I was in this boat early on. I couldn't justify a pipe over 120 for a long time. Then one day I saw a pipe rack full of 60-120 dollar pipes I didn't really care for except for a few of them. For every 3 pipes on that rack, I could've bought something nicer.
I sold off everything I wasn't attached to and started fresh. Started buying estates, commissioning artisans and every now and then buying a new pipe from a retailer. I found myself not constantly wanting to buy another and another, etc. (Let's be honest, I always want another). But I was appreciated what I was buying alot more and because they all smoked so damn good, I was buying less of them. Now I have a collection that I'm quite happy with and love every piece in it. I'm also tuned into what I prefer in a pipe now so I'm alot more picky with buying. Now, it must have all the right dimensions for me to even consider looking at the price. Finish is also important. Then if the price is reasonable, I pull the trigger.
The only thing I wish someone told me earlier is don't go for quantity, go for quality. Again - don't buy 3 $100 pipes out of impulse or because they're on sale or something. Save that 300 bucks up and take your time looking. You may decide you want 2 or 3 pipes for that 300, or you may fall in love with just 1 pipe that costs 300 (or you mat commision one). I can promise you that you don't wanna end up with a pile of pipes that you just don't really care for.
It's a journey man, everybody's jas been different. But with help and advice from folks here, you'll figure out what suits you. Godspeed man, and enjoy the journey.
I sold off everything I wasn't attached to and started fresh. Started buying estates, commissioning artisans and every now and then buying a new pipe from a retailer. I found myself not constantly wanting to buy another and another, etc. (Let's be honest, I always want another). But I was appreciated what I was buying alot more and because they all smoked so damn good, I was buying less of them. Now I have a collection that I'm quite happy with and love every piece in it. I'm also tuned into what I prefer in a pipe now so I'm alot more picky with buying. Now, it must have all the right dimensions for me to even consider looking at the price. Finish is also important. Then if the price is reasonable, I pull the trigger.
The only thing I wish someone told me earlier is don't go for quantity, go for quality. Again - don't buy 3 $100 pipes out of impulse or because they're on sale or something. Save that 300 bucks up and take your time looking. You may decide you want 2 or 3 pipes for that 300, or you may fall in love with just 1 pipe that costs 300 (or you mat commision one). I can promise you that you don't wanna end up with a pile of pipes that you just don't really care for.
It's a journey man, everybody's jas been different. But with help and advice from folks here, you'll figure out what suits you. Godspeed man, and enjoy the journey.