Fairly new to the magazine, at least in terms of replies to forum topics. However, I've just read this about Falcons and thought I'd reply. I have three of them, a straight, curved and bent, with three extra bowls. I've found these pipes quite superb for smoking and, as has been said, they are good workaday items, robust and practical. Their looks might not be beautiful but they do the job and a smoke in them is always enjoyable. I love the simplicity of design and that no-nonsense look that says they are straightforward smoking machines rather than works of art. I find them cool to smoke, easy to clean and light in weight to hold, whether in the mouth or hand. Once a bowl is broken in, a good smoke is guaranteed. I can recommend the Hunter bowl range as well. The higher quality briar and pleasant ochre colouring go well in each of my pipes.
Yes, these pipes might have connotations of certain smoker types, but in my opinion, they hold their own with any other pipe I'd care to mention. I have around twenty three pipes now; my three Falcons have a cherished place in that collection. In fact, as I came across this article,I was smoking some St. Bruno in my curved Falcon at the time and enjoying every moment of it!
George
