Is there such thing as a premium clay pipe? I've done a bit of googling but they are all quite cheap. Is that just the point of a clay pipe though? Are they considered to be half was disposable?
Clay Pipes
- Thread starter Gregg1980
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You can get glazed clays-I have a couple- which are a bit more expensive, but they are relatively low cost. They can last many years (unless of course you break it).
When they begin to "sour", just bake them off at high temps.
The only caveat is they get very hot while smoking, so you have to hold them by the stem, but I find them enjoyable on occasion. There are probably a few clay aficionados here who know more, but this is my take.
When they begin to "sour", just bake them off at high temps.
The only caveat is they get very hot while smoking, so you have to hold them by the stem, but I find them enjoyable on occasion. There are probably a few clay aficionados here who know more, but this is my take.
To start with yes, they were meant to be disposable. You would go into a tobacconist in the Elizabethan era, and buy a preloaded pipe, and smoke, then toss the thing into the Thames. The banks are literally lined with old clays. Then, when cheap ass poor people started smoking, they hung onto the things till they were merely nubs.
LePeltier glazed clay pipes are very nice. They recommend that you wash them out with water every now and then.
Dang! I forgot about my LePeltier. Now I have to get it out and smoke it. These, I remember, are great with very dark cavendish tobaccos.
I believe mine are my cleanest smoking pipes. The stems with their corks, also fit very well in many ancient meerschaum pipes that have the same shank design.
I like the ones with vulcanite stems that Old German makes. Same clean taste, yet utterly clenchable. Of course they are not the best stems and paying $30 for a clay just feels wrong. But they are the only clays I really smoke anymore. Great for trying new blends.
You can always try a porcelain one.
Royal Copenhagen, designed by Jorn Micke
Royal Copenhagen, designed by Jorn Micke
Anything that can be mass produced in a mold/mould (I have never entirely landed on one or the other spelling) should be cheap, but it does not need be inferior...
I like the way my cheap clay's smoke and would not be looking to pay more.
I like the way my cheap clay's smoke and would not be looking to pay more.
There are also the Dutch Goedewaagen clay pipes that pop up not infrequently on EBay.
I'm sure some artistic pipe maker can make you one with however much you are willing to pay. Specific clay can be imported from Korea where their pottery is very well known. I don't see why not. But does anyone really want super precious clay pipe? Sort of like cob pipe with ruby, or a pig with diamond.
I have two clay pipes. One has a broken stem but man that shortened stem makes it way easier to clench in the notch in my teeth. I've been smoking that broken pipe about 3 times a week lately. Love that thing!
Penn Valley has a selection of clay pipes, including the Old German with various stems. Penn Valley Pipes
I have one that I really like for Virginias. It's an Old German 16. I found the extra silicone tips that came with some stainless steel straws fit in the stem perfectly and are great for both holding the pipe and not having to worry about those pesky tooth notches!
Check out www.markenpipes.com who goes under the name of 'ogcpipes' on ebay.
They specialise in clay pipes.
Originally situated in Germany, they moved operations to America due to international postal restrictions caused by the scamdemic.
They've also got NOS antique briars at very reasonable price. I've bought quite a few pipes from them. Professional with excellent after sales service. Highly recommended.
I've bought a dozen of their standard clay pipes that are made in a 100+yo mold that guests smoke. If they enjoy it I usually gift it to them.
One clay pipe I bought [sorry I'm unable to find a pic] is 3/4 bent with an ebonite stem.
Clays are very good smokers. The thing I don't like is how the stem gets really hot.
Fixing hemp string or a sleeve of cork solves the problem.
Clay pipes can stick to ones lips so silicone tips are an excellent idea.
Another way to solve the issue; I paint the mouth tips with nail polish.
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Back in the day English pubs had clay pipes that patrons could order with a beer.
At the end of the night the pipes were put in a grate that was placed on coals in the fireplace as a way to clean them ready for use the next day.