I am a regular reader, but I very rarely post. I have come out of my silence in praise of a pipe, and in praise of a kind human being.
My taste in pipes has changed over the years, and that should come as no surprise to the veterans. Lately, I have taken a liking to the Oom Paul shape. I keep telling myself I will buy no more, and then the Peterson Pub Pipe came out, and I found myself with four of them ;-)
I also ran across this wonderful photo, of Oom Pauls from Briarworks:
I was immediately taken by the shape. I looked about, but no one seemed to be selling them. I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask the manufacturer if the model was still in production, or if it had been a limited edition. I wasn't holding my breath, since most companies won't respond to private inquiries.
Much to my surprise, I received a reply within minutes. Yes, it was still being produced, but rarely and sporadically. My timing was perfect, as the gentleman I was corresponding with said that a batch was just coming out. Would I be interested in one of them, he asked?
Absolutely!
I wish to thank Brad Emery, who took the time to respond to my message, and who offered absolutely first class customer service by helping me. He didn't just answer my question, but he went above and beyond the call of duty to personally find me the pipe I wanted.
Here it is:
It arrived this morning, and I have already smoked two bowls in it. Beautiful open draw, with no gurgle, as can be so common with a bent pipe like this. Cleaner will fit with the usual twist. Incredibly light, and hangs from the jaw with ease.
I love the pipe already, but I am especially moved when I find decent people who go out of their way to be kind and helpful. Brad made my day by showing me that there is more to this world than indifference and resentment. Whoever he is, I tip my hat to him, I raise my glass to him, and fill my new Oom Paul in his honor.
My taste in pipes has changed over the years, and that should come as no surprise to the veterans. Lately, I have taken a liking to the Oom Paul shape. I keep telling myself I will buy no more, and then the Peterson Pub Pipe came out, and I found myself with four of them ;-)
I also ran across this wonderful photo, of Oom Pauls from Briarworks:
I was immediately taken by the shape. I looked about, but no one seemed to be selling them. I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask the manufacturer if the model was still in production, or if it had been a limited edition. I wasn't holding my breath, since most companies won't respond to private inquiries.
Much to my surprise, I received a reply within minutes. Yes, it was still being produced, but rarely and sporadically. My timing was perfect, as the gentleman I was corresponding with said that a batch was just coming out. Would I be interested in one of them, he asked?
Absolutely!
I wish to thank Brad Emery, who took the time to respond to my message, and who offered absolutely first class customer service by helping me. He didn't just answer my question, but he went above and beyond the call of duty to personally find me the pipe I wanted.
Here it is:
It arrived this morning, and I have already smoked two bowls in it. Beautiful open draw, with no gurgle, as can be so common with a bent pipe like this. Cleaner will fit with the usual twist. Incredibly light, and hangs from the jaw with ease.
I love the pipe already, but I am especially moved when I find decent people who go out of their way to be kind and helpful. Brad made my day by showing me that there is more to this world than indifference and resentment. Whoever he is, I tip my hat to him, I raise my glass to him, and fill my new Oom Paul in his honor.
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