Chronicling an AliExpress Pipe and Purchase for Science

[mikethompson]

In the interest of scientific research and development, I have taken one for the forum. I've spent hard earned money on a pipe from AliExpress, the chinese version of ebay, just to see how bad or good the pipe is.

My initial impression from the site was that it is not suited to mobile use, but despite that I selected this pipe:



You read that right- a HANDMADE pipe for $3!

In the description it said it would be sent with a Czech tool and some pipe cleaners. We will see.

With shipping, the pipe came to around $8USD. It is expected to get here within a month.

So the pressing questions;

Will it be an awful pipe? Probably.
Will it be handmade? Probably not.
Will it withstand the stress tests I have in mind for it? I'm looking forward to seeing.

 

[Jwebb90]

This should be interesting ?

 

[acidpox]

It looks at tho it has a metal bowl insert. If so its most likely intended for smoking things other than tobacco. But I am still very interested in the outcome.

 

[LOREN]

Yes, this will be interesting.

 

[mikethompson]

It looks at tho it has a metal bowl insert

there was an option for the pipe's finish, and I chose the lighter 'stain'. For some reason, this option had a metal ring around the rim whereas a darker stain didn't. Also the title says 'Tobacco Smoking Pipe' right?

This should be interesting

I hope so, I've often wondered just how these cheap pipes were.

 

[didimauw]

Yes I used to have a pipe like that for other reasons. The bowl insert, had a screw in the bottom, so you could take it out and clean it..... Ughhhhhh

 

[mikethompson]

Update!

I have been informed that my payment has been processed. If I have any questions I can contact the human customer service. That is a relief because I do detest dealing with cyborg customer service.

 

[FurCoat]

This is going to be good. Please disinfect upon arrival.

 

[olkofri]

Maybe it'll come with some mystery seeds.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I’m not going to lie. I came close to buying one of these made of sandalwood. If it sucks, you’re not out a ton of money. ?‍

 

[gerryp]

In the interest of scientific research and development, I have taken one for the forum. I've spent hard earned money on a pipe from AliExpress, the chinese version of ebay, just to see how bad or good the pipe is.

My initial impression from the site was that it is not suited to mobile use, but despite that I selected this pipe:

View attachment 48032View attachment 48033

You read that right- a HANDMADE pipe for $3!

In the description it said it would be sent with a Czech tool and some pipe cleaners. We will see.

With shipping, the pipe came to around $8USD. It is expected to get here within a month.

So the pressing questions;

Will it be an awful pipe? Probably.
Will it be handmade? Probably not.
Will it withstand the stress tests I have in mind for it? I'm looking forward to seeing.

I salute you, sir, for jumping on that potential grenade for the good of the cause.

 

[brian64]

Maybe it'll come with some mystery seeds.

Didn't you once say you've dedicated all your cobs to genetically modified Orientals?

 

[pantsBoots]

Wonder what the metal is made out of? Pure Chinese silver?

 

[didimauw]

.....one chinese plastic handmade pipe for one year?.....

Come on.....it's easy!

 

[ssjones]

I've ordered a few watch bands from AliExpress and they were pretty decent. The postal tracking they supply also works very well.

 

[mingc]

My only order from AliExpress a couple of years ago -- a silver tamper -- went smoothly without a hitch.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Great thread!

 

[Casual]

This can only end well.

Maybe it'll come with some mystery seeds.

Anyone ever figure out what that was about? Or are we the last non-pod people?

 

[Country Bladesmith]

This can only end well.

Anyone ever figure out what that was about? Or are we the last non-pod people?

Brushing scam. They send empty boxes or boxes with cheap lightweight items to addresses, so they can show proof that a package was shipped to a “buyer,” and then write fake, glowing reviews of their actual product(s) that the package recipient “bought.” It’s a scam to make fake reviews look legit to anyone investigating the paperwork.

 

[Ahi Ka]

I vote you put it through the dishwasher upon arrival