US
Rad Davis - consistently accomplished shaping and finish
Michael Parks (yes, fudging, Canadian) - astounding finishes and fine shaping
Brad Pohlman - consistently achieves finesse in all aspects. Yes, that means nothing, but to me most of his pipes seem so very well done.
European
Ashton
Bill Ashton-Taylor's work usually, compared to Jimmy Craig's, though, again, I really can't say why, seems more accomplished. But how wonderful that Mr. Craig stepped in and kept the brand alive! Most sell in the $200s, but I have seen some in the the $300s and in the $400s lately, due to size. At any rate, I like classic shapes best and adore the dark finishes with a hint of red, and although a stretch, I can afford one now and then. Like guys that prefer blasts to smooths, it's more harmonious to love that which you can afford.
Ingo Garbe - Comfortable stems! Let me say that again, comfortable stems. Classic shapes with just enough variation to catch my eye. Plus, he fits my artisan profile, loose mentation and lives secluded on an island (is he still alive?)
Castello - Not that I think it makes any difference, but their 10 year old air-cured briar at least makes me feel that they are trying to do things right. While the one I own has a button not sufficiently open, the shape is killer, a bulldog with canted bowl, with a shank that starts high and slopes down in one straight line through the stem to the button.
Italian chunky shaping can be a turn-off, but not all of their work so suffers. Estates are affordable.
Other
Li Zhesong - Impeccably executed and exquisitely finished.
Doctor's
(yes, only two.)
Rad Davis - consistently accomplished shaping and finish
Michael Parks (yes, fudging, Canadian) - astounding finishes and fine shaping
Brad Pohlman - consistently achieves finesse in all aspects. Yes, that means nothing, but to me most of his pipes seem so very well done.
European
Ashton
Bill Ashton-Taylor's work usually, compared to Jimmy Craig's, though, again, I really can't say why, seems more accomplished. But how wonderful that Mr. Craig stepped in and kept the brand alive! Most sell in the $200s, but I have seen some in the the $300s and in the $400s lately, due to size. At any rate, I like classic shapes best and adore the dark finishes with a hint of red, and although a stretch, I can afford one now and then. Like guys that prefer blasts to smooths, it's more harmonious to love that which you can afford.
Ingo Garbe - Comfortable stems! Let me say that again, comfortable stems. Classic shapes with just enough variation to catch my eye. Plus, he fits my artisan profile, loose mentation and lives secluded on an island (is he still alive?)
Castello - Not that I think it makes any difference, but their 10 year old air-cured briar at least makes me feel that they are trying to do things right. While the one I own has a button not sufficiently open, the shape is killer, a bulldog with canted bowl, with a shank that starts high and slopes down in one straight line through the stem to the button.
Italian chunky shaping can be a turn-off, but not all of their work so suffers. Estates are affordable.
Other
Li Zhesong - Impeccably executed and exquisitely finished.
Doctor's
(yes, only two.)
