Box Pipes Aren't So Bad...

[abram35]

Confession: one of my favorite pipes is a box pipe. $35 and it smokes and travels as well as my name brand pipes. Anyone else have a good experience with box pipes?

 

[smokeybear]

My first pipe was a Medico Varsity about 30$ and it's a great smoker its in my rotation always.

 

[joshwolftree]

one of my docs is in the pipe pouch on my desk beside me right now.

 

[brdavidson]

Probably my favourite smoker at the moment was a basket pipe from my local B&M. Smokes like a dream!

 

[undermidnight]

My first pipe was a basket pipe and it still smokes very well. I was given a Zulu basket pipe and it is always in the rotation.
Jason

 

[timely]

basket pipes can be a hidden treasure when it comes to the " good smoker " cat. I have a few that I bought off of Ebay for under $10.00 and they smoke like a champ.

 

[cortezattic]

Many memorable smokes from a Medico squat bulldog. No such luck with a beautiful Kaywoodie.

But I started collecting Preben Holm and some other Danish handmade pipes and never looked back.

I keep threatening to buy some Carey and Grabow pipes, but somehow I end up blowing all my dough

on higher grade pipes. I admit though, that name recognition has a lot to do with my choices.

Those humble everyman pipes have much to commend them.

 

[flyguy]

My first pipe was a Medico Varsity about 30$ and it's a great smoker its in my rotation always.

I also own a Medico Varsity, one of my first two pipes. It is old and has sentimental value. It still smokes great and I save it for aromatics. It is my favorite camping/fishing pipe.

 

[pstlpkr]

I have three "basket" pipes that I picked up about 30 years ago.

I repurposed them into churchwardens when I first got them.

One of the three is smoked almost daily.

I have no complaints, they have been and remain valued and loyal friends.

 

[undecagon]

I have a $15 basket pipe from Iwan Ries and the thing is excellent every time. A few other cheap ones I have tend to be the ones I grab when I go on fishing or camping trips and don't really use otherwise...Luck of the draw sometimes!

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

I have two basket pipes and they are both good smokers. I leave them in my travel bag so if they get lost or damaged I'm not out one of my nicer pipes.

 

[olewaylon]

Lawrence, where did you get those stems? also, what do you have to do to fit them properly?

 

[85royals]

I have a Doc Grabow that I love and my Mr. Brog's are awesome

 

[redinthehead]

If you know what to look for you can pick a pretty good pipe from a basket.

My two briars are basket pipes. One of them is a great smoker, no complaints. My churchwarden gets really hot, and smokes a bit wet. Although I suspect that may be partially my fault.
Anyways, I have had my eyes on others there since they are all under $50. Could you educate a newbie on what to look for to help ensure a good pipe? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. ::

 

[rockrat]

Ok...dumb question time guys... I know what a "basket" pipe is, but what is a "box" pipe? Does it mean the same thing essentially? Sorry!

 

[rockrat]

Ah...thanks rothnh...I really like when I see those type of displays...the cards on a wall, with pipes on them.. Reminds me of by-gone days.....not really that long ago actually...

 

[pstlpkr]

Lawrence, where did you get those stems? also, what do you have to do to fit them properly?

Welcome aboard Olewaylon.

I just asked Skip (the proprietor of The Briary) to have the churchwarden stems put on them.

I told him make them as long as they could and bend to look good.

$8 or $10 dollars for the pipe, about $20 to have a stem fitted.

I'm not sure who he uses, but he has done a great job on everything I needed work on over these many years.
I'm sure some of the Members here can offer suggestions for the stems.

 

[hfearly]

What? I'd SO MUCH love to have some of my pipes re-stemmed to Churchwardens! Where can I find Skip?

 

[olewaylon]

Thanks Lawrence. Yeah ive seen you post those basket wardens before, they look great.