Authors... Why so popular?

[lasttango]

It seems too me that quite a few folks on this site love Authors. What is it about that shape and it's smoking qualities set it apart for you? I see they tend to have quite large thick bowls and rather wide mouth pieces. I'm asking because I am contemplating one at the moment.

 

[ssjones]

Bulldog and Rhodesian shapes are very popular and the Author is a pretty close relation to both. They are usually smaller pipes (which appeals to me) and they fit the hand nicely. Despite their overall small size, the bowl is decent, so they yield a long-ish smoke. But for myself, it is primarily those curves!

 

[davet]

I have trouble saying no to Authors, Bulldogs and Rhodesians. About 45 at the moment, I can't help myself :crazy:

But for myself, it is primarily those curves!

EXACTLY!

 

[jefff]

I was about to type "Authors are to squat and fat for my skinny face"...Then I looked over at a big ass Castello 55.
I guess Authors just aren't my thing...but I love Rhodesians!

 

[bigpond]

Well, I think most people have their image of the author as tied to the sav 320. I have one. Visually, the shape is interesting but where it really shines is in the hand. The shape, size and balance work together to make for a really comfortable and deceptively large pipe.

 

[iamn8]

While I do love Authors, they make my ass look fat.

 

[zack24]

If it seems like you're seeing more of them this year, it might be because it's the shape for the KC Carving Competition and every carver in the country is doing more of them trying to get that perfect pipe for the competition. I think I've made 6 or 7 this year...A very fun shape to make!

 

[leacha]

It funny you ask that question. I was thinking the same thing so I ordered one to find out.

 

[pruss]

I agree with Bigpond.
The shape is a wonderful one to hold, and is also surprisingly easy to clench. I've built up a nice little collection of Authors over the last 24 months and if I'm not careful I may end up with a seven day rotation of them.
To Zack's point, there are plenty of Authors on the market at the moment as carvers prep for the GKCPS so that's helping folks get good long looks at them.
Here are some of mine...
Alden Olive



Brigham 7 Dot


Kaywoodie 13b & Brigham 3 Dot


Edward's


-- Pat

 

[lonestar]

Dang I like that Edward's pipe. It's very Prince like in shape.

 

[phred]

I like big bowls and I cannot lie... :D
As noted by others, they're surprisingly good clenchers - not nearly as heavy as one might assume. The chamber is nice and roomy, so you can sit down with a good book and have plenty of time to read before having to refill. I've got large hands, and the bowl fits nicely - YMMV. And finally, it's a very aesthetically pleasing shape, at least to my eyes. I've got 2 now, and will likely be adding another (or several) in the future.

 

[JimInks]

My sentiments are the same as SS Jones'. I love the design, it clenches well, and wide bowls are better for picking out nuances in more complex blends. I like pipes with round bowls in general. They look good and feel good in your hand.

 

[mso489]

I have slightly trimmer versions of the author -- a Peterson rusticated, a Luciano, and a Dr. Grabow Ruff-Tone. I like them all, but especially for the good wide bowl that brings up the best in blends with five or six different tobaccos, to give them a chance to expand fully with flavor. Also, none of mine is extra-heavy, so I like the balance between really ample bowls and not being a tooth breaker. Some of the chubby ones seem to be heavy for their size.

 

[papipeguy]

I think Al stated things perfectly. It is a pleasant shape to hold and behold. That was enough for me to get one.