How to buy a new Kirsten?

[bigpond]

Have been trying to buy a pipe through Kirsten's website for the last few days but my inquiries remain unanswered. The timezone I'm in right now makes calling really difficult. Anyone have a lead on where/how to score a new Kirsten?

 

[lifeon2]

Its really common to find new kirstens on ebay. here you go.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Tobacciana/593/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=kirsten

 

[bigpond]

Thanks. The new pipes there are currently 285% of retail. I suppose that may be a sign.

 

[woodsroad]

Kirsten's only recently resumed production, so expect those eBay prices to drop...a lot. They had a great selection at the Chicago show, and I regret not buying one at the time.

 

[mikestanley]

Sounds like Kirsten is to pipes what Esoterica is to tobacco.
Mike S.

 

[samrvior]

http://www.kirstenpipe.com/

 

[kanse]

http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pipes/110574/kirsten-pipes/

 

[pagan]

Sorry, not a fan

 

[woodsroad]

Fan!

 

[gsmunoz]

+1 on woodsroad comment, they are fantastic pipes.
Call them directly at 206-264-2966.

 

[ashdigger]

I have 8 Kirstens. ... they look funky, but they are true burners. Just fantastic. I also have 6 extra bowls including two meerschaums.

 

[dottiewarden]

Sorry, not a fan

I just took a look at the pipe selection posted on his site.
I'm with pagan.

 

[zekest]

Does Kirsten also make glass pipes?

 

[rfernand]

I was at their store last week (Downtown Seattle). They had them and a few bowls too. I think I saw Meerschaum bowls as well for, maybe $199. I'd say call 'em...
I've never had one. But for what it's worth, the guys at the store are nice.

 

[shutterbugg]

For those who have smoked both Kirstens and Falcons, in what way are the Kirstens worth 3x more?

 

[tuold]

For those who have smoked both Kirstens and Falcons, in what way are the Kirstens worth 3x more?

I have three Falcons and two Kirstens. I do prefer the Kirstens in the way they feel to smoke. It's really hard to quantify but it seems to be a more substantial pipe. Purely a personal preference, but it's sort of like the difference between driving a Volkswagen Beetle and a Mercedes Benz. Is it worth the price? Maybe.... for some.

 

[ashdigger]

Shutterbug, I also own about 8 Falcons, I reach for my Kirstens first. But they both are entrenched in my rotation.

 

[gsmunoz]

A question for @ashdigger and @tuold:
Any feedback on the Falcons? I keep looking at them and the price is so tempting. Obviously you like the Kirstens better, but what are your thoughts on the quality of the Falcons and how they smoke?
Thanks!

 

[shutterbugg]

Falcons are light, easy clenchers. A short piece of pipecleaner formed into an open ring serves as a moisture absorbent medium in the reservoir. They stay dry throughout the entire smoke, and are a 5-second cleanup afterward, involcing unscrewing the bowl and wiping with a folded pipecleaner, changing out the pipecleaner ring.
Kirstens are bulkier and heavier. They have a spit valve like a brass instrument. Apparently they can be emptied mid-smoke without unscrewing the bowl, but I've never needed to empty a Falcon mid-smoke.
I still don't get what about their design and construction justifies 3x the cost of a Falcon. Neither brand is going to win any beauty contests.

 

[ashdigger]

Gsmunoz, Falcons smoke just fine. If I only had one, based on cost....Falcon wins. But I like size and bulk of the Kirsten.
I'll post a pic of my Falcon with a chimney bowl. It looks goofy but smokes fantastic.