P-lips. There's a reason why it's been around for so long. Vulcanite P-lips on Peterson, I'm happy. Even like fishtail Peterson. I just like Peterson. Who cares how much a pipe is as long as you like it?
Expensive Pipes--To Each His Own
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I'm enjoying reading everyone's posts above--thanks for chiming in. Food for thought for me.
@hoosierpipeguy - M., I see Mr. Jack Howell's name come up from time to time and hope to try one of his pipes from time to time. I try to not envy your tobacco cellar, appreciate your tips (like using mylar instead of jars -- and noting the weight differences, especially since I'm over 60 and we hope to move nearer our daughter and son-in-law in a few years), and value your opinion and thoughts along with all you Forum Buddies!
To everyone who's read this and those who've responded, thank you! I mostly value sharing my thoughts--recognizing they're often worth a plug nickel LOL
, with all of You Dear Pipe Friends as we likely share a bowl together while reading and typing. And I get a kick out of reading everyone's responses. actually even more than I like sharing mine. I get the joy of learning about so many of You Friends and sometimes gain insight into myself by my reactions to your posts kindly and with lots of fun,
mike
I spend a few hours nearly every week with Fred. You couldn't be more correct about most of what he says being tongue in cheek. As evidence, I present for your entertainment, The Hidden Benefits of the Expensive Pipe Tamper by Fred Hanna.
I feel like I could have a lot of fun talking with him.?
I have about a dozen Savinellis I bought in the late '90s to smoke aromatics in. They are all standard grade with balsa inserts and retailed for $40.... nothing fancy. One day someone came in my store selling pipes (can't remember who) and he had some new Autographs. Now, these were not my thing. I couldn't care less about smooths with great grain etc. But... then I saw it. Believe in love at first sight? Well, I do. This thing was gorgeous. Beautiful shape and straight grain and it took the balsas. I had to have it. I shelled out $350.
Long story short. That pipe was the worst smoking Savinelli I ever tried. So bad I sold it to a collector with a warning. The moral is, high price doesn't always mean better.
It looked kind of like the picture below.
Long story short. That pipe was the worst smoking Savinelli I ever tried. So bad I sold it to a collector with a warning. The moral is, high price doesn't always mean better.
It looked kind of like the picture below.
Damn it! I knew there was a reason why using Czech tool made my smoking experience many folds better than using my pipe nail. Live and learn, I guess.
I'm not sure that I remember much of that from Fred's writing. There was a serious argument between him and other members, in The Pipe Collector regarding his articles (10 years ago?) regarding his articles.
He wrote a pretty strong retort/reply regarding his grain article, I think that I'm remembering that era/topic.
He has been interviewed at last once by Brian on the radio podcast. It was a great interview, we have a very bright advocate for pipes in Fred!
To then OP, thank you for your posts. What they commuinicate to me is how individual we are. However, sometimes to determine taste, experience must occur. After experience you know what you like.
Sometimes to get what you want and like, the price is higher than for someone who has settled on a French made Algerian briar Canadian, because many of the latter are readily avalable in a wide range of cost.
While it may be helpful on some level, I really don't need to read someone elses opinion to enjoy using a pipe to smoke tobacco. Taste is so variable and dependant upon health and anatomy. And our tastes change with age and sicknesses.
Sometimes to get what you want and like, the price is higher than for someone who has settled on a French made Algerian briar Canadian, because many of the latter are readily avalable in a wide range of cost.
While it may be helpful on some level, I really don't need to read someone elses opinion to enjoy using a pipe to smoke tobacco. Taste is so variable and dependant upon health and anatomy. And our tastes change with age and sicknesses.
You're both right. Fred has a terrific sense of humor and his favorite target is himself. A lot of fun to be around. But get in a serious discussion, buckle up for real debate.
What, exactly, is an "expensive" pipe?
I have (at last count) over five trillion dollars (yes, Jeffy says he's #1, but that's just to take the heat and focus off me), and I gave away a 600 foot mega luxo super yacht to a friend last week because I'd found its color tedious.
To me, 747's aren't "expensive." 100 story skyscrapers aren't "expensive". Hell, medium-sized countries aren't "expensive."
I think that the matter of "expensive" pipes is entirely relative.
I have (at last count) over five trillion dollars (yes, Jeffy says he's #1, but that's just to take the heat and focus off me), and I gave away a 600 foot mega luxo super yacht to a friend last week because I'd found its color tedious.
To me, 747's aren't "expensive." 100 story skyscrapers aren't "expensive". Hell, medium-sized countries aren't "expensive."
I think that the matter of "expensive" pipes is entirely relative.
Just remember - no matter how expensive or inexpensive your briar - you are smoking wood. Doesn’t matter if you smoke a lot of wood…or a little wood….you are smoking wood. Meerschaum, clay and other smoking materials instantly become more popular when you think about it. Because, you are no longer smoking wood. And - when done smoking wood - you get some ash. ?
This is so true. I've wrecked super cars and I've wrecked regular cars. Hands down, they both jump like shit.
Come along now, it's time for your medication....
So, you're saying "you are smoking wood"? LOL!!Just remember - no matter how expensive or inexpensive your briar - you are smoking wood. Doesn’t matter if you smoke a lot of wood…or a little wood….you are smoking wood. Meerschaum, clay and other smoking materials instantly become more popular when you think about it. Because, you are no longer smoking wood. And - when done smoking wood - you get some ash. ?
Well, maybe not of you have a little buildup on the briar from smoking. Aren't the coatings to protect the wood?
I’m simpler in my selection. It must pass a pipe cleaner to the bowl while smoking and have a good draw. Generally, for me that’s a straight or slightly bent billiard.
I’m contentedly puffing away on a Country Gentleman Cob that I water-rinsed clean last night along with a half dozen others, briar and cob.
A clean pipe that smokes well provides all that I need.
However, I am drawn to the higher end pipes. I look at them and have the means to obtain them. — It’s just that I know when it arrives it’ll be another pipe with no tangible improvement over my enjoyment— aside from what I might create in my mind.
Artistry, Grain, Price, Blast, Rustication, Colors, Bells, Whistles etc won’t make the tool function better.
However, the OP has a point with “feel”. Weight, Stem type, Tactile Sensation of finish, the Fit to one’s hand are credible reasons I can understand. Price? Isn’t one of them.
I’m contentedly puffing away on a Country Gentleman Cob that I water-rinsed clean last night along with a half dozen others, briar and cob.
A clean pipe that smokes well provides all that I need.
However, I am drawn to the higher end pipes. I look at them and have the means to obtain them. — It’s just that I know when it arrives it’ll be another pipe with no tangible improvement over my enjoyment— aside from what I might create in my mind.
Artistry, Grain, Price, Blast, Rustication, Colors, Bells, Whistles etc won’t make the tool function better.
However, the OP has a point with “feel”. Weight, Stem type, Tactile Sensation of finish, the Fit to one’s hand are credible reasons I can understand. Price? Isn’t one of them.
I’m getting a little tired of hearing this; it’s all optional. If I want to buy what I hate and smoke what I detest by god I will.
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You're listing Fred Hanna as a defining source of accurate information?
Most of what he says is tongue in cheek, but he's spot on about the brand myth.
I find Fred very reliable, and know him well enough to say a) he does not wear a wig, and b) if he did it would be enormous.
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