Hello all,
I present yet another Meerschaum coloring thread. I recently received an SG109 bent billiard from Altinok. I cracked the box and case open to discover an absolutely huge meerschaum, much larger than I expected. It must have at least 0.80inch I.B diameter and 1.80 inch depth. With these stack-like dimensions, I fear that this pipe will be relegated to my lower-nicotine blends, such as aromatics and oriental/balkan blends. Whoever says that meerschaums do not need any break-in period is wrong. There is definitely a "meerschaumy" taste and smell (the pipe itself gives off an earthy and soapy odour), with the first couple of smokes. I've chosen to smoke McClelland's Arcadia in this pipe, and it's already starting to take some color. I will try to take more coloring photos when the changes are a bit more pronounced.
Some notes on the meerschaum:
1) It has fairly good balance sufficient bend to make it good for clenching, especially when looking forward at a 45 degree angle or more, such a when reading a book.
2) It's friggin deep. Arcadia is disappearing because of this.
3) It smokes very coolly, but for some odd reason, I always get gurgle about 1/3-1/2 and 2/3-3/4 of the way down. I need a pipe cleaner to clear it out.
4) I noticed that the mouthpiece is a bit wonky. The lip is not symmetrical and even, and the bit is a tad thick. I used to think my Castello had a thick bit, but this takes the cake. Still, I can clench it.
5) The delrin mortise is not smooth inside. There's a tiny flap that wasn't cleanly cut off or something. It's reminiscent of the tiny flap that you get on one half when you rip apart an easter eggs. Does this make sense?
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2PBWMGhjBc/S8usogU2ItI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/rehj7uuT0B4/s1600/plastic+eggs1.jpg
Unfortunately, I cannot say that I am /super/ satisfied with this pipe purchase. Sure, it's a great pipe and I'm enjoying it (maybe paying too much attention to the coloring instead of the smoke? oops), but I think that for the price I paid, I expected better workmanship. I do not doubt the quality of the meerschaum block, but the bit and mortise issue, which I think is cause for extra turbulence and moisture, could have been easily fixed. I believe the best course of action would be going to a pipe show/shop and physically handling the meerschaum pipe. There are more variables in a meerschaum pipe than in a briar (you don't need a delrin insert in a briar) and since it is a softer, brittler material, it's easier to mess up the airway. In any case, enjoy the photos. I plan on throwing more on soon.
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Best,
Swilly
I present yet another Meerschaum coloring thread. I recently received an SG109 bent billiard from Altinok. I cracked the box and case open to discover an absolutely huge meerschaum, much larger than I expected. It must have at least 0.80inch I.B diameter and 1.80 inch depth. With these stack-like dimensions, I fear that this pipe will be relegated to my lower-nicotine blends, such as aromatics and oriental/balkan blends. Whoever says that meerschaums do not need any break-in period is wrong. There is definitely a "meerschaumy" taste and smell (the pipe itself gives off an earthy and soapy odour), with the first couple of smokes. I've chosen to smoke McClelland's Arcadia in this pipe, and it's already starting to take some color. I will try to take more coloring photos when the changes are a bit more pronounced.
Some notes on the meerschaum:
1) It has fairly good balance sufficient bend to make it good for clenching, especially when looking forward at a 45 degree angle or more, such a when reading a book.
2) It's friggin deep. Arcadia is disappearing because of this.
3) It smokes very coolly, but for some odd reason, I always get gurgle about 1/3-1/2 and 2/3-3/4 of the way down. I need a pipe cleaner to clear it out.
4) I noticed that the mouthpiece is a bit wonky. The lip is not symmetrical and even, and the bit is a tad thick. I used to think my Castello had a thick bit, but this takes the cake. Still, I can clench it.
5) The delrin mortise is not smooth inside. There's a tiny flap that wasn't cleanly cut off or something. It's reminiscent of the tiny flap that you get on one half when you rip apart an easter eggs. Does this make sense?
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2PBWMGhjBc/S8usogU2ItI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/rehj7uuT0B4/s1600/plastic+eggs1.jpg
Unfortunately, I cannot say that I am /super/ satisfied with this pipe purchase. Sure, it's a great pipe and I'm enjoying it (maybe paying too much attention to the coloring instead of the smoke? oops), but I think that for the price I paid, I expected better workmanship. I do not doubt the quality of the meerschaum block, but the bit and mortise issue, which I think is cause for extra turbulence and moisture, could have been easily fixed. I believe the best course of action would be going to a pipe show/shop and physically handling the meerschaum pipe. There are more variables in a meerschaum pipe than in a briar (you don't need a delrin insert in a briar) and since it is a softer, brittler material, it's easier to mess up the airway. In any case, enjoy the photos. I plan on throwing more on soon.
Best,
Swilly
