This is a revamp and review of a new pipe I picked up and originally posted in my usual "What Are You Smoking Now" haunt, and a little challenge to have a bit of fun. Recently, I decided to buy the ugliest pipe I could find. Thought I had done so, but . . . .
Eating a bit of crow. Kinda reminds me of my blatant dismissal of Autumn Evening 8 months back or so, until all of a sudden I realized it was a great tobacco. Well, here I am again, somewhat contrite.
Took my new Mr. Brog No. 52 "Scoot" Ugly last night, and once I picked it up and held it, it weren't so ugly after all. Along with my "new" Rhodesian Meer and Savinelli Avorio, I have no pipes that better fit my hand. I'm not a clencher, but almost always hold a pipe in my left hand, changing to the right only occasionally.
Here is this pipe, a review of it below the shot, and a "Cheap Challenge" for y'all to have some fun with.
Yup. It's a cheap pipe. And as you can see, a very big, fat one. Lots of wood. Cost me 20 bucks US and $6.95 shipping from Poland. Got it within a week. But it ain't so ugly any more.
Design: very intelligent. It's pear wood, and in my experience with this wood, it's a bit like ash. Break it in very carefully or you'll scorch it. Once it's broken in, it's great. If you scorch it, pitch it. There is a lot of wood on this pipe, and if you proceed carefully, there is very little heat eminating from the pipe itself.
Ergonomics: My Mom always said I "came out wrong". I have absolutely huge hands - for those of you with a piano perspective, I can stretch an 11th with both hands. I've short arms, long legs, at present am about 5' 5.5", and wear size 14 shoes. Was hard to knock off my feet 'till I crashed my knees years ago. Sway out of time when I play violin. Drove conductors and accompanists nuts. This pipe is made for big hands especially if you don't clench. That's for cobs outdoors, imho.
Smoking Qualities: As good as anything I own - nice easy draw (I've had only the two smokes with the installed 9mm filter, will remove it tomorrow on 3rd smoke. Reminds me of my Savinelli "Avorio" in draw with a filter; really looking forward to trying it tomorrow without. Expecting it to be even better, as was the Avorio.
It's only a medium bowl, about the same size as my Ropp J16, but got 75 minutes out of the Captain Black, about 60 with the BR, which burns slightly faster.
Construction Quality: First rate. I can't see any flaws, except, yah, I've already scorched the inner lip of the pipe, as I've done with every pipe I've ever owned. Unfortunately, a rusticated version was not available from Mr. Brogshop. This is absolutely the best smoking cheap pipe I've owned, and holds it's own with anything else I have. Apparently Poland is filled with pipe smokers, Brog caters to everyone. They have upper class much more expensive pipes - and yes, I have one on the way. I'm a fan. Don't hesitate to get one of his pipes. You'll be surprised. Oh yeah, btw, my two Brog Nosewarmers cost over twice what this boat cost, just fyi.
Amazing how an ugly duckling can turn into a swan. Also see now why many pipes I've rolled my eyes at are so beloved by their owners. Maybe one day I'll grow up, eh? But not today. Maybe tomorrow.
CHEAP CHALLENGE: This pipe has replaced my Muxiang ebony wood "Uncle Henry" as my best cheap pipe. It cost me about the same and is still a great smoker.
What's your best cheap pipe?
Rules:
1. Has to be bought new (no estates) within the last 3 years.
2. Ya can't have paid more than 50 bucks US for it.
3. Can't have been a gift from a friend.
4. Has to be a pipe you "go-to" regularly and enjoy smoking.
Have fun and cheers!
Eating a bit of crow. Kinda reminds me of my blatant dismissal of Autumn Evening 8 months back or so, until all of a sudden I realized it was a great tobacco. Well, here I am again, somewhat contrite.
Took my new Mr. Brog No. 52 "Scoot" Ugly last night, and once I picked it up and held it, it weren't so ugly after all. Along with my "new" Rhodesian Meer and Savinelli Avorio, I have no pipes that better fit my hand. I'm not a clencher, but almost always hold a pipe in my left hand, changing to the right only occasionally.
Here is this pipe, a review of it below the shot, and a "Cheap Challenge" for y'all to have some fun with.
Yup. It's a cheap pipe. And as you can see, a very big, fat one. Lots of wood. Cost me 20 bucks US and $6.95 shipping from Poland. Got it within a week. But it ain't so ugly any more.
Design: very intelligent. It's pear wood, and in my experience with this wood, it's a bit like ash. Break it in very carefully or you'll scorch it. Once it's broken in, it's great. If you scorch it, pitch it. There is a lot of wood on this pipe, and if you proceed carefully, there is very little heat eminating from the pipe itself.
Ergonomics: My Mom always said I "came out wrong". I have absolutely huge hands - for those of you with a piano perspective, I can stretch an 11th with both hands. I've short arms, long legs, at present am about 5' 5.5", and wear size 14 shoes. Was hard to knock off my feet 'till I crashed my knees years ago. Sway out of time when I play violin. Drove conductors and accompanists nuts. This pipe is made for big hands especially if you don't clench. That's for cobs outdoors, imho.
Smoking Qualities: As good as anything I own - nice easy draw (I've had only the two smokes with the installed 9mm filter, will remove it tomorrow on 3rd smoke. Reminds me of my Savinelli "Avorio" in draw with a filter; really looking forward to trying it tomorrow without. Expecting it to be even better, as was the Avorio.
It's only a medium bowl, about the same size as my Ropp J16, but got 75 minutes out of the Captain Black, about 60 with the BR, which burns slightly faster.
Construction Quality: First rate. I can't see any flaws, except, yah, I've already scorched the inner lip of the pipe, as I've done with every pipe I've ever owned. Unfortunately, a rusticated version was not available from Mr. Brogshop. This is absolutely the best smoking cheap pipe I've owned, and holds it's own with anything else I have. Apparently Poland is filled with pipe smokers, Brog caters to everyone. They have upper class much more expensive pipes - and yes, I have one on the way. I'm a fan. Don't hesitate to get one of his pipes. You'll be surprised. Oh yeah, btw, my two Brog Nosewarmers cost over twice what this boat cost, just fyi.
Amazing how an ugly duckling can turn into a swan. Also see now why many pipes I've rolled my eyes at are so beloved by their owners. Maybe one day I'll grow up, eh? But not today. Maybe tomorrow.
CHEAP CHALLENGE: This pipe has replaced my Muxiang ebony wood "Uncle Henry" as my best cheap pipe. It cost me about the same and is still a great smoker.
What's your best cheap pipe?
Rules:
1. Has to be bought new (no estates) within the last 3 years.
2. Ya can't have paid more than 50 bucks US for it.
3. Can't have been a gift from a friend.
4. Has to be a pipe you "go-to" regularly and enjoy smoking.
Have fun and cheers!
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