Do You Have A Set Criteria For Choosing A Pipe?

[greeneyes]

I only buy classic shapes. No reverse calabash double acorn snail nautilus pipes for me.

Also I generally only buy estate pipes. I've purchased new pipes before but generally I just don't see the point. Pipes were meant to last several lifetimes if properly cared for and an appreciation of their history is an important factor for me.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Pipes were meant to last several lifetimes

Just for clarification, this doesn't mean that we can kill people with our pipes. Misunderstandings like this lead to very uncomfortable conversations with the authorities.

 

[BROBS]

I go where the wind takes me. As long as it’s not a nosewarmer or bulldog I’m easy.

I've seen you post this.. why the bulldog hate?
They are some of the best smoking pipes and are representative of early 20th century pipesmoking IMO!

 

[BROBS]

I only buy classic shapes. No reverse calabash double acorn snail nautilus pipes for me.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[didimauw]

I just choose based on the look I enjoy that current moment. I just don't do vulcanite stems. I'm all for trying something new. I'm an impulse buyer most of the time.

 

[Dissident_Mantis]

I have been in the pipe smoking hobby for about 6 years now and I am just starting to develop my style. I find it interesting that in the 20's pipes were not just the preferred form of tobacco consumption, but for many men they were also a fashion accessory and they would often put the pipe in their mouth and look in a mirror as part of their pipe purchasing ritual.

That being said, I have found that I love the way a short and stubby poker, Devil Anse, and Rhodesian or (devil dog) look hanging out of my mouth. I gravitate towards these pipes now. I am also short around 5'9" and stubby myself since I have very wide shoulders and a muscular build. I feel like this type of pipe fits me. I wonder if any of you use this type of thought process when purchasing pipes.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I am also short around 5'9"

Where on earth is 5'9" short? Do you live in Norway or something? Ha ha. I am 5'10" and I think that is about average.

And, yes, I do think about how it makes me look... ummm, or my wife does for me., she is quick to point out of a pipe is unflattering.

At the Briary we used to have this guy over 6 feet and huge features, who would set there and quietly read and smoke this little bity bent pipe that he made look like a toy. It was just way too small for him.
And, one time there was also a small little guy with a long 70's mustache that would smoke these huge Ser Jacapos. It was very surreal.

 

[BROBS]

5'9" is pretty short nowadays.. I'm 6 feet tall and feel pretty average in height.

 

[BROBS]

I have been in the pipe smoking hobby for about 6 years now and I am just starting to develop my style. I find it interesting that in the 20's pipes were not just the preferred form of tobacco consumption, but for many men they were also a fashion accessory and they would often put the pipe in their mouth and look in a mirror as part of their pipe purchasing ritual.

That being said, I have found that I love the way a short and stubby poker, Devil Anse, and Rhodesian or (devil dog) look hanging out of my mouth. I gravitate towards these pipes now. I am also short around 5'9" and stubby myself since I have very wide shoulders and a muscular build. I feel like this type of pipe fits me. I wonder if any of you use this type of thought process when purchasing pipes.

?

 

[Dissident_Mantis]

Where on earth is 5'9" short? Do you live in Norway or something? Ha ha. I am 5'10" and I think that is about average.

Well Chicago can feel like Norway sometimes haha. I am from New Jersey originally, quite tall compared to my Italian side of the family there. My great grandfather from Sicily was 5'2". My other half is from Cuba, my grandfather from there was 6'4" so I am glad those genes evened out.

 

[alaskanpiper]

I've seen you post this.. why the bulldog hate?
They are some of the best smoking pipes and are representative of early 20th century pipesmoking IMO!

Because they are butt ass ugly. It's as simple as that.

 

[Dissident_Mantis]

Because they are butt ass ugly. It's as simple as that.

I like Rhodesians. Less sharp angles

 

[alaskanpiper]

I like Rhodesians. Less sharp angles

I also own no Rhodesians, I am not a fan of their aesthetics either, but much prefer them to the look of a Bulldog, especially the more artisan varieties that do not have the rings carved in them. I also own no pipes with any rings carved in them, which is part (but certainly not all) of what I despise about the look of the Bulldog pipe.

 

[olkofri]

I like bent bulldogs. I despise rhodesians: I think Rhodes sucked.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I'm glad there are some that hate bulldogs. That leaves more for me.

 

[Dissident_Mantis]

I like bent bulldogs. I despise rhodesians: I think Rhodes sucked.

Like Cecil Rhodes?

 

[seldom]

I like bent bulldogs. I despise rhodesians: I think Rhodes sucked.

I'm guessing no Oom Pauls either.

 

[olkofri]

Like Cecil Rhodes?

That's the turd.

I'm guessing no Oom Pauls either.

I don't object to Ohm Powls. Kruger was an OK guy in my book, even though I root for the British in the Boer conflicts.

 

[Dissident_Mantis]

I love Cecil Rhodes, he was a pretty amazing guy. It's honestly part of the reason why I enjoy the pipe shape. I am interested in British Imperialism, it's a fun part of history IMHO and filled with tobacco, adventure and manifest destiny. I know most will disagree, but there's a reason why I have "dissident" in my name.

 

[cigrmaster]

From reading all the responses it seems like many of us have some strict criteria for buying our pipes.
One thing I am also particular about it the shape of pipes I buy. I really go for classic shapes. Billiards, Dublins, Apple's, Rhodesians, Brandy's make up most of my collection. I guess I could be called boring in my choices but I like what I like.