased them. I have a strict criteria when it comes to buying pipes so all of these were bought before the criteria came into being. I plan to continue buying and collecting American made pipes. I believe with some carvers I am getting better made pipes for a lot less money.

I see European made pipes with weak blasts, weak shaping and totally over priced. I can buy American made pipes for 3-600 less and the pipe looks like a well made pipe that has a shape that actually looks like a Billiard or a Dublin.

This is where I'm at. I understand why I bought everything I have, I've just grown to really appreciate certain characteristics and not really care for others. It's not that I have any real complaints about any of the pipes I own. They just don't tick all the boxes. I'm going to implement the strict criteria you spoke about going forward and aimed to end up with a personally prized collection. 2 of them will for sure be Petersons, we'll see what the rest are.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

If you love Eltang to the point you're forsaking all the other pipes you have now, seems like all you would buy moving forward is another Eltang.

 

[ChuckMijo]

All I can add is this, most of my favorite pipes now, were not a few years ago. We tend to swing and come full circle. Maybe that may help.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I have not fallen in love with the $500+ price tag.

Well, SPC does have a lay away.?‍

 

[solideogloria86]

Well, SPC does have a lay away.?‍

Do they really?

 

[burleyboy]

Do they really?

They did it for me once, when I had planned to trade in several pipes for oone of theirs, but they had not yet received and evaluated mine.

 

[92degrees]

Sean Reum has done homages to Eltang's poker. His should be in your general price range.

 

[solideogloria86]

Sean Reum has done homages to Eltang's poker. His should be in your general price range.

Looking at his work I think you're right.

 

[solideogloria86]

If you love Eltang to the point you're forsaking all the other pipes you have now, seems like all you would buy moving forward is another Eltang.

I'm not forsaking all others for an Eltang. 2 of the pipes I'm keeping are Peterson's. I'm just trying to thin the herd and only have pipes left that I really love.

 

[Casual]

Instead of two 200-300 Eltang-alikes, get one Eltang.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

2 of the pipes I'm keeping are Peterson's.

Then you're really not that picky, its more the cosmetics than quality of build and smoking quality. That's good for you, makes it easier to find lower priced alternatives.

 

[solideogloria86]

Then you're really not that picky, its more the cosmetics than quality of build and smoking quality. That's good for you, makes it easier to find lower priced alternatives.

I'd say that's pretty a presumptuous statement. The two Peterson's I'm keeping are my best smokers, they're comfortable and feel good in the hand. They're not even close to the best looking pipes I own, but I do like how they look. I have 0 complaints about their usability. One of the pipes I'll be selling is a Radice Rind Dublin. It's far prettier than the Pete's but I don't like the shape of the bit on the Radice. It smokes like a dream it's just not comfortable to me. Thanks for the attempted insight into my preferences though.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I'd say that's pretty a presumptuous statement. The two Peterson's I'm keeping are my best smokers, they're comfortable and feel good in the hand. They're not even close to the best looking pipes I own, but I do like how they look. I have 0 complaints about their usability. One of the pipes I'll be selling is a Radice Rind Dublin. It's far prettier than the Pete's but I don't like the shape of the bit on the Radice. It smokes like a dream it's just not comfortable to me. Thanks for the attempted insight into my preferences though.

When you made the post, you were inviting insights into preferences, were you not? I was simply applying some logic based upon the sketchy information you provided. I apologize if you were unable to follow it.

 

[phil22]

I would look at Suhr and Michael Bay from Denmark. Both makers apprenticed under Eltang and they both have similar Danish styles.

I had 2 Michael Bay pipes that were great smokers and every bit the workmanship Eltang pipes have. I highly recommend Michael Bay pipes.