Ever Noticed How Vague A Pipe Census Is?

[mso489]

Forums members often toss out vague estimates on how many pipes they own. I understand why. I am always reluctant to count my pipes, knowing I have many more than I need to have a fine rotation. It is, as they say, an embarrassment of riches.

The last serious count I made, and I counted twice, I had 92 pipes. Since then I have culled, trading off four or five to buy a pipe I felt was more worthy. So I think I have maybe one or two under the 92 count. This includes a dozen MM cobs and several pipes I don't smoke much, like a 14 inch clay from Holland.

But I have no desire to take the twenty minutes to count them all again, twice. I just feels like I'm rubbing it in, that I have that weakness for buying pipes.

How do you feel about taking a census of your pipes? Do you keep an updated account at all times, or do you let it slide and just enjoy finding an old "friend" you'd nearly forgotten from time to time? Do you clam up when someone asks you how many pipes you have?

 

[didimauw]

No I don't clam up answering how many I have. I only have about a dozen that I smoke. And 9 are briars that I haven't touched in months.

I did clam up two nights ago when my almost ten year old asked me what my most expensive pipe was. I want to stay married so I said "I'm not sure" . Technically at the time, that was the truth.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Based on use, too many at present, but maybe 20 or so (I refuse to go count, haha, but proving your point) --- I don't feel like culling -- mostly into my seasonal ones right now plus the Meer, so we'll see what Jan-March brings in terms of reaching for other pipes.

 

[mso489]

didi, that's impressive self-control. I take pride in how good some of my least expensive pipes are, in terms of rendering a good smoking experience. But I take pride in some of my up-market pipes, that smoke well and also have that extra glow of artisanal craft.

I have gotten to the place where many pipes that catch my eye give me second thoughts -- hey, I have one that fills that same niche and may have a little bigger chamber or a better cut stem.

 

[verporchting]

I have way more than is reasonable but I do enjoy having them.

Some are sentimental and others were just too nice to not have in my collection. It was hard to admit that I actually had a “collection” but it’s the truth.

I do trade or sell some that just don’t bring me joy anymore but usually there’s nothing wrong with them other than I’m just not loving them anymore.

However, there’s a bunch that only get smoked occasionally and if I were to admit they weren’t part of the “collection” I’d probably have to let them go and I just don’t want to.

Counting them is therefore absolutely not allowed

 

[trouttimes]

I have 128 currently. I constantly cull to make room for new pipes. I smoke them all in a 60 day period. Always looking to upgrade my collection.

 

[Andriko]

I never intended to be a pipe collector, but seem to have acquired a small bundle anyway - about 12 I think (two are for the knackers yard though). Given the choice I'd choose the tobacco.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

I haven't taken count, but, I've considered going through the WAYS threads I've posted in to make and keep a spreadsheet to figure out what blend types I smoke in which pipes. I usually use a rough guide of lighter pipes for Virginias and darker ones for Englishes; things start getting more muddled when we get to VaPers. I've got a few briar, cherrywood, and olive pipes dedicated to aromatics, along with some cobs. I sort of group the pipes by brand or type (i.e., Meerschaum, Meerschaum-lined, metal capped, etc.) I've considered making multiple seven days sets with some of the marques I collect. It can take awhile to get through a full rotation.

 

[OzPiper]

NO
And I don't intend to do a count of my pipes or tobacco

That way if my wife asks, I can honestly answer "I don't know"

 

[Streeper541]

I've probably given away almost as many pipes as I currently own. I was thinking about it the other day however... not so much abouy getting an accurate count, but taking out an insurance policy.

 

[shanez]

Well, the truth is I lost count somewhere around the 250 mark and just never bothered after that.

I really should take an inventory.

 

[Chasing Embers]

After several cullings, 87. I'd love to be able to get down to 2 or 3.

 

[Blue ridge smoke]

I never have more than 14. Thats a two pipe a day rotation. If I purchase a new pipe I give one away, usually to someone that is interested in starting the pipe experience or of lessor expendable income.

 

[Zack Miller]

You guys are crazy.

 

[Chasing Embers]

You guys are crazy.

How so?

 

[Zack Miller]

Too many pipes to count. I have about ten.

But if it floats your boat, good for you.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Too many pipes to count. I have about ten.

But if it floats your boat, good for you.

Working them down myself, too much clutter.

 

[K.E. Powell]

I've one meer, two cobs, and 21 briars. Is that too many? Oh, yes. Definitely. But I enjoy my collection, and most of my pipes, especially the briars, either serve a specific purpose or get smoked at least once a month. I think I'll buy one more 6-7 wooden pipe carousel and fill it up. That, along with my Peterson leather wall rack which, for some odd reason, I elected to fill its five slots with Stanwells, and I will have a very nice display for my enjoyment without overcrowding my room.

But man, when I finally hit that "Eureka!" moment when it came to pipe smoking, I started to aggressively buying pipes. I've managed to finally discipline myself and buy pipes occasionally with extra savings instead of buying on pure impulse. I do buy a good deal of baccy, but both space and the volume of my smoking (I average probably 1-2 bowls a day, if that) limit my need to overindulge.

Pipes, and other consumer goods, have not stopped me from being responsible, though I came close to overdoing it at one time. I don't feel embarassed by it. But I do try to keep to two rules. First, don't prioritize pipes over my responsibilities and necessities. Second, treat pipes as a "preferred indifferent," as the Stoics would say. To render that in plain English, that means I don't try to derive happiness or meaning from this consumer hobby; I prefer to have my pipes, but their absence, though not something I would enjoy, is not debilitating to me either.

 

[shanez]

Too many pipes to count. I have about ten.

But if it floats your boat, good for you.

I hate to be a stickler for detail but I believe you got the saying wrong:

 

[Alejo R.]

Y

Forums members often toss out vague estimates on how many pipes they own. I understand why. I am always reluctant to count my pipes, knowing I have many more than I need to have a fine rotation. It is, as they say, an embarrassment of riches.

The last serious count I made, and I counted twice, I had 92 pipes. Since then I have culled, trading off four or five to buy a pipe I felt was more worthy. So I think I have maybe one or two under the 92 count. This includes a dozen MM cobs and several pipes I don't smoke much, like a 14 inch clay from Holland.

But I have no desire to take the twenty minutes to count them all again, twice. I just feels like I'm rubbing it in, that I have that weakness for buying pipes.

How do you feel about taking a census of your pipes? Do you keep an updated account at all times, or do you let it slide and just enjoy finding an old "friend" you'd nearly forgotten from time to time? Do you clam up when someone asks you how many pipes you have?

Yes I do. I even post the list here.