As one relatively new to the pipe world (roughly 8 years), of course I know about Dunhill, Ser Jacopo, Tsuge, etc. These are greatly desired by pipe enthusiasts of all backgrounds, simply because they manifest obvious utilitarian and aesthetic virtues (not to neglect that they have an established reputation and recognition). I can't say that I own one of these desired prizes yet, but I have essentially stumbled upon what may be better.
I don't remember how I came across the name or site; whether it was through mindless internet searching, a recommendation of another, or hitting a link, I simply have forgotten. However, now that I have come across this pipe maker, I am interested to know if there are others. Invicta Briars of England supplied me with my first true high grade pipe. Peter Ellam turned out some excellent Italian Plateau Briar pipes that made me say, "That's my next purchase." More was required than I had ever paid for a pipe, but Mr. Ellam was most helpful in working out a plan. Upon receiving it, I was impressed by the obvious expertise of Peter's ability and execution. Moreover, I finally discovered what I take to be the difference between the other pipes I have and a true high grade briar.
Don't get me wrong, I'll be smoking my others regularly and with pleasure. Moreover, I will continue to purchase more of the $60-$100 range of pipes. However, the difference between a bottle of wine truly meriting a price tag of $100 plus, and the stuff I drink is not open to discussion in the arena of virtue debates (apart from price). I will buy more and enjoy more $15 and cheaper bottles (or $15 12 packs, in moderation of course), but I know the merits of the genuine article when I see, drink, or smoke it. This pipe may not come with the instant recognition of a name (yet anyhow), but it does come with the clear merits of fine craftsmanship. I'll drive a Rolls-Royce, even if it is missing the insignia.
Obviously I think I have hit upon something others should know about, and of course I would encourage people to venture their way to Invicta Briars (I hesitate to recommend him to others, because I have my long term vision upon a few of the other Italian handmades he has). Perhaps most of you knew about Invicta Briars; I simply didn't, and I hadn't seen any discussion regarding them. This to me is the point of the post. Are there similar craftsmen out there masterfully manufacturing the highest quality briar at affordable costs?
Having never met or spoken with Peter, he characterizes every positive caricature (apart from age and beard perhaps) of a pipe smoker. He has been kind, thoughtful, and, most obviously, enthusiastic about pipes. What other gems are out there about which most of us are ignorant? This is not meant to cast off the appreciation of the well-established, high grade pipes. It's simply a serious question to find out what I didn't know existed until I purchased, smoked, and thoroughly enjoyed one of Invicta Briars' high end pipes.
Are there others out there?
I don't remember how I came across the name or site; whether it was through mindless internet searching, a recommendation of another, or hitting a link, I simply have forgotten. However, now that I have come across this pipe maker, I am interested to know if there are others. Invicta Briars of England supplied me with my first true high grade pipe. Peter Ellam turned out some excellent Italian Plateau Briar pipes that made me say, "That's my next purchase." More was required than I had ever paid for a pipe, but Mr. Ellam was most helpful in working out a plan. Upon receiving it, I was impressed by the obvious expertise of Peter's ability and execution. Moreover, I finally discovered what I take to be the difference between the other pipes I have and a true high grade briar.
Don't get me wrong, I'll be smoking my others regularly and with pleasure. Moreover, I will continue to purchase more of the $60-$100 range of pipes. However, the difference between a bottle of wine truly meriting a price tag of $100 plus, and the stuff I drink is not open to discussion in the arena of virtue debates (apart from price). I will buy more and enjoy more $15 and cheaper bottles (or $15 12 packs, in moderation of course), but I know the merits of the genuine article when I see, drink, or smoke it. This pipe may not come with the instant recognition of a name (yet anyhow), but it does come with the clear merits of fine craftsmanship. I'll drive a Rolls-Royce, even if it is missing the insignia.
Obviously I think I have hit upon something others should know about, and of course I would encourage people to venture their way to Invicta Briars (I hesitate to recommend him to others, because I have my long term vision upon a few of the other Italian handmades he has). Perhaps most of you knew about Invicta Briars; I simply didn't, and I hadn't seen any discussion regarding them. This to me is the point of the post. Are there similar craftsmen out there masterfully manufacturing the highest quality briar at affordable costs?
Having never met or spoken with Peter, he characterizes every positive caricature (apart from age and beard perhaps) of a pipe smoker. He has been kind, thoughtful, and, most obviously, enthusiastic about pipes. What other gems are out there about which most of us are ignorant? This is not meant to cast off the appreciation of the well-established, high grade pipes. It's simply a serious question to find out what I didn't know existed until I purchased, smoked, and thoroughly enjoyed one of Invicta Briars' high end pipes.
Are there others out there?
