I've had this conversation with some Artisan carvers actually. The general feeling is that the market is getting over-saturated with new makers who often put out a subpar pipe at premium price tags. Some makers are worried we are creating a "pipe bubble" like the real-estate bubble. It'll pop if this uptick is a fad. I'm waiting. Because if that's true, there are going to be some amazing estate buys for real cheap when it happens!
