Are Pipes Getting Heavier?

[papipeguy]

I'm tempted to say that size doesn't matter but knowing the guys here that's a loaded statement. Age and quality of the briar has a lot to do with weight. This Gabrieli I had made in January is big but weighs less than 50 grams. Heavier pipes don't bother me but light and big has spoiled me.

 

[ssjones]

I just opened my weekly Smoking Pipes newsletter. There were several new Ashtons added, for a total of 51 pipes. Every single one is 3X in size or larger (LX, ELX). Not a 2X in the group. I guess he makes what sells.

 

[wayneteipen]

It is true that bigger pipes sell better than smaller ones. When you go to a pipe show, you'll see more small pipes left on artisan tables as the show winds down and the bigger pipes already sold. That being said, I've seen a up tick in the sales of smaller pipes in the last year and a half. Smaller pipes seem to be gaining in popularity especially with the younger pipe smokers. It'll be interesting to see how things trend down the road.

 

[cigrmaster]

Wayne, when you say smaller pipes what group size are you referring to? I consider a small pipe to be a group 3 and smaller. All of my pipes except for 2 are group 4-5 and I own 2 smallish group 6's.
pap, that Gabrieli is one pretty pipe, do you smoke flakes in that puppy?

 

[mrenglish]

What I find annoying are the nosewarmer style pipes that end up weighing over two ounces. If they have a wide bit, its not as bad to clench though.

 

[wayneteipen]

Harris, I would consider a small pipe group 3 or smaller also. Group 4's and up sell better so you see more in that size from most makers. Group 3 is my favorite size so I often have to force myself to make larger pipes because of my natural tendencies. I have a few very light group 4's. My two Rad Davis pipes are group 4's and they are very light. Rad uses very nice, dry briar.

 

[papipeguy]

Harris, that Gabrieli is a fine flake pipe. The bowl is deep so fold and stuff is how I roll.

 

[mso489]

I tend to repeat myself on this, but I am a recent convert to small pipes, what are loosely categorized

as Dunhill Group 3, 2, and 1. I've always accepted Group 3's, but the really small pipes took some

convincing for me. fishnbanjo, with his vast and magnificent collection of pipes, pushed me toward

buying a Group 1, and though most of my pipes are medium size, loosely Group 4's, I now have found

the small pipes are perfect -- now I'll play my tape -- for short smokes, sampling, and appetizer and

dessert bowls around smoking a larger pipe. As I often say, I used to think they were strictly toys

and souvenirs, but not any more.