Just Wondering about Gorgeous Pipes

[OzPiper]

I only buy pipes that I like the look of. So they are ALL beautiful, to me
Some were cheap, some expensive
All bought with the intention of smoking them
I have a few that have not yet been smoked - just waiting in line, or the right occasion

 

[hyperstar]

No.
My wife is beautiful, and I kiss her everyday.

 

[tklee]

I have one pipe. It's a precious gift from a friend, @OzPiper . It's 100 years old. Not hearted to smoke it, coz it's too precious. The oldest pipe that I ever had.

 

[telescopes]

I have some unsmoked Marxman pipes destined to be smoked when I am much more older.

 

[Beowoulf]

I've got this one. It's remained usmoked partially due to its small chamber size but mainly because it came with its original box and sock signed by Preben and it is featured on his Pipedia.

I bought this one just to look at.

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Gorgeous pipes!

 

[Beowoulf]

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]

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]

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.

 

[kcghost]

No, all my lovely pipes have been smoked a bunch of times. After all, that is what they are for.

 

[anotherbob]

sorta. I can't really enjoy smoking a pipe if the price tag is above a certain point. Kind of the same way I don't want to hold your baby, look if I drop my cat he's fine....

 

[cigrmaster]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[PipeIT]

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!

 

[shanez]

I have 2 pipes I have purposely not smoked. Any other pipe I have that I have not smoked is because I haven't gotten to it yet.

 

[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.

 

[Chasing Embers]

These definitely got smoked as they have nice, deep chambers.

 

[username]

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.

 

[brian64]

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.