How Important Is Knowing Shapes?

[mso489]

Ever since buying a pipe, I have been learning the names of different shapes. I'm still learning.

I recently feel like I have sorted out the distinction between pokers and cherrywoods. I'm still

trying to understand the wide variety of shapes that seem to constitute the Dublin shape. Some

shapes are clearly hybrid between two or more shapes. I notice some web sites, like Cup O Joes,

don't even try to delineate what shape a pipe is, whereas smokingpipe.com always does, though

once in a while I would argue with their determination. Being able to identify shapes seems

important to me, just by way of identifying what one has. Do you pretty much identify your pipes

by shape, or do you not bother beyond a few basics -- a bulldog from a billiard? I love pipe shape

charts, and I like it that one of my freehand pipes can also be defined as a tomahawk. How are

you on shapes? ... oh, Calabash, that's another one that has variations, subtle and not so subtle.

 

[ciderguy]

I think it is a fun part of the hobby. I have the most difficulty determining the difference between a bent billiard, bent brandy, and a bent apple. I think I've finally figured it out, but they all seem close to me. This is a good resource: http://www.glpease.com/Pipes/Shapes/index.php.

 

[4dotsasieni]

+1 rothnh!

 

[kcvet67]

Like many things about pipe smoking, it's as important as you want it to be. Many smokers can't tell you the shape of any of their pipes, others can go on for an hour on the differences between a Bulldog and a Rhodesian. It helps to know at least the basic shapes when you're discussing pipes and don't have the pipe in hand.

 

[docrx]

The Pipe Guys(sponsor) have a nice poster for sale on their website with most of the shapes available. You may want to just have a look or purchase one and frame it for use as I have. It's a nice thing for the man cave.

 

[foggymountain]

The only thing that matters about shapes is knowing the shape you like.

 

[petergunn]

^ +1 I like to know what the shape # is from various manufactuerers for my favorite shapes other than that I'm not memerising a shape chart, that's too much like school

 

[bigvan]

I agree, if you like it then it doesn't matter what the shape is called.
However, if you're trying to describe it to a friend, or if you're commissioning a piece from an artisan carver, or you're giving your wife ideas on what she should look for when she's shopping for your Christmas present, it helps to have a common vocabulary.

 

[protestantpiper]

I really don't worry about it past the basics, and never tried deliberately to learn them. You will pick it up as time goes on. I did have an interesting interaction last time I bought a pipe with the guy behind the counter when I asked to see the bent apple...we finally just worked out a "2nd row, 3rd down" type of language.

 

[mustanggt]

If the shape appeals to me then I look further. What the bowl size is and whether I smoke flake or ribbon in it or if I need another of a certain pipe to smoke a certain tobacco in it.

 

[ssjones]

I'm with Foggy, know your tastes. I'm a classic shapes/numbers guy, but some pipes just don't fall into any chart. I get a kick out them as well.

 

[pruss]

we finally just worked out a "2nd row, 3rd down" type of language.

I have, on occasion, resorted to "hotter... colder..." to help the less shape aware sales associate pull out the pipe I wanted to examine from a display case.
Learning the nuance of the naming of shapes is an interesting part of the hobby for me. Getting them "right" is sometimes challenged by different carvers/factories willingness to flex the definition of standard shapes. I've seen makers who use "Poker" to describe pipes with straight sides and volcanoes. Fun times.
Happy Monday gang.
-- Pat

 

[zekest]

It all depends on your interest level.
I would presume that since this forum represents the 1% of pipe smokers that are interested in pipes and pipe tobacco at a level beyond the "I smoked SWR for 30 years 'cause I never gave two squirts of piss what was in the pipe of a shape I could not give a rats ass about" level.
If you are here on this forum reading and posting about different tobaccos and different pipes, you have to care about one or the other, or both, to some degree. Heck, the people who respond to a post with a comment of "they don't care about it" are not being truthful, else, they would not take the time to even respond.
If you are interested in something, you cannot help but learn about it along the way.
~Thoughts by Zeke

 

[pipestud]

If I don't recognize a particular shape I just make one up. I can tell the difference between a blowfish and a billiard. But the difference between a Zandoogle and a Panwiggle... not so much.
Best,
Pipestud

 

[cigrmaster]

I care about the shape of my pipes quite a bit. When I buy a Billiard, I want it to have the classic lines and the proper shaping. I see too many newer carvers who just don't get the shaping down very well. I think it is important to have the proper shaping this way the buyer will know he is getting a pipe that should smoke well. If the bowl of a Billiard is not shaped properly it could provide a less than stellar smoke. I am a traditionalist when it comes to buying pipes. I love the classics like the Dublin, Billiard, Apple, Lovat and Rhodesian. When I buy these pipes I want them to look like they are supposed to. If my eye sees a misshapen pipe, I don't buy it. Now when an artisan takes a classic and makes it his own I view the pipe with an eye for if he paid homage to the classic shape and if the shape of said pipe works with what he is trying to do. Of course it all comes down to personal preferences and people should always buy what they enjoy looking at.
The shape of the pipe is also very important to me because of the types of tobacco I smoke. I smoke flakes exclusively and have found through experience that certain shape and sized pipes smoke my flakes better than others. I am also very particular in the dimensions of my pipes because again, it affects the way my tobacco smokes. My goal is to get the best smoking experience possible every time I light up. By being particular in the shapes of pipes I buy, I can guarantee myself a better chance of getting that great smoke every time.

 

[flmason]

I have seen many companies that have a website incorporate a shape chart as a link or tab on their website. I like that since if you are buying the item over the phone or via email you are not able to see the actual item you want to buy.
By looking at a shape chart you can better describe what your interests are so tthe sales representative can help you. Another thing to keep in mind is that the website you are viewing may not include all the inventory available for purchase so making a phone call is always helpful.