Iam taking Henry with me next time I get a new pipe for a proper inspection .
Igloo my friend I am just a poor guy stuck in middle management that has to watch his pennies...lol Honestly I really do care about quality pipes, and I do not like the way some manufacturers have cheapened the processes, although it does allow more people to buy into the hobby at a lower cost. For what it is worth fills smoke fine, they just do not look good. The same goes for ill cut stems, and sloppy takes on classic shapes. As long as the draw is good, and the briar is of good quality, which would cost more in the raw than a lot of finished pipes several manufacturers are selling now, the pipe will smoke fine. If any one is curious look at how much unfinished quality briar goes for, and ask yourself how a new pipe can be made for less than $100.00.
I'm going to get a GBD Rhodesian later on this year. I read bad reviews about the new Ben Wades and the one that I bought is a great smoker, so I would expect nothing less from the GBDs
You can find good examples I am sure of it, just make sure you have the pipe you want in your hands or deal with a retailer you trust. Again I have found Smoking Pipes individual pipe descriptions honest, and I have no affiliation with them. Most if not all current factory producers are putting out some clunkers, buyer beware. However we are very fortunate to have some of the best American carvers producing pipes that are true values, and works of art.I hold the vintage English briar close to heart, as an example of what industry could create when people strove to produce the best product, not the most profit. I you really want a good rhodesian and who would not? Then buy an estate GBD 9438. This pains me to no end, since I snatch these up every chance I get but brother to brother I will tell you I know of no finer example of this shape regardless of price in the world of pipes. Our own G.L. Pease has written an article about the pipe on his website. Just don't let the word spread around too much, if they keep going up on EBAY I will have to be content with the 10 I own, and that would be a sad day indeed.
