Help Me Pick A Pipe!

[crawdad]

Came into a little windfall and got me some money to spend on my hobb...er, lifestyle. I've been perusing pipes for sale, can't make up my mind.

But maybe you can.

Open to suggestions from all of my brothers here.

Looking for a solid smoker mainly for Balkan and English blends, with a shallow bowl with thick walls. I've got up to $500 to waste this time around.

(What I don't want: Danish freehands)

 

[zion]

What you seek is a classic English instrument...I suggest Askwith.

 

[Chasing Embers]

hobb...er, lifestyle

habit

Why not commission something?

 

[mso489]

I'd prowl around the SP pipes pages and look at artisan carvers who do the kind of work you are looking for, and then decide if you want one that is offered or would rather talk about a commission, which would be a little more than a pipe already for sale, I would guess. The alternative is to look at brand pipes, artisan or otherwise, and select from those available. Depends on how soon you want the actual pipe delivered and what you have in mind. What a great pipe buying experience. Good luck!

 

[alaskanpiper]

When I think of thick walls my mind immediately goes to Moretti. With that budget I’d commission one, but he has quite the selection on his ebay account as well.

That, or a Randy Wiley or Castello would get my vote.

 

[Chasing Embers]

or would rather talk about a commission, which would be a little more than a pipe already for sale, I would guess.

In my experience, artisans sell for slightly less than retail.

 

[ashdigger]

Look on Smokingpipes.com for a Ryan Alden

 

[mso489]

If a carver likes the project or you, the price is amazing flexible, but it's their living, so you have to be prepared to help with that.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Came into a little windfall and got me some money to spend on my hobb...er, lifestyle. I've been perusing pipes for sale, can't make up my mind.

<< Snipped bits out >>

Looking for a solid smoker mainly for Balkan and English blends, with a shallow bowl with thick walls. I've got up to $500 to waste this time around.

(What I don't want: Danish freehands)

It can be your hobby, or if you're affecting a lifestyle, yeah. But as Duane says, for many it's a habit, or a joy or just a thing we do.

+1 on no Danish. A good piece of Brit wood would be my choice.

And I'd not want a pot or other shallow bowl. Thick walls would be nice, but not a must for me, either. Finally, I'd go for an estate Barling or Dunnie or Charatan or Comoy or Sasieni or Pete or Lowes or Tilshead or.....

 

[haparnold]

I'm the kind of guy who would go for two $250 pipes, but if you're looking for something special in that price range, I'd say an artisan commission is the way to go. You're in the price range where you can get a serious pipe.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I'd recommend Paul Hubbertt Larrysson Pipes, Jose Rubio, Martin Cermak or Ryan Alden. You can find Rubio and Cermak on Facebook. Larrysson Pipes Alden Pipes. I own at least 3 from each of these Carvers and would highly recommend each of them.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Look on Smokingpipes.com for a Ryan Alden

Yep, Ryan is good people!

If a carver likes the project or you, the price is amazing flexible

Very true.

+1 on no Danish. A good piece of Brit wood would be my choice.

I do like Danish Freehands and English pipes provide no white dots adorn them.

I'm the kind of guy who would go for two $250 pipes, but if you're looking for something special in that price range, I'd say an artisan commission is the way to go. You're in the price range where you can get a serious pipe.

+1?

 

[jpmcwjr]

Now the door is wide open! What will you do?

I forgot to add Savinelli as another fine maker with many classic shapes.

And plus on Ryan Alden. Ken Barnes is a very fine choice, too, a real Brit who makes real Brit style pipes in Britain.

 

[cshubhra]

I would vote for Savinelli Giubleo d’Oro . I only have one, but that is currently my best smoker

If you go the estate route you can get more pipes for the money.

All other suggestions are also great!!!

 

[SpookedPiper]

Any particular shapes you need for your collection or enjoy smoking? There's way too many options as noted above. See what speaks to you and then post your opinions with pictures!

Sounds like fun, enjoy!

 

[crawdad]

My search has concluded and as I enjoyed your replies, I came across a local (the next county over) artisan pipe maker and I truly like his style. It won’t be an estate Sasieni or a Tim West, but I’ll be supporting a local artist with sh*tloads of talent. I’ll show you the pipe and reveal his name AFTER I have the pipe in my grubby little hands. No one will snatch my Precious from me...

 

[SpookedPiper]

My search has concluded and as I enjoyed your replies, I came across a local (the next county over) artisan pipe maker and I truly like his style. It won’t be an estate Sasieni or a Tim West, but I’ll be supporting a local artist with sh*tloads of talent. I’ll show you the pipe and reveal his name AFTER I have the pipe in my grubby little hands. No one will snatch my Precious from me...

it hard to snatch an artisan custom pipe...but that's fine we'll wait until you're not looking!! muhhaaaaaaa!

congrats!

 

[Bengel]

My search has concluded and as I enjoyed your replies, I came across a local (the next county over) artisan pipe maker and I truly like his style. It won’t be an estate Sasieni or a Tim West, but I’ll be supporting a local artist with sh*tloads of talent. I’ll show you the pipe and reveal his name AFTER I have the pipe in my grubby little hands. No one will snatch my Precious from me...

Pictures? Of course when it arrives
I hate secrets!

 

[Chasing Embers]

If this is one of his pipes, then I know who it is.?

 

[crawdad]

If this is one of his pipes, then I know who it is.?

View attachment 5606

Nope!