Can I Get a Pipe Without a Manufacturer's Issue?

[Mr Maiz]

Please capitalize important words! (Rule 9)

Fairly new pipe smoker here. Started over a month ago with a Peterson Aran 80s. Despite some issues still enjoying pipe smoking enough to order a second pipe. Got a Savinelli Dolomiti. Smokes really well, looks great but....there seems to be a finish defect with this one too.
Is this normal?
Vendor said nothing could be done about issues with the Peterson as "machine made pipes are not always perfect".
What about my new Savinelli.
Pictures below, weird foggy defect with finish, didnt notice at first.

 

[STP]

The pipe might be machined made, but the finish is applied by hand… or at least that’s what all the Peterson sanctioned vids show. Most reputable vendors will allow return if not smoked.

 

[solideogloria86]

Luck of the draw with factory made pipes. If you're looking for a pipe that's as close to flaw free as possible, you'll need to look to artisan pipes and spend quite a bit more.

 

[STP]

^^^… agree if you want a perfect finish, it’ll typically cost ya, but I’m generally happy w/the finishes of my Peterson and Savinelli pipes in the $100-$150’ish range.

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

I’ve read the “Aran” not the best Peterson examples.

I started with cobs and estates so my expectations are not as high.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Have no experience with Peterson but the Savinelli pipes I've owned and seen were always well made. No pipe is 100% perfect but that vendor is full of crap. They just don't want to handle a return.

 

[sablebrush52]

I have to agree with what's been said above. Your vendor is a crook. Find another vendor, or better. commission yourself a pipe from a respected pipe maker.

 

[Aomalley27]

You can always contact Peterson directly. They are top notch in handling issues. Had a six year old Killarney that suffered bubbling issues, they took it back and refinished it. (Though it does take time)
Most retailers stand by the product too, never had an issue with SP, TP or CJ. All will accept returns of flawed pipes.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Wouldn't sweat it at all. Finishes are the least important of any pipe defect, and often get "right" over time as you smoke and handle it.

 

[kcghost]

Machine pipes you have a lot of variance in quality. If you are looking for absolute perfection in your pictures its best to ask as artisan to make one for you. And even then you might have a problem.

 

[BarrelProof]

You could try ordering from Smokingpipes.com. The photo you see of a pipe on their website is the pipe you get. You can also email them and ask for additional details/photos to help you make your decision.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Wipe it down with the polishing side of a jeweler's cloth.

 

[Mr Maiz]

You could try ordering from Smokingpipes.com. The photo you see of a pipe on their website is the pipe you get. You can also email them and ask for additional details/photos to help you make your decision.

I did. The photo showed no such finish defect.

 

[Mr Maiz]

Wipe it down with the polishing side of a jeweler's cloth.

I'll give it a try...where does one find a jeweler's cloth

 

[Chasing Embers]

I'll give it a try...where does one find a jeweler's cloth

Online or in jewelry in department stores. One side is for cleaning and the other side polishes. Also great for vulcanite stems.

 

[bullet08]

What's wrong with Peterson? Just curious.

 

[Mr Maiz]

What's wrong with Peterson? Just curious.

My Aran Smooth 80s needs to be smoked VERY slow to avoid gurgle and even then.... Dont seem to have the issue with my Savinelli. Also the shank has a bit of an off curve on the bottom of the bowl. I still like it though.
Seems to have a bit of a better flavor but maybe that's cause I've beensmoking it almost a month longer.

 

[BarrelProof]

My Aran Smooth 80s needs to be smoked VERY slow to avoid gurgle and even then.... Dont seem to have the issue with my Savinelli. Also the shank has a bit of an off curve on the bottom of the bowl. I still like it though.
Seems to have a bit of a better flavor but maybe that's cause I've beensmoking it almost a month longer.

No offense, but with a month of smoking a pipe under your belt, could the gurgling from the Aran have something to do with technique vs. the pipe itself?

How long are you drying tobacco? What kind of tobacco are you smoking in it? What's your cadence like?

Next time it gurgles, try running a cleaner down the stem and into the bowl. That won't stop a gurgle from developing, but seems to fix it relatively quickly, giving you some gurgle-free smoke time. It may come back before you finish the bowl, but running another pipe cleaner down the stem should make it go away again.

 

[Mr Maiz]

No offense, but with a month of smoking a pipe under your belt, could the gurgling from the Aran have something to do with technique vs. the pipe itself?

How long are you drying tobacco? What kind of tobacco are you smoking in it? What's your cadence like?

Next time it gurgles, try running a cleaner down the stem and into the bowl. That won't stop a gurgle from developing, but seems to fix it relatively quickly, giving you some gurgle-free smoke time. It may come back before you finish the bowl, but running another pipe cleaner down the stem should make it go away again.

No offense taken. I'm smoking it quite slow, tobacco is dry (even let it get too dry to see where the turning point was),
And I dont seem to have the same problem with my new Savinelli.
That being said I was smoking it quite a bit more often, although now less and still have the issue to an extent in every smoke. Smoking slowly to the point where I'm constantly relighting doesnt seem to be slow enough sometimes.
The flavor from the same tobacco does seem to be a bit nicer though for some reason than the Savinelli, could it be because it's more broken in?

 

[BarrelProof]

No offense taken. I'm smoking it quite slow, tobacco is dry (even let it get too dry to see where the turning point was),
And I dont seem to have the same problem with my new Savinelli.
That being said I was smoking it quite a bit more often, although now less and still have the issue to an extent in every smoke. Smoking slowly to the point where I'm constantly relighting doesnt seem to be slow enough sometimes.
The flavor from the same tobacco does seem to be a bit nicer though for some reason than the Savinelli, could it be because it's more broken in?

No. It's because it's a Sav! Kidding aside, it could be. Be careful, however. You're borderline opening a can of worms...

I think >90% of this discussion is mental. If you grab the Pete and you're already thinking it's going to gurgle, not be enjoyable, etc., chances are you'll be right. If you're grabbing the Sav expecting it to be a better experience, it probably will be. At the end of the day, it's setting a weed on fire and tasting the smoke. I try not to let the small things ruin the experience. If I get a gurgle, I run a pipe cleaner through the stem and Charlie Mike. If I don't, even better; but, the experience doesn't change much. I enjoy them both.