There are no shortage of threads on how Grabows are good smokers. I've revamped my pipe collection and decided to add a Royalton to the mix. Open the box, disappointed. Wrong pipe. I ordered a bulldog. Go to pipesandcogars.com...turns out when you order a Grabow they just grab whatever is on the shelf or something - you could get any bowl shape. But they guarantee the stem bend. What the hell? Ok, so I open it up. Draw from it, no air flow. Remove the filter. No air flow - the stem is clogged. Like, really clogged. I took a drill bit and drilled by hand to break through whatver the heck that was. What was was it? So I'm pretty peeved, but at the same time, I'm a romantic with my pipes. What if I overlook the unappealing shape, and bend, and we worked through the tough clogs in our relationship and end up being a match made in heaven? So I decided to load up some Erinmore. Well ladies and gents, this Royalton is royalty in my book. Smoked like a champ. Comfortable. No overheating and smooth as all damn. Just finished it right down to ash. Delicious. Unexpectedly happy tonight. Cheers!
Love and Hate My Grabow Royalton
- Thread starter dcicero
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I like my pipes just the way they come. Slight imperfections, I call them characters. Mostly I go for grains and bird eyes. As long as stummel looks great, I'll give ton of slack on the stems.
All my Grabows, I need to do stem work before smoking. The draft hole in the bits are usually sharp, and hurt my tongue. A little sanding and it's good to go.
Same with my cobs.
Same with my cobs.
I dont understand the pipe shapes thing either... it's stupid.
Yes odd that you can't order a specific Dr Grabow Royalton on their website. I almost ordered one there as I wanted a bulldog and they had one pictured but then I kept reading and looking at the details and it says "Bowl shape may vary" really bowl shape may vary? So after going back and forth I finally figured okay they are just selling and shipping them out based on rough or smooth and bent or straight. So luckily I didn't order, found another seller that had a blister packed smooth bent royalton bulldog. Here's hoping it's what I get.
But congrats to you for overcoming your initial disappointment and troubles and making it a win for you. A good positive attitude and a nice tale to share.
But congrats to you for overcoming your initial disappointment and troubles and making it a win for you. A good positive attitude and a nice tale to share.
Oh yes and I've bought a regular Grabow once online, and it looked nothing like the picture lol.
I've had good luck buying a new one from tobaccopipes.com. The rest of mine are used, I like those better anyway.
I have a Royalton smooth bulldog which I enjoyed so much, I ordered another. Can't seem to find them right now but they do pop up on occasion. Never a problem with clogs, but my last Peterson wasn't drilled all the way through. It happens. On a side note, I'm looking to get a Grand Duke for a tin of SWRA l just ordered. Just seems fitting, keepin it old school.
A Royalton is on my list, but I had no idea ordering was such an issue. Seems strange in 2020.
I love hearing Grabow success stories. My favorite is about a collector who, when asked how his artisan pipes smoked, said as good as his Grabows.
I have two Royaltons, both ordered by specific shape, a bulldog and a few years later an apple. They're good pipes and shouldn't be doled out randomly like basket pipes. I can understand $15 for the pipe and we'll choose it, but Dr. Grabows are better than that and should be sold with specificity. Other online retailers sell you a specific pipe, for future reference. And if you are unsure, phone them and make sure. I'm glad you discovered the Royalton, but sorry you had such a shabby introduction. The clogging issue is extra strange. You were being hazed by the Grabow gods.
I love my Dr. Grabow pipes, the Royalton possibly most of all -ordered a second one yesterday. The Royalton I have is bent, feels sturdy and looks great. I have found my Grabows all to smoke great out of the box, too.
Glad yours worked out!!
Glad yours worked out!!
I got mine from tobaccopipes.com, they have been running a nutty sale on pipes this weekend. ...now the long wait til Friday.
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