How much would you pay for a pipe ?

[jpberg]

I'll echo some previous sentiments, and add that class warfare looks really ugly, not to mention downright silly in a pipe and tobacco forum.
Can't afford a 300, 700 or 1200 dollar pipe? Wouldn't buy one if you could? Okay. But, the last time I checked, I didn't hear anyone being called an idiot, or similar for smoking PA in a cob. Why? The guys smoking the expensive tobacco in the expensive pipes don't really care what anybody buys or smokes.
These uber defensive reactions call to mind a recent thread having to do with capitalized letters.

 

[bigvan]

jpberg,
Well said!

 

[flipflopsandshades]

Every single one of my pipes is under $100 and I wear that with a badge of honor. Most of my pipes are actually in the $60-$80 range and they are all great for me. Even if I were a multi-billionaire I wouldn't spend more than $300 on a pipe, and then I probably wouldn't smoke it which defeats the purpose.
*****One caveat: if I could find a birthyear Dunhill (1969) I might be tempted to shell out the money if I had it.

 

[briarbird]

It is an amazing pipe, and you can't deny that S. Bang had built a reputation for quality work and craftmanship. I guess I also can't blame the seller for listing it this high because of the reputation and beauty of the pipe. With that being said, wow, that's pretty freaking expensive.

 

[lordofthepiperings]

That horn shape doesn't really please my eye much. Definately not enough to warrant a $3,500 price tag. I don't care how well it smokes I just don't like the shape, though it does have nice grain on it. I probably wouldn't spend that much on a single pipe anyways. I could see putting that much money into a nice seven day set or limited edition collection, but not on one pipe. I'd probably max myself out at around $400 for an individual pipe.

 

[batdemon]

Martin, that's one fine looking bowl! Congratulations! ::

 

[rhogg]

Not sure I have thought about a limit to what I would spend; however, I have yet to see a pipe for more than $250 that I thought was actually worth it. I have simple tastes when it comes to pipes, and although I have gotten into the $200 range beyond that I just don't get it. 3 of my best smokers were all obtained for less than $50 which to me proves that price is meaningless in and of itself.
I have my eye on a $500 Dunhill that I can buy new at cost. For $250 I might buy it just to see what all the rage is about, but then I think about a Tinsky that to me looks like a better quality pipe that I can get for $180.
When I think about all the pipes I have it makes me want to quit buying pipes so I can continue buying guns.

 

[mluyckx]

It is always a personal preference. As long as you can answer both questions "Is the pipe worth the money and do I have the reserve to spend it" with an astounding "Yes", then it's worth it.
This applies to cars, music, books, electronics, pipes, whatever you purchase. For some a BMW or Mercedes is worth it, for some it's not.
Same goes for pipes. Personally.. I have not spend more than $200 on a pipe. Will I ever ? Perhaps. But not yet. I'm too much of a newbie to be able to determine whether they smoke all that much better. But if the right one comes around and I have the available cash that day, perhaps.

 

[rhogg]

This applies to cars, music, books, electronics, pipes, whatever you purchase. For some a BMW or Mercedes is worth it, for some it's not.

At least with cars a BMW is distinguishable from the qualities of a Ford Taurus. I have held $600 Dunhills in my hand (several), and they do not appear to have any finer qualities than many Petersons or Savienllis. In fact these Dunhills next to a Savinelli New Art appear to be inferior.
With cars you pay for a name to an extent. With a lot of handmade pipes out there you are paying for name only after a certain point. Maybe I am off base. I'm sure someone will say so; however, the smoking differences and often the workmanship of sub $250 pipes are easily as good or better than pipes costing $600 or more.
I also have a hard time believing the quality of the briar can be that much better. How would you prove it? Please keep in mind I am not claiming that Grabows are as good as every other pipe. Only that after somewhere around $200 the differences start becoming highly subjective. You are definitely not getting the increase in quality dollar for dollar that you get when you go from $40 to $250 once you go from $250 - $3500.
How much did the chunk of briar cost that was used to craft a $3500 pipe? The stem material? Just sayin....

 

[weezell]

Buy what ya like,smoke what ya like.Don't matter if its a MMcob,or a high end.To each his own...

 

[mluyckx]

Here's a follow-up question.
Who would spend $180 per pipe to get a collectible pipe set ? For instance the Great Explorers, Molly Malone or Mark Twain set from Peterson. Or perhaps a Night and Day set from Savinelli ? And if you got the set, would you just leave it for collecting or actually smoke it ?

 

[bailey331]

The most I have spent on a pipe was $100 and that was on ebay for a set of 11 estate pipes. Looking them over and doing some research I found two of them are worth a $100 apiece. At least I hope. They are due in the mail today. We will see. $3500 would find me without a wife and on the street. Not worth the trouble.

 

[spartan]

There's middle ground to be had here.
To some, a pipe is more than a smoking tool. It is art. And the sky is the limit with art. Whether they smoke it or not is none of your business. In a bidding war, those who have more will win.
I'm not a collector as of yet, but I can see myself in the future buying a pipe and not touching it because it is so wonderful to look at and I want to keep it in prestine condition forever.
But the current pipe in question, does not meet any visual standards of mine. But obviously it tickled someone elses fancy.
:: Smoke a bowl and forget about it.

 

[rafterman]

The reason for which people own pipes varies, as this forum very well demostrates. Personally speaking, a pipe, to me, is a vessel, which I need, to smoke tobacco and ingest nicotine. Plainly said, for this fella, its a tool.
Now, in keeping with the tool theme, anyone who's ever stepped foot into Home Depot knows that there are always 3 to 4 different price points for a given tool. These price points typically reflect the quality of a tool (but not always). When I buy a tool, I typically go middle of the road. I never get the cheapest, but I never get the most expensive. If I made my living from swingin' a hammer, I would probablly buy the best one available. Being as I don't, the value isn't there for me to purchase the most expensive tool.
I use the same philosiphy when buying a pipe. I want a decent peice of briar, at a decent price point. I don't do anything other than smoke em and run a pipe cleaner through them from time to time. I don't abuse em, but I don't baby them.
All this said, most of my pipes are Petersons and Stanwells of the Canadian type shape. Typically in the $80 to $100 range. Once a pipe's price starts running north of $150 I typical stop looking at is as an option to purchase.
I'd like to add also, some of my best smokes have come from a $6 corn cob too.

 

[tgwilt]

I have spent as much as $1500 on a pipe. Extravagant? You bet. Why? There was a special sale at Paul's Pipe Shop in Flint Michigan. Buy one at regular price, get a 2nd of equal or lesser value for 99 cents. So, I picked up two Dunhill models, both over $1400 or $1500.99.
Also, I'm a widower and the pipes (and dogs) help alleviate the loneliness. Smoking a pipe is a very spiritual experience for me. Overall, I've been very blessed in life.
Other pipes - $800 for a Tsuge and $770 for a Tyler Lane.
Most of my pipes fall into the $150 or so range.

 

[bigvan]

Mick, regarding your follow up question; would I spend $180 on a collectible set? It depends on if I really liked the shape(s).
The problem with standard shapes (even "limited editions") is that the shape comes first, and the grain of the wood is an afterthought. I much prefer freehand shapes by North American carvers; shapes that follow the grain, not the other way around.
Just my opinion.

 

[colorduke]

I am very happy smoking all my $20.00 grabows & $5.00 mm cobs.

 

[wbradk]

I like to get old classics on Ebay and have them refurbished. A few years ago I picked up a 1906 Peterson bulldog for about twenty bucks. After I had it cleaned up it was better than new--near new but with some character. Anybody who spends $3500 on a pipe is crazy.

 

[whitebriar]

I am very happy smoking all my $20.00 grabows & $5.00 mm cobs.
Agreed!!

 

[rhogg]

My best smoker is ungly, unfinished and has many fills. I do like cool looking pipes though, and have way too many. i do have to confess that if i added it all up, I have probably surpassed the 3500 mark a long time ago.