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I own many pipes. Several briars, many cobs, a meerschaum, a meerschaum lined briar, and of course my assorted basket pipes....
Well about five years ago I was away from home and stopped by a local B&M and picked up an MM Ozark hardwood. It was the cheapest pipe they had and I figured I'd only use it a few times anyhow. It's been a while now and it is still by far my favorite pipe. Recently I ordered two more and love them the same. Though they have a different shape. Tapered at the top like the MM country gentlemen. That's alright, though I prefer the other shape because then the top doesn't get hot.
My briars sometimes smoke better for a bowl here and here but this pipe consistently gives a great smoke. My guess ( and tell me if I'm full of it ) is that what makes the briars a good smoke is it's porousness. But this may also be what makes them sour if smoked for more than one or two bowls a day or week. My hardwoods get a good cake after a bit and that adds to their porousness. But the wood doesn't absorb the terrible. I love these pipes because they are cool, and can be smoked all day long (unless I overwhelm them with Latakia, in which case they can need a rest).
I have more expensive pipes. But I have none better.
I will hang on to my others. But I highly advise working these in to your rotation. They take a bit for the stem that extends in to the bowl to burn off and to build a good cake. But then they are fantastic.
I only have one of the new maple hardwoods. It's the spool. And so far I'm pleased. But doubt it will grow to the same level of appreciation I have for these old Ozarks.
And my picture upload is failing. So use your imagination!
Well about five years ago I was away from home and stopped by a local B&M and picked up an MM Ozark hardwood. It was the cheapest pipe they had and I figured I'd only use it a few times anyhow. It's been a while now and it is still by far my favorite pipe. Recently I ordered two more and love them the same. Though they have a different shape. Tapered at the top like the MM country gentlemen. That's alright, though I prefer the other shape because then the top doesn't get hot.
My briars sometimes smoke better for a bowl here and here but this pipe consistently gives a great smoke. My guess ( and tell me if I'm full of it ) is that what makes the briars a good smoke is it's porousness. But this may also be what makes them sour if smoked for more than one or two bowls a day or week. My hardwoods get a good cake after a bit and that adds to their porousness. But the wood doesn't absorb the terrible. I love these pipes because they are cool, and can be smoked all day long (unless I overwhelm them with Latakia, in which case they can need a rest).
I have more expensive pipes. But I have none better.
I will hang on to my others. But I highly advise working these in to your rotation. They take a bit for the stem that extends in to the bowl to burn off and to build a good cake. But then they are fantastic.
I only have one of the new maple hardwoods. It's the spool. And so far I'm pleased. But doubt it will grow to the same level of appreciation I have for these old Ozarks.
And my picture upload is failing. So use your imagination!
