There’s a particular figural piece I’ve been eyeing from Yanik and while there is no doubt his craftsmanship is unrivaled, how do his figural pipes actually smoke?
How Do Yanik Figural Pipes Smoke?
- Thread starter fishmansf
- Start date
I am not sure about his figural pipes. I have a S.Yanik straight pot that has good drilling and smokes fine. The stem is more like an orifice bit that is fairly large and round, so I can only guess that his carving is most important and stems are not his first priority.
Yanik is a noted, reputable carver. I don't see how the pipe being figural would affect the smoking qualities. Those large figural carved are generally quite thick. If anything, they should smoke cooler. I almost exclusively clinch, the size and weight are my issues.
They smoke fine but his internal drilling is hit or miss. You may have to take it apart each time to clean it.
That pretty much covers it. If the one you're interested in doesn't have a pic inside the chamber, you might message him on ebay and request it.
I've also read his drilling is hit or miss. I have two of his pipes and both smoke quite well.
I generally disassemble pipes to clean them anyway, so maybe I'm just not noticing something
I generally disassemble pipes to clean them anyway, so maybe I'm just not noticing something
The primary reason I disassemble a pipe to clean it is I use different pipe Cleaners for each part.
Like most any meerschaum brand or carver, you cannot predict the outcome. So, a bit of a gamble, I’d say.
I don't have a lot of experience with meerschaum but what I've gathered from my limited experience, drilling is everything. It can make or break the pipe. IMO, It's best if you can inspect it before purchasing or at least have a generous return policy. Be sure the draw is open and you can get a cleaner all the way down assembled. Some may not care if a cleaner can go all the way but to me, it is very important. I've always thought most meerschaum carvers are wonderful and creative artists,not very good pipe makers though.YMMV
Unfortunately, you're not likely to get much of a return policy with a custom commissioned item.
If it were me,and I was dead set on buying a no return commission, I'd buy a straight piece.
That's what I did with my commission and it smokes great
He's an amazing carver, but multiple people have noted that his drilling can be hit or miss. I can't speak to that as the one Yanik I have is a straight apple and it is drilled fine.