So, after my long break, my passion for the pipe has returned to full flame. With my birthday coming up in a few days, I decided that some fresh tobacco was in order. I skimmed around for a bit, seeing who had what in stock and decided, after a while, that P&C was my destination for this particular order. I piled my cart with a pound of ODF and some tins. A few old favorites and few off the "must try" list (reviews to come). Suddenly that little pipe smoking devil on my shoulder (PAD) began to whisper in my ear about how an order so fine deserved a fresh pipe to go along with it...
I figured, "what the hell, I haven't bought anything pipe related in over a year." So I went about scouring for a winner. I perused some of my usual brands, and some that I always dreamed about. The latter category still remained beyond my means, so I kept the search going. Eventually I stumbled onto Neptune pipes, which led to Icarus, which led to searching for reviews. Most of my initial search yeilded positive results. Stories of a group of guys trying to make high quality pipes at blue collar prices. Quotes about the artisan market getting out of control. My wallet liked the sound of it. And some of the pipes were aesthetically pleasing to me, so eventually I settled on an Icarus straight apple sandblast. A nice amber swirl stem, beautiful red brown stain (pics coming soon). It had the look of an artisan pipe, and was favorably prices at $170. I added it to the pile in my cart and headed for checkout. As I paid, I was feeling pretty good. I felt like a had found something fantastic for the money, especially after reading a few solid reviews.
And then I discovered this:
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/i-bring-you-the-two-sides/page/1
Now I am certainly not trying to drag out a six month old argument, debate, whatever. But this kinda made my warm and fuzzy start to shiver. After reading that whole thread I can't say for sure where I stand on the discussion that was at hand, but I do not care much for trash talking competitors one way or the other. I am, however, all for making good quality products at reasonable prices. I love so many pipes I can't afford. But this one stuck me as being just as aesthetically pleasing as some of the artisan pipes I have seen without making me cry at the checkout counter. I will do a full review of it once it arrives, of course.
My question, I suppose, is whether anyone has actually tried one of these pipes, and if so, what did you think about it? And for those that haven't tried one, would you if they are truly great pipes at great prices? Again, not trying to discuss business morality, or argue points about people or marketing. I am personally leaning towards the standpoint of I could care less if the guy talked trash, if he can back it up I will try it. I'm just wondering how many of you would put those opinions to the side if the product checks out.
I figured, "what the hell, I haven't bought anything pipe related in over a year." So I went about scouring for a winner. I perused some of my usual brands, and some that I always dreamed about. The latter category still remained beyond my means, so I kept the search going. Eventually I stumbled onto Neptune pipes, which led to Icarus, which led to searching for reviews. Most of my initial search yeilded positive results. Stories of a group of guys trying to make high quality pipes at blue collar prices. Quotes about the artisan market getting out of control. My wallet liked the sound of it. And some of the pipes were aesthetically pleasing to me, so eventually I settled on an Icarus straight apple sandblast. A nice amber swirl stem, beautiful red brown stain (pics coming soon). It had the look of an artisan pipe, and was favorably prices at $170. I added it to the pile in my cart and headed for checkout. As I paid, I was feeling pretty good. I felt like a had found something fantastic for the money, especially after reading a few solid reviews.
And then I discovered this:
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/i-bring-you-the-two-sides/page/1
Now I am certainly not trying to drag out a six month old argument, debate, whatever. But this kinda made my warm and fuzzy start to shiver. After reading that whole thread I can't say for sure where I stand on the discussion that was at hand, but I do not care much for trash talking competitors one way or the other. I am, however, all for making good quality products at reasonable prices. I love so many pipes I can't afford. But this one stuck me as being just as aesthetically pleasing as some of the artisan pipes I have seen without making me cry at the checkout counter. I will do a full review of it once it arrives, of course.
My question, I suppose, is whether anyone has actually tried one of these pipes, and if so, what did you think about it? And for those that haven't tried one, would you if they are truly great pipes at great prices? Again, not trying to discuss business morality, or argue points about people or marketing. I am personally leaning towards the standpoint of I could care less if the guy talked trash, if he can back it up I will try it. I'm just wondering how many of you would put those opinions to the side if the product checks out.