Hi Vamike!
I am pipe smoker for almost 5 years. I have 2 Corleone pipes - 1 classic pipe, 1 the manager. I also have 1 Corn Cob pipe and 1 Ozark Mountain Hardwood pipe.
My first pipe was Corleone - classic pipe. Since pipes are rare here in the Philippines, I just bought whatever is available. And at that time I was just a newbie. So I bought it. I wasn't even aware that the brand I was buying was Corleone.
I wasn't familiar about the differences of pipes then. After reading few articles,and seeing pictures of pipes here I thought the one I bought was a briar pipe. Lately, I found out that Corleone pipes are not briar pipes. They are rosewood.
My first pipe was worth Php 1,800 - equivalent to $40 if the foreign exchange is worth 45pesos per $1. My second pipe was given to me by my girlfriend.
Considering the price and the rarity of pipe here in the Philippines, $40 is just fine compared to buying a pipe in the internet plus shipping fee plus the expense when you pay in the customs.
I am surprised to find out that Corleone pipes are worth eighteen bucks. That is very low price.
I suggest you try it. It smokes good. I smoke Borkum Riff Bourbon Whiskey in my Corleone Classic pipe, and Borkum Riff Cherry Cavendish in my Corleone the manager pipe.
How I wish I can buy lots of Corleone pipes in 18 bucks. But I can't. I have to avail it in the store that ordered it from
Briar and meerschaum pipes are too expense - just the price of the pipe itself - plus the shipping fee when you buy it online.
But of course, it is my dream to smoke other types of pipes. I just have to save money for that.
I suggest you try it. It's good.