Help Making a Decision About Expensive Pipe

[Irish Piper]

This is a really interesting thread, with some good advice.

My most expensive pipe so far is 120€ (about $100). But I'm just getting started. ? Right now, I can't see myself wanting to spend more than twice that amount, even though I could easily afford it. I guess I keep forgetting that a pipe can last a lifetime if it's taken care of. Maybe once I remember that I'll change my mind. Because I have seen some really beautiful pipes online.

I really like the idea of helping the artisan be able to keep doing what they are doing. Something to keep in mind when you look at the price tag. It's not the same if it's going to an individual as opposed to a corporation.

 

[boston]

I used to collect artisan pipes from carvers that I knew and befriended. Figured they were long time purchases and I like the memories and the pipe.

But, as was mentioned, they generally smoke the same as good factory pipes. Some a tad better, briar and engineering maybe.

Comparison (maybe not a perfect one): I used to drive a motorcycle, then a Porsche 944, but then I turned into a busy dad who needed to move stuff. Now I drive a Subaru Outback. All wheel drive, I can stuff it full of anything. It goes everywhere very well and safely, and I can put regular gas in it. When it gets dented by an acorn I don't get terribly upset. My wife drives her Lexus ls430 rear wheel drive sedan. It only takes high octane gas I drive it as well from time to time. It drives different than the snoob. It is very fast (147 mph track speed or something silly like that) and it is heavy and solid and feels like it corners on rails. If it gets dinged it is upsetting. Fun. Fast. Wood and leather and perfection. Unless it snows, then it sits in the driveway being a coward despite spendy Scandinavian tires.

Which car to buy? Which pipe to buy? Depends on your needs and interests. Although as I said, a fine pipe can also be a competent workhorse. Just don't put it in the tackle box...

 

[didimauw]

I'm just a pull-the-trigger-and-let-the-cards-fall-where-they-may kinda guy. But, if you are pausing, then maybe that is a sign.

Yup sometimes u just gotta try it. The most expensive pipe I had commissioned, I was not happy with in the end. But now I know.

 

[sablebrush52]

Yup sometimes u just gotta try it. The most expensive pipe I had commissioned, I was not happy with in the end. But now I know.

What is it you took away from that experience?

 

[monty55]

This is no different than any other aspect of pipe smoking. If you can afford it, and that's what floats your boat do it! This is supposed to be fun, relaxing and enjoyable. Do whatever it takes to put yourself THERE.

 

[ofafeather]

I think I have some pretty good ideas now on how to proceed, thanks everyone!

And when you buy them please post an update with some pics and details. I’m sure I’m not the only one that wants to see your score!

 

[reloader]

I've heard it said that at the end of life you regret more the things you didn't do than the things you did. I doubt I will ever spend a lot of money on a pipe, but if I did I believe I would only regret the spending of the money until I got the pipe in my hand. LOL

 

[sablebrush52]

And when you buy them please post an update with some pics and details. I’m sure I’m not the only one that wants to see your score!

He didn't say which direction he as taking. Could be he purchases, could be he doesn't. I'll be interested in which direction he takes, what went into the decision, and if it's a buy, the objects of desire.

 

[sablebrush52]

I've heard it said that at the end of life you regret more the things you didn't do than the things you did. I doubt I will ever spend a lot of money on a pipe, but if I did I believe I would only regret the spending of the money until I got the pipe in my hand. LOL

I don't waste time on regrets. What happened is what happened. The worst reason to do anything is FOMO.

 

[cigrmaster]

Pipes for me are work horses. I want the best smoking pipes I can get for 3-400 and they have t be artisan made by an American carver. I have found this price point smokes pipes better than 3,000.00 Formers or Balleby's or any number of high end carvers. I as able to buy these expensive pipes for 50% off the cost of the pipe. Back of the trunk purchases are my favorites especially when I can trade Cuban cigars for them.

 

[didimauw]

What is it you took away from that experience?

Well first, the dimensions were a little big. But the big issue is, the craftsmanship I expected was not up to par. The stem didn't sit flush to the shank, and the button looked unfinished. I now know not to go back to that carver.

 

[sablebrush52]

Pipes for me are work horses. I want the best smoking pipes I can get for 3-400 and they have t be artisan made by an American carver. I have found this price point smokes pipes better than 3,000.00 Formers or Balleby's or any number of high end carvers. I as able to buy these expensive pipes for 50% off the cost of the pipe. Back of the trunk purchases are my favorites especially when I can trade Cuban cigars for them.

Harris,

I love your evident pleasure in acts of criminality!

 

[sablebrush52]

Well first, the dimensions were a little big. But the big issue is, the craftsmanship I expected was not up to par. The stem didn't sit flush to the shank, and the button looked unfinished. I now know not to go back to that carver.

But, the experience didn't put you off to the idea of commissioning a pipe.

 

[Milleniumsmoker]

And when you buy them please post an update with some pics and details. I’m sure I’m not the only one that wants to see your score!

I will thanks!

 

[cigrmaster]

Harris,

I love your evident pleasure in acts of criminality!

Jesse, I am crook at heart, I can't help it.

 

[LotusEater]

Only an investment in indulgence. If you are in a position to comfortably buy them have at it. If it's a purchase that will put you in a difficult financial position avoid them, they're just pipes.

I don’t own any “expensive” pipes so I can’t speak from experience - but this seems like a very good way to approach the decision at hand.

 

[ofafeather]

He didn't say which direction he as taking. Could be he purchases, could be he doesn't. I'll be interested in which direction he takes, what went into the decision, and if it's a buy, the objects of desire.

True but my phrasing was purposeful in its irony.

 

[didimauw]

But, the experience didn't put you off to the idea of commissioning a pipe.

It was the only commission I've ever had to this day.

 

[sablebrush52]

It was the only commission I've ever had to this day.

I've been fortunate in that, while not every commission has surpassed my wildest dreams, none have been bad. I also did some diligence with each carver before commissioning, so I got a sense, from other clients as well as the carver's own writings, what I might expect. There's always a certain level of risk. Even the best carvers turn out a lesser result from time to time. I don't have any regrets with any of the commissions. The Jack Howell billiard is a hit.

 

[bullet08]

"Expensive" is a relative term. I occasionally buy Peterson POTY. Not most expensive pipes I have, but I like them, especially 2019 ones. Unless it's outside of your budget, just grab it. There are few Peterson I wish I had, but I slept through them or the grains were all wrong. If you like it, get it. Unless it just doesn't smoke right, it will be something you will enjoy.