Falling Down The Rabbit Hole

[npod]

I have fallen down a new rabbit hole. It's deep and wonderful and scary and fascinating and full of glitter and temptation.
I finally bought my first Japanese pipe. A long time ago, I promised myself (and pinky swore) I would stick to Castello and Danish and a maybe a few Meers. Blah blah blah. Then came a few Russians, a rare Greek, throw in an American, a side step to Germany, a pinch of British, etc. But I regained control and again pinky swore it was back to collecting deep, not wide.
Then came this amazing Japanese pipe. I had heard podcasts, saw the work on the internet, but only at a glance. Nothing to see here, move on. Then I saw one in person and bingo, I pulled the trigger. Now a new RABBIT HOLE. New research, new history, new pedigrees, more research, a few weeks to months of research.
DAMN YOU PAD. I love you.

 

[aldecaker]

These kinds of rabbit holes keep our lives interesting. As long as you're not spending the grocery money on Japanese pipes, press on!
"I wish I hadn't had so many interesting hobbies."

-No one on their deathbed, ever.

 

[saltedplug]

Spend the rent on one fabulous pipe and duck out before the first of the month. Take your sweetie to Vegas and get married by that dandy preacher who does an Elvis impression in the middle of the ceremony. Lose everything at craps but hold her tight. Lam it until you get a security deposit together and start a family in the state of your choice. Send your former landlord wacky postcards, saying "You know where to find me!"

 

[npod]

Dang Salted. I feel like I just went to Vegas and got married. Are you sure you don’t want to start smoking again?

 

[josephcross]

I totally relate. I bought a meer last week, and yesterday pulled the trigger on a Peterson meer that was on SPC. Last night I dreamt I bought a third. Things happen in threes right!

 

[saltedplug]

I think the reality behind such a wedding goes something like "Oh Shit!" I'm five weeks to the good; not soon.

 

[robcapp]

Photos man! Photos!

 

[npod]

No photos yet. I flew in to see my Mom for Mother's Day. Back in good old Des Moines with no camera and that pipe is not meant for travel. I only brought my trusted travel pipes for this quick weekend trip. I'll post some shots Sunday when I get home.

 

[dottiewarden]

Clearly not just a nicotine delivery instrument. For some, there is much more to this hobby than pipe smoking, including, but not limited to, geography and history for example. Not to mention a good dose of humor and a dash of authorship.

 

[mikethompson]

Nothing wrong with a little PAD, especially if the pipe 'speaks' to you. Am I enough of an enabler yet?
There is something wrong with not posting pictures of this pipe though.

 

[npod]

Sorry about no pics. I wrote this while traveling to see Mom for Mother’s Day. I’ll circle back on Monday. The reason I posted is because I can’t stop reading about the Japanese pipe culture. Such a fascinating topic.

 

[mso489]

Good point about rabbit holes. I've bypassed Meerschaums just to not start another strain of PAD. (Pipe Acquisition Disorder.) For years I followed Tsuges while shopping for other pipes. They had an extensive line of little factory pipes carried at SPC for around sixty bucks, in addition to their loftier offerings, and more recent metal tankards, etc. I avoided locking onto anything that I "had to have." Finally, PC offered a Tsuge "tasting pipe," a lightly blasted black billiard, for $39.99, and I had to do it. Hardly a strong dive into Japanese pipes, but it's a Tsuge. I was impressed beyond my $39.99 investment. It has the definite feel of precision and care suggested in their more expensive pipes, and despite its name, it is a full size Group 4 (medium size pipe) though decidedly light weight. So though I wouldn't be the one to prompt you toward ever expanding realms of Japanese pipes, I'd say, they are an admirable product. I admit, given the choice between my simple black blast and one of those pricey pipes with the flowers painted on it, I'd opt for the one I have.

 

[disinformatique]

Pictures or it didnt happen.

 

[buck17]

I have been eyeing as well though haven't yet gone for it. Those bamboo shanks paired with the ball shaped bowl catch my eye every time. Love to hear more about the history and culture though.

 

[npod]

Here are some quick iPhone shots in low light. It's a Smio Satou handmade pipe finished with the time-honored tradition of the highest-quality Japanese lacquer. Definitely a new rabbit hole.

 

[josephcross]

So nice! Love that grain and the thick bowl to showcase the birdseye!! I can see why you threw yourself down that rabbit hole!

What are you going to break it in with?

 

[artificialme]

The reason I posted is because I can’t stop reading about the Japanese pipe culture

Japanese 'standart' pipe or maybe kiseru pipe?

 

[josephcross]

Well I’m officially in a rabbit hole, third meer bought and I’m hoping that the wife doesn’t look at the online banking....

 

[npod]

Well I’m officially in a rabbit hole

Better a rabbit hole than a S**t Hole if your wife sees the online statement.

 

[Civil War]

Beautiful Pipe, Rabbit Holes are nothing to fear 8O