My name is John, live in the country in N. California, and will hit 71 in a week. (!)
I started with pipes over 50 years ago, but put it aside for over 40 years. Over the last six or so months, I've taken up the gauntlet with great gusto, refurbished several existing pipes, acquired 4 or 5 new ones, and a handful of estate pipes. I am only now learning how to properly load and rotate my pipes, since I now am smoking
4-5 bowls a day. I've been fortunate enough to have acquired some very good seconds 50 years ago, and they are returning old favorites. My current favorite is a new (six months ago) Blatter and Blatter bent billiard, which I bought new in Montreal, direct from the man who carved it. I recently acquired a vintage Dunhill, mostly out of respect for a cousin who gifted me one 50 years ago, but I lost it.
I am taking better care of the pipes than I did long ago, and bit by bit I am removing the scorch around the rim as I find I like seeing the wood grain from the top. Also believe I've been smoking the wrong tobacco- English blends from two different shops in my area. Now with Comoy's Cask 11 and it all seems to be straightening out- so far no bitterness. Probably was smoking too moist as well. I need to learn to not go out and work in the garden with one of my sit down or estate pipes, as I will drop it every now and then, sometimes on a hard surface.
I've been hanging out in the restoration and repair section, as I enjoy bringing things back to service and beauty where possible. Look forward to reading more about our members and their travails and triumphs.
Cheers,
John