If memory serves (and it is often offline), it was Okie that is a fan of the Grabow Royalton Bulldog. Since I didn't have a bulldog in my collection, I acquired one for around $30 to $40.
The pipe is light enough to clench while still feeling substantial in the hand. The draw was good without filter. The briar quality is very good considering the price.
The only drawback was the breakin. I condition my new pipes by filling them up with a non-aromatic blend and smoking them. It has worked just as well as gradually breaking in by smoking 1/3 of a bowl for a while, then 2/3s, etc. And now-a-days, for me, a new pipe usually tastes fine from the first bowl on.
The Royalton was the exception. During the breakin, the pipe produced a vile taste for the first half dozen bowls or so. It reminded me vaguely of an industrial cleaner or plastic weld. If I hadn't read a BOTL post warning that this was common, I would have thrown the pipe away after the first couple of bowls.
However, I persisted and once I finished burning off the factory bowl finish, the pipe started tasting sweeter. It is now a decent smoker, and I would recommend it as a first pipe for the new smoker. Well, I would really recommend a Savinelli or Stanwell or MM Cobs but if a new smoker wanted a briar under $50, then this is the pipe I would recommend. It also would be a good hunting or fishing companion.
The pipe is light enough to clench while still feeling substantial in the hand. The draw was good without filter. The briar quality is very good considering the price.
The only drawback was the breakin. I condition my new pipes by filling them up with a non-aromatic blend and smoking them. It has worked just as well as gradually breaking in by smoking 1/3 of a bowl for a while, then 2/3s, etc. And now-a-days, for me, a new pipe usually tastes fine from the first bowl on.
The Royalton was the exception. During the breakin, the pipe produced a vile taste for the first half dozen bowls or so. It reminded me vaguely of an industrial cleaner or plastic weld. If I hadn't read a BOTL post warning that this was common, I would have thrown the pipe away after the first couple of bowls.
However, I persisted and once I finished burning off the factory bowl finish, the pipe started tasting sweeter. It is now a decent smoker, and I would recommend it as a first pipe for the new smoker. Well, I would really recommend a Savinelli or Stanwell or MM Cobs but if a new smoker wanted a briar under $50, then this is the pipe I would recommend. It also would be a good hunting or fishing companion.
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