Experience with Winslow Pipes?

[pitchfork]

I've heard good things on the forums about Winslow pipes. I'm wondering if the excellent smoking properties people mention apply to all grades of Winslow pipe or just the ones labeled "hand made." For instance, are the "200" and "300" models or the "Crown" good smokers?

 

[garyovich]

I have a crown Viking and love it. It is one of my favorite smokers. Got it for $150 at the b&m, probably a bit cheaper online.

 

[pitchfork]

Thanks, Gary.

 

[tbradsim1]

I have 2 crowns and 1 E grade and they all have a good draw, do not get hot, and are very good pipes. The old cajun

 

[sjpipesmoker]

Don't own one, but heard nothing but good things about them

 

[pitchfork]

Thanks, Old Cajun. I guess that answers the question -- they're all good smokers. The graded pipes all seem to have some straight grain, so maybe the grades just concern grain and not overall quality, etc.

 

[pitchfork]

I found the Paul Winslow site and apparently the grades apply to the grain more than anything, and both the letter graded pipes and the Crown/Viking are "hand made." But if they smoke equally as good, that's my concern. I've heard cigrmaster extoll their virtues here or on another forum and was curious how they smoked for others.
http://www.winslow-pipes.com/pages/Gradings.pdf

 

[cigrmaster]

I have been smoking my Winslow's for a dozen years and they have never failed me. My third pipe I ever bought was a Winslow and it is still a regular in my rotation. The crown series are made the same way as the lettered grades the only difference being grain and some adornments. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one and since old cajun has given his blessing, then you have it from God's mouth to your ear. lol Seriously Bradley knows a good smoking pipe and I trust him implicitly.

 

[pitchfork]

and since old cajun has given his blessing, then you have it from God's mouth to your ear.

LOL, that settles it then! Thanks, gentlemen.

 

[foggymountain]

I must say I didn't like my Winslow. It smoked OK at first, but once it was well broken in, it tasted soggy. Beautiful pipe, but we have parted ways.

 

[philobeddoe]

I have 2 Winslow's and they smoke great. I like the exterior beauty as well as the excellent smoking properties.

 

[cigrmaster]

foggy, I can understand your being down on Winslow because you got a dud, but you have to admit that out of thousands of pipes sold there is going to be a dud that slips out of the factory. I don't think you can judge a line of pipes on one example. All 6 that I have owned over the years have all smoked extremely well which is why I would not hesitate to recommend them.

 

[pitchfork]

Thanks for the caveat, Foggy Mountain. What's the pipe in your photo, btw?

 

[cigrmaster]

pitchfork, which Winslow are you thinking about, I am curious as to which ones you are considering. Here are a few that I think will make great smokers.

http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/winslow/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=94683

http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/winslow/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=85525

http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/winslow/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=90193

http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/winslow/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=85504
I love spending other peoples money. :rofl:

 

[pitchfork]

I love spending other peoples money.

lol Thanks for the offer ;-)
I'm partial to the second one (smooth billiard). I've come to like pipes with oversize bowls and thick walls -- they often seem to smoke cooler and drier.
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/winslow/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=85525
I actually had my eyes on this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320997726534 A similar one sold for about $45 earlier and I figured for the price of two Doc Grabows it was worth a try. The ones I really like, however, are the letter-graded pipes -- some of them look like classic, high-grade Danish design. We'll see... :lol:

 

[garyovich]

As has already been said, the letter graded pipes are purely aesthetics, the lowest grade winslow pipes are (to my understanding) essentially the same quality, as far as workmanship, geometry, etc. If straight grain is something you're willing to pay for then by all means, you should do so. But in the dark a Crown will smoke just as well. Personally I like pipes that are good smokers and pleasing to the eye/hand. For my personal tastes this is more about texture (rustication, sandblast) and interesting grain (birdseye, flame grain), I don't see the appeal of straight grain, but there must be something to it because I'm definitely in the minority on this particular count.

 

[foggymountain]

Pitchfork: It's a Lasse Skovgaard. Excellent pipe and maker. Unfortunately his prices are starting to rise, and the pipes are scarce.

 

[mtpipe]

Here is my Crown Winslow. I love this pipe. It is a hefty piece. Smokes excellently.

 

[cigrmaster]

pitchfork, did you buy that crown for 45, if you did that is an awesome deal. That billiard you linked is also a nice one.
mt, great looking Winslow, I have no doubt it is a fantastic smoker.

 

[pitchfork]

pitchfork, did you buy that crown for 45, if you did that is an awesome deal.

Unfortunately, no. I had been watching that auction and got distracted taking care of my 1-year old who has the flu and a fever. There will be more, i'm sure. Thx again for the advice on the Winslows.