Next Pipe Suggestions

[Toast]

A corn cob is on my list actually. As for Blue Room Briars, I am not sure how easy it will be to ship pipes to the UK (I don't know if Her Majesty's Government will want ransom money for it).

With leaving the EU most of the attention seems to be concentated on stuff being shipped from Europe - the US is still a gamble, but a safer one (at present) in my view.

Blue Room Briars have been exceptional when I've ordered from them. But if you're worried about it it might be better to look closer to home. Makers like Northern Briars are nearly in budget...

My initial thought was Radice for what it's worth.

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

I am among the group that says to save up for a quality hand made pipe and then pull the trigger. Because artisan pipe makers know that in order to make sales, they need a quality pipe, they seek out the best well cured wood, and learn how to make the engineering enhance the opportunity to get a great smoke. Machine made pipes, while many are quite good, usually don't have the care taken to ensure the best smoke possible as hand made pipes by professionals do. IMO, of course.

Agreed.
In my early years of piping I bought modest ($50-$100) pipes from Savinelli, Peterson, Rossi, etc and they mostly smoked fine. Lately though I’ve been buying pipes from Jose Rubio, Mark Tinsky, and most recently a Castello and man oh man the difference is significant.
I gather there are different types of pipe smokers out there, as with all things. Some seem to like their pipes durable and able to take a beating in their truck glovebox, or on their tractor, etc. That’s the type of smoking they do and it suits them fine.
I prefer to savor my smokes, and treat them as meditation for the most part. Quiet reflective time, which allows me to focus on craftsmanship and enjoy the little details and precision of a hand carved “luxury” pipe. So for me, a fancy pipe makes a big difference. And I can justify spending the money on them versus more tobacco because I only smoke 1-2 bowls each day. Occasionally zero.
If the type of smoking you do allows for a fancier pipe, save up and go that route.
Though I guess it helps to know what pipe specs suit you best as far as chamber dimensions etc, and owning a few cheaper pipes first might help you sort that out.

 

[Toast]

Though I guess it helps to know what pipe specs suit you best as far as chamber dimensions etc, and owning a few cheaper pipes first might help you sort that out.

That was really helpful for me, for sure!

 

[Andriko]

Thanks for all the help, everyone. I think I will make my next couple a Vauen and a Neerup - they have big bowls (heh) and look fabulous.

@ Toast - Yes, it's a bit odd at the moment about what will get through. I did have an issue buying an icon from the US and they made me pay the VAT, which to be honest, for one off things I don't mind. It's when they just take the stuff and keep it that annoys me, and it seems a bit arbitrary (I'll stop now before I get on a high horse about free trade and all that).

@ Johny P - In the long run, I think that's the way I will go. Like you I smoke one bowl a day as a meditative thing, so I don't mind putting money into it. But at the moment, I would like to have a few decent pipes for the rotation, as two is a bit limiting. However, those two pipes (the Chacom and the Savinelli) really showed the difference a decent pipe can make!

 

[DanWil84]

I didn't at this to my remarks as that was not the question, but I think in the end switching to "artisan" (most loath that word, but I still like to use that word) made pipes is a directions where I see myself going. I see a lot of artisan made pipes on this forum from Rubio or Howell or some others that are just stunning and I can see myself smoking in the foreseeable future. And that foreseeable future is near as I have ordered my first which I didn't plan on but bulged under the pressure of how nice they look.

But as @Johnny_Pipecleaner said, building first a collection of "factory" pipes to determine what you really like (size, shape, stem, but also button on the stem, filter yes or no) is a good way. In case you then have pipes you don't use you can ship them to smokingpipes and get them sold as estates, you will get credit at their shop for spending there.

 

[Toast]

It's when they just take the stuff and keep it that annoys me, and it seems a bit arbitrary

I've never had this happen, but I do try to ask sellers not to include words like 'horn' in item descriptions. Maybe I've just been lucky - though I did get one pipe inspected by HM Animal & Plant Health Agency. Which made no sense at all until I realised the seller had listed the item as 'pips'!

 

[Andriko]

Maybe we could start a thing where we get people to send us boring generic stuff but comically miss-labeled so as to waste their time opening 'Leopord Skin' packages to find a cheap leopord print blouse.

 

[cigrmaster]

Agreed.
In my early years of piping I bought modest ($50-$100) pipes from Savinelli, Peterson, Rossi, etc and they mostly smoked fine. Lately though I’ve been buying pipes from Jose Rubio, Mark Tinsky, and most recently a Castello and man oh man the difference is significant.
I gather there are different types of pipe smokers out there, as with all things. Some seem to like their pipes durable and able to take a beating in their truck glovebox, or on their tractor, etc. That’s the type of smoking they do and it suits them fine.
I prefer to savor my smokes, and treat them as meditation for the most part. Quiet reflective time, which allows me to focus on craftsmanship and enjoy the little details and precision of a hand carved “luxury” pipe. So for me, a fancy pipe makes a big difference. And I can justify spending the money on them versus more tobacco because I only smoke 1-2 bowls each day. Occasionally zero.
If the type of smoking you do allows for a fancier pipe, save up and go that route.
Though I guess it helps to know what pipe specs suit you best as far as chamber dimensions etc, and owning a few cheaper pipes first might help you sort that out.

You should really check out Winslow hand made pipes. They are designated by a single letter. A is the best followed by B,C,D,E. Once in a great while they will come out with aa special Private Collection model. All of the hand made/s smoke the same, you are paying for grain the higher you go. I have had B's,C's D's,E's and all smoked great. Check Estervals, I bought my last Winslow from him around 15 years ago. There can be serious deals on the estate market as well. Just a thought.

 

[kcghost]

Personally I would suggest that you get an Andy Petersen or Jesse Jones, but that's just me.

 

[Winterreise]

A pipe is just a tool , pick one you like simple as that , You don’t need a 500$+ pipe to have the best smoking experience . I sold my castello 2 month ago it was collecting dust , i never got a magic/special smoking moment with that pipe .

I’ll put that 500$ on bulk tobacco before its too late and grab a couples cobs but thats just me !

Hope you find one that suit you

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Since you are in England I'd highly suggest to take a look at the BlakemarBriars UK, their higher-end pipes are great value