Is Classic Petersen a System pipe?

[Sweet Home Alabama]

There are number of things involved in Peterson System. P-lip and water trap are just two of them. Other two are narrowing of draught in the stem from tenon to the button, and extension of tenon below the draught in the shank. All these work together to remove moisture from the pipe and collect them in the trap. It works fine and some notice drier smoke. But is it necessarily better? That's up to the individual smoker.

If one wanted a true historical system, what would it be?

 

[Searock Fan]

I don't want to start a riot, but.... I personally don't care for the p-lip or the well. The p-lip just feels strange and the well (in my opinion) is a marketing gimmick. The Savinelli balsa system works better at getting rid of excess moisture. If you need the "well" then your tobacco it way too wet.

 

[J-Evverrett]

Ok, when I said classic, I didn’t mean in the historical sense. More in the sense that if you see one in profile, it’s unmistakable what it is. Unless it’s the savinelli version lol.

Some folks swear by them, Shane Ireland is a fan for one. He made a great video about smoking and cleaning them for smokingpipes.com. You should check it out, if you’re a more visual learner.

 

[Hovannes]

Years ago I tried a Peterson System on a whim and found that I liked it. I'm afraid the only way to find out if it's for you is to give one a try!
My pipes that see the most action these days are brace of Peterson Standard 303s with P-lips, one smooth, the other rusticated, so I'm kind of prejudiced.

 

[KaunThePiper]

I have a Savinelli 606, Boswell Poker, Boswell nose warmer, a cobb and a briar carving I'm working on. I will never have a ton of pipes. I want to expand the small collection with a sampling of different pipe styles and manufacturers. I was wanting to add a larger classic Petersen. I was thinking "Sherlock" or a Dublin, then I saw Petersen System. If I wanted to try out a Petersen to see what the rave is, would it be a system pipe or no?

Petersons are great pipes, but I recommend buying a pre-republic Peterson or estate pipe. A simple eBay search will leader you to some good examples. The system "standard" is a good place to start, like a 314. The big thing to understand is that there is small moisture chamber in the systems under the draft hole leading into the shank. This creates a smoother less biting smoke. This feature is a subjective one, and is not entirely important to all Peterson smokers. The reason I recommend estates; Newer production Peterson pipes seem to have break in issues. I've had a few crystalize and char on the inside above the draft hole, and definitely not have that issue with other newer briars. Best of luck!

 

[mortonbriar]

P-lip is amazing for clenching, or horrible. Depends on your jaw/bite/teeth etc. I like them.

 

[Python 357]

The P Lip Pete is my favorite. The Fishtail will always give me tongue bite,not so the P Lip

 

[clynch]

About half of my smokes are with System pipes. I love them, but care and feeding is a little different with these critters. I'm happy to offer pointers if you settle on one instead of a regular Peterson.

Most appreciated. I'm liking the 305 and 315 in black ebony. When the local store gets them in , next week, I'll be able to put one in hand. Being able to touch is a biggie and I'll pay the higher price to support the local guy. Might switch to a different model because hand feel is very important. I am now SET on getting a system pipe in my small arsenal. If I love it I'll grow from there. If not, still a learning point and part of the hobby. Love this forum and will support its sponsors also.

 

[Peter Peachfuzz]

Most appreciated. I'm liking the 305 and 315 in black ebony. When the local store gets them in , next week, I'll be able to put one in hand. Being able to touch is a biggie and I'll pay the higher price to support the local guy. Might switch to a different model because hand feel is very important. I am now SET on getting a system pipe in my small arsenal. If I love it I'll grow from there. If not, still a learning point and part of the hobby. Love this forum and will support its sponsors also.

Please report back..

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

I don't see the plip as a marketing gimmick if there is a purpose to support the two chambered bowl and that is what Peterson states. Since I do not have one, I can't comment if I would like one or not, but like the OP, historically they are of interest.

 

[indoeuro]

Most appreciated. I'm liking the 305 and 315 in black ebony. When the local store gets them in , next week, I'll be able to put one in hand. Being able to touch is a biggie and I'll pay the higher price to support the local guy. Might switch to a different model because hand feel is very important. I am now SET on getting a system pipe in my small arsenal. If I love it I'll grow from there. If not, still a learning point and part of the hobby. Love this forum and will support its sponsors also.

That calabash shape is my favorite in the System lines. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!