Hello everyone,
my name is Thilo, I am based in Europe (Germany to be precise), and this the first time I´m sharing something here at the pipesmagazine forums. The simple reason for that is, I just recognized the discussed pipe and I know it´s maker.
This piece was made by
Alexander Ponomarchuk from Ukraine, I have to admit that, regarding the price of that pipe, I strongly disagree with most of you and the simple reason for my humble opinion is, that the Ponomarchuk pipe I bought last year, is truly one of the finest smokers I ever had. It tastes sweet and soft, I find it very easy to smoke the pipe and no matter what I´m doing, it never (literally
never) gurgles.
By the way - I payed $ 180,- for the Ponomarchuk - a rusticated Lovat Shape. I would say it´s by far a better smoker then most of the other modern pipes I know, - I personally love the way some older Dunhills taste and feel, and maybe the Ponomarchuk is not entirely as sweet and soft as my beloved Dunhill shell from the sixties, but it´s still a very good tasting piece of bruyère. The craftsmanship is remarkably accurate and precise. Shipment was quick and the pipe has been packed savely. I had to transfer the price via moneygram (there´s obviously no paypal in Ukraine). I had my concerns about that, but some
other pipesmokers trusted Mr. Ponomarchuk before and I haven´t been disappointed.
Is it overpriced? No, it´s not - not if it´s as good as the Lovat is. If I´d purchase a pipe in that league made by Tom Eltang or the late great Rainer Barbi, it´s at least 350,- to 400,- Euros (about $ 500,-). You might say, Eltang or Barbi are well established freehand carvers and Ponomarchuk isn´t? Well, that´s why I´ll try to purchase some of his pipes, while they are still that cheap. Believe me, I am not trying to hype someone, on the contrary - I think it´s in my best interest to avoid the competition of other potential buyers, but I´m really convinced that Mr. Ponomarchuk deserves a little attention, and that´s why I´m trying to share my pleasure.
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I´m afraid my english is a little weird and rugged - sorry for that - I hope my opinion on Ponomarchuk´s pipes has been helpful anyway,
Kind regards from Berlin, Germany
Thilo
P.S: Ponomarchuks pipes are sometimes available on
Smokers Heaven and
La Compagnie des Pipes
