Choosing a Pipe

[pipesaplenty]

Hey All,

Been in the pipe scene for a couple years..and I STILL find it hard to decided on pipes to buy. There are many manufacturer's..

So far I've liked petersons, good reliable pipes for anybody.

I've recently gotten into the Nording pipes. I like the rustic natural look to them and here great things about how they smoke.

I'm in the market for a new pipe..and have been considering another Nording..or even Brebbia? I've been looking at a lot of estate pipes..but I feel like I'm SO picky about what I want..but I suppose I shouldn't get one until I love it..many thoughts I'm thinkin..

 

[uberam3rica]

I hear you there. Theres so many options, and when you start looking at different brands, yyou might find several you want. Making a decision can be really hard.

 

[jeffboyrd]

I have founds some nice estates on http://vikingclubpipes.bigcartel.com/ , nice, clean and affordable, but as you know there are many places to find estates. I am huge Savinelli fan, probably always will be, check them out if you haven't already. I have never been let down by Sav.

 

[numbersix]

I am picky too. It can be tough sometimes, but it's a nice problem to have! FWIW, Brebbia makes nice pipes, but IMO, Savinellis and Danish-made Stanwells are your best bang for the buck.

 

[foggymountain]

I think the best buy is recent vintage estate Dunhills. If it is in good shape and reasonably priced you can't go wrong. Reasonably priced for a not oversmoked Dunhill is about half what a new one costs. I say recent because the older ones might be oversmoked.

 

[kashmir]

I go after old estate English shapes. Comoy especially. Just like the clean lines, portability when clenched and all the history behind them. Sizes in the Group 4 range mainly. Billiards, Lovats, apples & bulldogs are my favorites. Comoy cuts a great bulldog IMO.

 

[mso489]

Another way to be picky in a good way is to locate your nearest artisan pipe carver and support him or her.

You can get to know their work, and buy from them over the years. I think a face-to-face purchase raises

the whole exchange to a new and better level. You are part of the process, not just a faceless credit card

holder. How much you get involved with commissioning pipes or suggesting possible new shapes or

directions depends on you. If you don't have a craftsperson nearby, you can sometimes connect at

pipe shows; many carvers have their regular circuit.

 

[wayneteipen]

I have some pretty decent smoking factory pipes. You can't go wrong with the more popular brands. They're popular for a reason. That being said, I think everyone owes it to themselves to own and smoke a handmade pipe. I can only speak from my own experience smoking my artisan made pipes or pipes that I've made myself that there is a palpable difference. The only factory brand pipe that I own that smokes as well as my Rad's or Thile's etc. are my Dunhill's.