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Beowoulf

Can't Leave
Oct 16, 2022
446
7,341
Sort of, but not exactly. I have not yet smoked this Yanik meer but not because I'm reluctant to, just not in any hurry. It's the first pipe I've ever purchased solely for its artistic quality. I've admired his carvings and finally decided to purchase one when I saw this...but I did so knowing I would not smoke it often as I prefer lighter, more easily clenchable pipes for daily smoking. It's the first pipe I haven't smoked soon after acquiring.

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NICE pipe!
 

FLDRD

Lifer
Oct 13, 2021
2,353
9,610
Arkansas
I have some new ones that I intended to smoke but haven't as of yet.

I'm finding that I'm still improving skills associated with the craft that both enhances the leaf AND preserves the beauty and integrity of my pipe rims.

So the pleasure will come when I can utilize them, AND still maintain most of the beauty associated therein.

Right now I'm still practicing on a couple dozen or so estates that will not complain if they get slightly mis-handled. And I'm usually busy doing another activity. That means outdoors, in the breezes, having to momentarily clench or set it down to use both hands, etc.

Most of those waiting for my attention will get their day when I'm wishing to provide myself with a new gift, and I can sit still in an environment that will allow me to focus more closely on them then what other things might normally be taking my attention.

I do like a fresh new pipe though, it hasn't been lost on me. Some I simply see as more utilitarian than others so they hit the rotation first.
 

Chalaw87

Can't Leave
Apr 21, 2021
480
1,811
Northeast TN
Ive got a few pipes that Im saving, but I plan to smoke them all.

I think 'used but well maintained' is admirable.

Some of the best smoking pipes I own fall into the 'used but well maintained' category; including a used Peterson Mark Twain that was burned out, then repaired, and still smokes better than most of my other pipes.
 

cigrmaster

Lifer
May 26, 2012
20,248
57,309
67
Sarasota Florida
As soon as I get a new pipe in I open the box, clean the stem and light it up. I might have a pipe going at the same time but that gets ignored.

I am like a kid at Christmas, I have to smoke my new pipe right away. I have never bought a pipe that I have not done this with. I can't imagine buying a pipe and not smoking it as soon as I get it in my grubby paws.
 

Beowoulf

Can't Leave
Oct 16, 2022
446
7,341
No, all my lovely pipes have been smoked a bunch of times. After all, that is what they are for.
It's not like I bought this pipe with the intention of not smoking it. I saw it on the internet and said, "I just have to have that!" But once I got this beauty in my hands, I said, "Geez... I can't smoke this!" I've had it for years and I just take it out every so often to look at it, and I get the same reaction, "Geez...."
It's not like I don't WANT to smoke the pipe, I do! The dang thing torments me!
 

dunnyboy

Lifer
Jul 6, 2018
2,594
32,423
New York
I expressed the same hesitation a couple of years ago when posting about my first Castello great line. @npod, one of the esteemed collectors of Castellos on this forum, urged me to go ahead and smoke it. I did and have had no regrets. The pipe, though not a virgin anymore, is still beautiful. If anything, smoking the pipe has made it more beautiful.
 

Merton

Lifer
Jul 8, 2020
1,043
2,825
Boston, Massachusetts
Sort of, but not exactly. I have not yet smoked this Yanik meer but not because I'm reluctant to, just not in any hurry. It's the first pipe I've ever purchased solely for its artistic quality. I've admired his carvings and finally decided to purchase one when I saw this...but I did so knowing I would not smoke it often as I prefer lighter, more easily clenchable pipes for daily smoking. It's the first pipe I haven't smoked soon after acquiring.

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that is a stunning piece of work. Congratulations
 
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PipeIT

Lifer
Nov 14, 2020
5,238
30,888
Hawaii
Unless there is some extreme historical, sentimental, or other personal values regarding a pipe, and it’s only costing a few hundred dollars, not sure it’s really worth just staring at it collecting dust.

Be specific man, you’re asking a personal question, so how much did you pay exactly? No need to be embarrassed or ashamed. LOL 😆

I’m a smoker not a collector, so for me, I don’t care how historically significant a pipe would be, I’d still smoke it, but I’d treat it like Royalty and 20 years later, it would still look like new.

So, take very special care of it and just smoke it and enjoy it! ;)
 

boston

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 27, 2018
561
1,284
Boston
Yes I have more than a few. Sorta just happened at the height of my collecting I started to buy and commission (what I considered) very unique pipes. Will Purdy:s first turtle grade (cornucopia) Talbert's first experiment with a certain type of blast (Cote sauvage), several pipes from negoita and Heeschen, and a special ser jacopo....that's some of them. They are all art and sculpture to me. And I may smoke them because I knew the carvers personally, liked them, and maybe there will be special occasions where I feel inclined. They were not inexpensive and the resale value is "who knows". I'm certain I'd get my money back and then some...but this is not a $$ making hobby for me.
 

username

Lifer
Dec 24, 2014
2,292
15,974
Tucson Az
To me a pipe is like a tool and should be used. They sure can be some very pretty tools Thu. But I don’t see myself owning a pipe just to look at it.
 
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brian64

Lifer
Jan 31, 2011
10,061
16,139
that is a stunning piece of work. Congratulations
Thanks. This thread inspired me to finally inaugarate it...smoking it right now with some OJK.

I'm happy to report it's got a very open draw. It really doesn't weigh a lot, but it is more of a sitter than a clencher...but the shape and carving are such that you want to hold it anyway...it's a very pleasing tactile experience. Yanik dubbed it a Celtic Knot. He's a true artist.