Meerschaum...function vs art?

[crazyhog]

Hi, I've been looking at a few Turkish made full block Meerschaums with delrin push/pull fittings. My practicality side is telling me to go with a smooth billiard style while my artistic side likes viking, skull and Indian heads in a 3/4 bend. Unfortunately, I can't afford both. What to do??

 

[username]

Flip a coin?

 

[shikano53]

I personally prefer a smooth finish Meerschaum because I like the way they especially color beautifully over time. The carved ones will too for sure but I like the smooth ones. I have an IMP meer that is a lattice and it is an awesome smoker. I also have a smooth Altinok churchwarden. Perhaps for now pick the one that appeals the most and go with the second one at a later date? Just a thought.

My pipe bucket list has a hand carved dragon Meer at some point in the future space/time continuum.

Just my 0.02 cents worth.

 

[jpmcwjr]

How bout in between: a traditional billiard, apple, etc. shape, but with a pattern carved into the bowl and perhaps stem?

 

[zitotczito]

I have a popcorn finish and a smooth one, they just felt better in my hand. Both are great smokers. The over done carvings to me would seem to be annoying to hold, but each to their own.

 

[mackeson]

I'm in the "Prefer the smooth" camp, but if you like carved, get a carved. The carving won't impair the functionality at all. That's the great thing about pipes in general - functional art

 

[xrundog]

I'm a clencher. The figurals are usually kind of heavy for that. So I go for traditional shapes. A little texture or interesting carving is fine. But my favorites are smooth.

 

[tbradsim1]

. Love My Frog.

 

[crazyhog]

Thanks for sharing Brad. Never thought a frog could look so cool!

 

[crazyhog]

carving won't impair the functionality at all

Thanks, that was a concern also. Carvings putting more stress on a medium sized bowl.

 

[shikano53]

Thanks for sharing Brad. Never thought a frog could look so cool!
Are you talking about the pipe or the smoker???????? 8O
Just kidding man! That is one awesome pipe!

 

[stewartu]

I think the alure of meerschaum is the tradition of carving. Go for a carved one.

 

[crazyhog]

Thanks, I'm going to start with a latice version. Still searching...

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I wouldn't mind one that doubles as a water fountain. And, maybe it could come with wheels for lunting about, or a special sling and harness for smoking in the car... driving and dancing waters. ::

 

[crazyhog]

Ha, I agree that some of these big, heavily sculptured meerchaums are more for collecting than smoking.