I’m done with post-2009 Stanwell

[MontyTX]

I own one made in Denmark Stanwell, and it smokes like a dream. Since then I’ve bought several other Stanwells, and while they look nice, none have smoked nearly as good as my made in Denmark one.

Well, this year I decided to take advantage of a sale on a 2025 Stanwell POY, and the pipe(s) have been a disaster.

The first pipe I was sent wasn’t even close to symmetrical. The shank and stem were so out of alignment with the bowl, it looked like Picasso got ahold of it. Also, the finish was all over the silver band, and the inside bowl had multiple gashes in it. I was sent a replacement, which was a surprisingly smooth process, but the 2nd pipe is awful as well.

When I received it I thought it just had a bad finish at the top of the shank, and since it was the replacement and a sub-$100 pipe I decided to not fuss about it. Well, what I thought was a blemish turned out to be a hole, which I discovered while smoking



It’s a shame. I haven’t been impressed with the few Savinellis, Petersons (save 1), or post 2009 Stanwell’s I’ve tried.

Looks like I’ll be purchasing pre-2009 Stanwells, Neerups, and exploring hand made artisans in the future. For me, sub-$100 pipes are probably just cobs now. I’m also curious about looking into Meerschaum, I keep seeing them pop up in the “what are you smoking” thread.

 

[tartanphantom]

Wow. That’s absolutely terrible QC.

 

[Servant King]

Agreed. But this is no surprise; quality control has been slipping in all areas of commerce for some time now. No reason to think pipes are somehow exempted from this trend.

Hopefully you get the kind of customer service from the vendor that makes up for it, at least a little bit.

 

[Wapask]

Did Laudisi buy Stanwell too?

 

[Sobrbiker]

Did Laudisi buy Stanwell too?

Nope, STG

I really like Stanwell pipes, but don’t consider a Stanwell to be a Stanwell if it’s stamped ITALY

 

[Wapask]

Nope, STG

I really like Stanwell pipes, but don’t consider a Stanwell to be a Stanwell if it’s stamped ITALY

I was being facetious.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I was being facetious.

I know, but the reality is actually more absurd in this case

 

[burleybreath]

Sub-$100 briar pipes in 2025 are a crap shoot. Might as well get a Bones and be happy.

 

[Sea Lord]

Yeah, I can't say my experience with Made in Italy Stanwell pipes have been very positive, either.

 

[didimauw]

I own one made in Denmark Stanwell, and it smokes like a dream. Since then I’ve bought several other Stanwells, and while they look nice, none have smoked nearly as good as my made in Denmark one.

Well, this year I decided to take advantage of a sale on a 2025 Stanwell POY, and the pipe(s) have been a disaster.

The first pipe I was sent wasn’t even close to symmetrical. The shank and stem were so out of alignment with the bowl, it looked like Picasso got ahold of it. Also, the finish was all over the silver band, and the inside bowl had multiple gashes in it. I was sent a replacement, which was a surprisingly smooth process, but the 2nd pipe is awful as well.

When I received it I thought it just had a bad finish at the top of the shank, and since it was the replacement and a sub-$100 pipe I decided to not fuss about it. Well, what I thought was a blemish turned out to be a hole, which I discovered while smoking

View attachment 441719View attachment 441720View attachment 441721

It’s a shame. I haven’t been impressed with the few Savinellis, Petersons (save 1), or post 2009 Stanwell’s I’ve tried.

Looks like I’ll be purchasing pre-2009 Stanwells, Neerups, and exploring hand made artisans in the future. For me, sub-$100 pipes are probably just cobs now. I’m also curious about looking into Meerschaum, I keep seeing them pop up in the “what are you smoking” thread.

The only sub 100 dollar pipes I find worth anything are Ropp.

And you should definetly try a meerschaum.

 

[Dixie Piper]

I own one made in Denmark Stanwell, and it smokes like a dream. Since then I’ve bought several other Stanwells, and while they look nice, none have smoked nearly as good as my made in Denmark one.

Well, this year I decided to take advantage of a sale on a 2025 Stanwell POY, and the pipe(s) have been a disaster.

The first pipe I was sent wasn’t even close to symmetrical. The shank and stem were so out of alignment with the bowl, it looked like Picasso got ahold of it. Also, the finish was all over the silver band, and the inside bowl had multiple gashes in it. I was sent a replacement, which was a surprisingly smooth process, but the 2nd pipe is awful as well.

When I received it I thought it just had a bad finish at the top of the shank, and since it was the replacement and a sub-$100 pipe I decided to not fuss about it. Well, what I thought was a blemish turned out to be a hole, which I discovered while smoking

View attachment 441719View attachment 441720View attachment 441721

It’s a shame. I haven’t been impressed with the few Savinellis, Petersons (save 1), or post 2009 Stanwell’s I’ve tried.

Looks like I’ll be purchasing pre-2009 Stanwells, Neerups, and exploring hand made artisans in the future. For me, sub-$100 pipes are probably just cobs now. I’m also curious about looking into Meerschaum, I keep seeing them pop up in the “what are you smoking” thread.

It's the new Stanwell "Magic Inch" from STG!

 

[anotherbob]

I'd think the pipe of the year was supposed to be a point of pride type of product. Like one that shows that extra level of care.
I wish I had a picture of that first pipe.

 

[MontyTX]

I'd think the pipe of the year was supposed to be a point of pride type of product. Like one that shows that extra level of care.
I wish I had a picture of that first pipe.

I tried looking in my photo album for the pics, but I must’ve deleted them… it was awful, even a blind man would’ve known the pipe was bad. I was hoping that a POY would get extra QC, instead it got none at all.

 

[anotherbob]

I tried looking in my photo album for the pics, but I must’ve deleted them… it was awful, even a blind man would’ve known the pipe was bad. I was hoping that a POY would get extra QC, instead it got none at all.

That just seems to be spitting in the face of what POY should be or even professional pipe making in general. And clearly it's a design that should show symmetry and only works aesthetically if it's done right.