Ferndown pipes?

[cigrmaster]

Since I am now starting to move my collection over to British pipes, I thought I would look at the Ferndown's. I really like the look of their sandblast with the silver bands. Does anyone have any in their collection and how do they compare with Ashton, Upshall and Charatan in terms of smoking quality and construction? I read the info in pipedia and found it to be very interesting.

 

[bigvan]

They're excellent pipes; very well made and Les' silver work is top notch. To me what differentiates Ferndown from other British pipes is that they're a bit more substantial; thicker walls and though the shapes are fairly standard they're usually a bit larger overall.
I've had several Ferndowns over the years and right now I have just one. The rest were sold or traded and they hold their value well.
Probably the best prices for Ferndowns is at Pipes2Smoke.com. Check it out.

 

[cigrmaster]

bigvan, you are right those are good prices. Thanks.

 

[msandoval858]

I have one Ferndown and I love it. It's a 3 Star Reo full bent shape that I picked up on a great deal when a local B&M was running clearance sales several years ago. I think this pipe holds its own against any of the other top English makers. My only complaint is the stem has always seemed prone to oxidizing really reasily but I'm hoping to give it some TLC and get that fixed here soon. From a smoking standpoint though, my Ferndown is top notch. Eventually I hope to add a few more to the collection. I've always wanted one of their silver banded Canadians.

 

[sergemoat]

I recently purchased a **Bark spigot and am very happy with it. The only issue I've had so far is that there was quite a bit of stain in the bowl that I should have cleaned out before the first smoke. Build quality is good and the walls were beefier then I expected.

 

[cigrmaster]

I just pulled the trigger on this brand new Ferndown. I am totally psyched about getting it. I have always admired the look of Lew Wood's work. Now that I know they smoke great it was a no brainer for me.

 

[mountainman]

Gorgeous pipe and congrats! Enjoy smoking!!

 

[ssjones]

I have one Ferndown and wish I had a few more. It is a lovely pipe an terrific smoker. I also purchased from Pipes2Smoke, I don't know how he gets those prices down so low. I paid $200 ish for my 3 Star Bark and Cup-O-Joes had the same pipe for around $350. I couldn't pass up that deal and love that pipe. It is reserved for Sunday use only, a real treat for me. Workmanship is first class, well on par with Ashton (well, better than my Taylor era Pebble Grain..), Castello or Upshall. You'll have no regrets and he ships the pipe fast from Canada. Enjoy, can't wait to hear your smoking report. Ferndown is one of the few that still oil-cures so there is no break-in, just a great smoking pipe. Can you tell I love my Ferndown?
That is a great shape you chose, I love their paneled pipes.

 

[cigrmaster]

Al, that is a beauty also. I was checking prices and the Briary is selling a 3 star for 445.00. I have seen used ones going for a lot more than what I paid for brand new. I will let you know when I smoke it, I can't wait.

 

[jharvard]

Beautiful pipe cigrmaster. :puffpipe:

 

[billinsfl]

I have a beautiful diamond shanked three star Tudor root bent bulldog that I absolutely adore. Built like the Rock of Gibraltar, it is the equal of any Dunhill I own. Like most things made by the English, made exceptionally well.

 

[thesmokindragon]

I had just looked at a really nice poker/silver spigot churchwarden

from him and it comes with a dual/standard stem as well...

the silver work is outstanding....

 

[cigrmaster]

dragon, don't be shy, pull the trigger.

 

[thesmokindragon]

I wish I could, I have too many options going on right now; dang...

I NEED them all right? ;-)
1-Rattray's #079 sandblast w/Army mount http://www.alpascia.com/detail.asp?detail=20480
2-Ashton Pebble w/Army mount http://www.alpascia.com/detail.asp?detail=21721
3-Cavicchi -CCCC-Elephant foot w/tulip wood

http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/cavicchi/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=105011
4-Ashton Brindle w/Army mount http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/ashton/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=103431
5-Peterson 941 sandblast spigot - http://www.alpascia.com/detail.asp?detail=22382

 

[cigrmaster]

I got this baby in today and I am smoking some 10 year old Astley's 109 which is a mild to medium very nice Virginia Flake. I wanted to smoke something I am very familiar with to test out the new toy. The pipe has performed to my expectations in that it smokes very cool, I can taste most of the nuances in the blend, it doesn't gurgle a lick and it feels great in the hand. It will take a bit to break in I am sure. The sweetest notes of the blend were missing which I expected being it is brand new. I am extremely happy with my purchase and if anyone is thinking of owning a Ferndown, I would definitely recommend it.

 

[bentmike]

That's a beautiful Ferndown. I don't own one yet but been a fan for a while. The Tudor root bent bulldog is the object of my desire. That's an amazing collection you have going cigrmaster. Well done!