New Chinese Pipe - Yang Kun

[unadoptedlamp]

This one arrived today, and I can confirm that the pipe from Yang Kun (YMGK Pipes) is very well made. The boxwood accent isn't as vibrant/yellow in person (more of a raw/natural beech to my eye), but it fits the pipe well.

This pipe also sits, with the balance being as close to perfect as I can tell. The sitting position is just like in the pictures below.

All in all, a very impressive pipe to me.

I'll be honest and say that I do have a bias against "Chinese Junk," probably influenced by the typical plastics and useless crap that might work for someone, for a few hours, before it's recycled. Unfortunately, it's just my association with a lot of what comes out of that country.

I'm glad that I sprung for this pipe. Yang Kun is a talented carver, and for under $400 (closer $300 for a few of his pipes), it seems like a fair range to me for a handmade of this quality. I guess it depends a lot on what you're buying from China. I still have no appreciation for all the mass market, poorly made crap, but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more Chinese carvers.

I got mine from SATX Pipe, which was also a great transaction. Very fast shipping as well. I highly recommend dealing with them.

 

[tg51]

That's a beautiful pipe. Congratulations.

 

[scloyd]

Nice looking pipe. I really like the boxwood (yellow) accent.
Thanks for the heads up on SATX Pipe...never heard of them.

 

[lelik]

Beautiful pipe ,perfect grain.

 

[shanez]

There are several really good Chinese carvers out there.

That is just a gorgeous pipe. What are you breaking it in with?

 

[unadoptedlamp]

The Chinese carvers were completely off my radar. I was told some of them are big on things like instagram (part of why I had no idea) and also, more so in China than North America.

Apparently some of them have mentored with the Danish masters. Or, by now, some of the newer carvers have been trained by older Chinese carvers who were themselves trained by some of the best in the world.

I found this pipe when I was searching for Danish pipes. I really like the lines on this pipe. It has a great feel in the hand, with the pattern in the carving and it's a pleasure to look at, for my tastes. It just checks all of my boxes.

I would absolutely buy another pipe of his if I see one in my style. Great workmanship that is on par with any one of my other pipes in this price range.

And SATX pipe was also very good to deal with. I found them on e-bay, then went direct to his web site and paid through there so we could both avoid the fees. I had no reservations about doing so and the transaction was flawless. Very good packaging, extremely fast shipping, and for anyone not in the United States, he's a great vendor to deal with. Highly recommended.

I'm a Haddo's Delight hound, so I packed it with this for the first go and it was a joy. Might just get dedicated to that blend...