Feel Good Pipes

[aeropuffer]

As I get older, and my eye sight continues to go down hill. Yes, pipes can be beautiful. The grain of the pipe is beautiful. Its fun to collect brand names of pipes. But in my case I have a hard time seeing the pipe. Even with the aid of a strong magnifying glass I will have a hard time seeing the makers mark.

For me the feel of the pipe in my hand is now what is important. Bent pipes seem to be easier to light, and they feel good. Just for fun you might like to try selecting a pipe to smoke, filling it and lighting it with your eyes closed. It will give you a different slant on pipe smoking.

 

[iamn8]

The tactile feel of pipe is usually what decides if I keep a pipe or not. I prefer pipes that will sit comfortably and flow with the shape of my hand. One of my favorite pipes is Kent Rasmussen squat volcano/author because of the wide, gently sloped underside that feels so perfect in my hand with its low slung design and low center of gravity... the grain is spectacular, but it's the feel that makes it exceptional. In the darkness, one can tell it's an exceptional piece of carving. Smoking a pipe in pitch darkness while listening to Bach, Deftones, or Pink Floyd is a ritual I very much love.

 

[mso489]

The tactile aspect of pipes is a major attribute. A good sandblast, rustication, irregular shaped smooth pipe, or carving gives a whole dimension to pipes beyond looks. Some of the old factory pipes, like my Kaywoodie Drinkless author with its vertical grooves in the bowl, look retro and a little clunky, but feel great. Add a bamboo shank or interesting asymmetry and you have still another element.

 

[aeropuffer]

Thank you for replying, and you are both right. I wish there were more posts about the feel of a smoking pipe.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I have begun to love deep sandblasts and rustications. The feel is great, even the couple that initially I thought too rough to be comfortable.

 

[derfatdutchman]

How a pipe feels in my hand is a big factor in selecting a pipe for me. Its part of the reason why I prefer rusticated and sandblasted pipes, the way it adds to the tactile scense. It's like how when a child ask to see something and feels the item more than than they look at it.

 

[jvnshr]

I don't know why but I like small pipes, I find them more comfortable to hold.

I have begun to love deep sandblasts and rustications.

Same thing here.

 

[crashthegrey]

How often I smoke my pipes is eventually decided by the feel in the hand and jaw. I've purchased pipes that I thought were lovely, and then rarely smoked because I didn't like the fee. Morgan Pipes makes a Blackjack line, and I find that the Chunky Anse is the most comfortable clencher and I love the feel of the smooth rustication.