I like the way my Falcon smokes, as well. I'm puzzled as how it could be seen as ugly. It has nice classical proportions and graceful lines and decoration, unlike many of the eccentric, goofy, modernistic, freehand designs I've seen in photos.
Yes, the metal stem/shank isn't wood on a Falcon, but the acrylic stems on many (most?) of the pipes admired by aficionados here aren't wood, either. I guess plastic has a higher cachet than metal among experienced pipers.
Falcon pipes do have these things going for them, though, if they lack beauty. They are economical, easy to clean, cool-smoking, lightweight, come in various sizes and designs of briar and meerschaum bowls. They travel well and seem to be manufactured with excellent quality control and uniformity. You can build a seven bowl rotation with a stem for $200-$250, if you go to GQ Tobaccos online.
Sure, I prefer my Peterson, Savinelli, or Rossi when I'm having my morning coffee reading a good book, but the Falcon is a great car and travel pipe. I can't knock it. By the way, Cosmic, I do enjoy your articulate hyperbolic expressions of contempt (tongue in cheek, maybe?) for Falcons.
