Are Savinelli pipes really that great?

[puffndave]

mso489

Hey, I'm not about to knock what I haven't tried, and I still am seriously considering that 320KS. But can you, or can anyone tell whether you get the same briar wood for the pipes they sell, just in case I decide to drop the filter with such a pipe? Currently, I never had any pipes which I've kept the filters on, and for some (cobs and Dr. Grabows), I've realized I will need to order some filters, because most don't smoke well without them. With some it's the draft hole being overwhelmingly huge, thereby necessitating the filter, but I doubt I would have that problem with Savinelli because the balsa sticks look kind of narrow. Or would I be wrong on that too?
I don't mean to interrogate people here, but I am naturally curious, and I need to be cautious, so that I'll know as much as possible about what I'm really buying.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I have European taste. I like the 9mm filters and never have to think about a gurgle.

I also like the 9mm filters in my Auenland churchwardens.

 

[Chasing Embers]

You can compensate an overwhelming draft in a filtered pipe with a tighter pack.

 

[jackswilling]

I have a few and I am a fan. My favorites are my three smooth Oscar Tiger Zulus.

 

[ashdigger]

When I started out I had a couple of Savinelli's and all were good burners. I moved on but never regretted owning them.

 

[aldecaker]

So, you are correlating the quality of the briar with whether or not the pipe needs a filter?

 

[puffndave]

Thank you for that useful perspective, Chasingembers!
Aldecaker, I'm sure you are right on comparing briar wood to cob or meerschaum, but I read that cherry wood was once the defacto material among pipe makers, until they discovered superior absorption in briar root (that briar wood is actually a root, and roots grow for the absorption of moisture). It may have also been more economical to use during this changeover period as well.
Thanks all for your input!

 

[ben88]

Anything special about Punto Oro Savs?

 

[puffndave]

aldecaker, I really don't know whether filters are used by any pipe makers to compensate for inferior briar quality, and I don't expect to get that information easily from a pipe maker in Italy, therefore I'm querying people here who may be knowledgeable on materials and marketing practices. Some people here actually make pipes.

 

[jefff]

They make a good looking cutty. 402. But I am not sure about the various grades. There seem to be way too many.

 

[aldecaker]

Yes, yes they do. I am interested in hearing their opinion on this as well.

 

[puffndave]

Thanks, 1coyote.
Well anyway, for $108 at smokingpipes.com, I should know better than to expect the very best materials, and the highest level of perfection in the world. I just wanted to know if pipes made for filters generally indicate something about the absorption quality of the material itself, and there are some comments here which indicate it's just a matter of regional taste.

 

[dochudson]

IMHO, the Alligator series is one of the best, bang for the buck, in the Savinelli lower cost lines.

 

[danielplainview]

All my Savinelli's are great smokers. Sure they have budget pipes but they also have some very pricey models as well. Regardless of price/model, the two year curing process for the briar is the same.
They make most models both filtered and unfiltered.

 

[bobpnm]

Certainly no expert on either wood or pipes. I am having trouble following this conversation. Never really thought about one briar pipe absorbing moisture "better" than another. Never read anything about it. Always thought smoking technique and a well engineered pipe were key factors in a dry smoke.

 

[ben88]

What makes a Savinelli pipe Punto Oro or Punto Oro Super? Just a grain?

 

[JimInks]

Besides the Unfinished 320KS author I purchased last year, and the Gauis 320KS Author I bought in 2014, I have seventeen Savinellis from the '70s and '80s, ranging from Estellas and Autographs to various others in their line, and all are very good smokers. They are worth the money. Even the lower priced ones. A couple are designed for filters, but I don't use them.

 

[fafnir]

Savinelli dry system, my favorite pipe.

 

[lohengrin]

Each of us has different opinions out of his own experience and taste.

I was in the leather industry and I could say that these Sav don't respect the real alligator skin pattern, but who cares? About the colours I can say they are rather classic for leather bags and wallets made with alligator skin.

They recall me the old florentine style leather products that still can be found in Florence's tourist shops.
About briar's quality, I always read lot of opinions, but lacking some serious study on it I rely on experience.

And reading the words of the other gents here I think you can rely on Savinelli.
Regarding the filter issue, some savinelli styles have an adapter to avoid using filter on this kind of pipes.

othewise, if you find a right size, you can use a tenon from pipemakers accessories.

I own a filtered Vauen and I employed a tenon to smoke it without filter:
http://imgur.com/Xhr7g4W

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Ok Guys , Just not long ago had me a Savinelli Trevi canadian,($99)the pipe itself performs nicely, broked in easily but let tell you what,all of them laquer coating of a bowl went away/vanished after a few full bowlfuls smoked, and the same thing occured with my Italian made Stanwells pipes,yet the stems of forementioned Italian crafted pipes do fit no so firmly as they are with my Peterson, pretty interesting obeservation aint it?