Artisan Pipes Group 5 or Larger (TONS of photos)

[photoman13]

Thanks for the link.

 

[bigvan]

Al, I think of all the makers shown, Ruthenberg sticks most closely to the catalog of standard shapes. His focus seems to be on engineering, finishing and making probably the best stems in the world.

 

[admin]

Damn dude! You have some seriously gorgeous pipes there BigVan.
As you mentioned that Brian Ruthenberg "sticks most closely to the catalog of standard shapes" ... I like when pipe artisans produce standard shapes.
I think it's cool to have a classic shape that has been meticulously individually hand-crafted instead of hundreds or thousands banged out from a factory.
I like the Fairchild and the Old Nellie Dublin the best.
What do you smoke in them?

 

[bigvan]

Thanks Kevin. I think Ron Fairchild doesn't get nearly the attention that he deserves.
What do I smoke? A lot of medium latakia blends; Celebrated Sovereign, Blue Mountain, British Woods... I have some 10 year old 5100 that I keep for special occasions. And yes, I have a distinct preference for McClelland's.
Lately I've smoking another McClelland blend almost exclusively; 221b: Arcadia. No latakia, but stoved Virginia and orientals.
Speaking of which, I think I'll go have a smoke.

 

[sixmp]

O..M...G.... Is this what pipe heaven looks like?

 

[lordofthepiperings]

Love the panelled dog. Great collection of pipes.

 

[gnatjulio]

Holy Cow!!!! That is a beautiful collection, Bigvan. I second keith929 statement.

 

[lordnoble]

To echo previous sentiments, I LOVE the paneled bulldog by Joe Nelson. I'm a huge sucker for paneled pipes, and I am intent on getting one this year at some point if I can tear some money from my TAD fund.
-Jason

 

[cigrmaster]

If I had to pick one, I would go with the Ruthenberg. Love that shape, the blast is gorgeous, great cumberland stem, I want one. I have seen some Ruthenbergs around the internet, just haven't seen one like that.

 

[photoman13]

I remember you talking about how Jaden Hew-Len (I believe) accidentally cut off the shank of the pipe above. Strangely that one is my favorite. I absolutely love how he managed to fix it.

 

[bigvan]

Cigrmaster, I had commissioned that from Brian a few years ago asking for a Prince. While this is definitely more of an apple shape, Brian said he let the block do what it wanted to do and I can't argue with that.
Philobeddoe, regarding the Sam Learned pipe, I had been wanting one for awhile. I heard through the grapevine that Sam hasn't been in good health lately and stopped carving pipes a few years ago (if anyone knows more details, please share). I saw this estate at the Columbus show being sold by Barclay's (a B&M also in Columbus). At the time they had another available, so you may want to do a search for a phone number and give them a call.

 

[jpberg]

Please, please, somebody tell Todd Bannard no artisans are making big pipes.

 

[lordnoble]

I really love this thread, and I'd love to see your full collection with commentaries. Maybe if you did a blog with a few pipes for each entry, it'd be a little less time-consuming than one giant entry. Just something to think about.
-Jason

 

[southernbriar]

That is some really great pictures. You have a wonderful collection there. Thank you for posting them up so I can gaze and drool and mumble one day, one day... The link to the gbatson was also very helpful.

 

[baronsamedi]

Hell of a nice collection!

 

[daveinlax]

Solid collection. I guess I've never noticed a shortage of large artisan pipes. 8O

 

[topd]

Great Pipes! and I love the little yard lounge, my grandparents had a few. I remember

mashing my finger in one.

 

[adam12]

Bigvan, have you seen any of Rich Lewis' big pieces? Some of them are amazing. He hits Chicago every year and operates a shop out of Minneapolis.