I've yet to purchase a Nording churchwarden, but I have three pipes of different grades, one being a signature freehand which are quite inexpensive, and they're all great pipes. I've been meaning to get a Nording churchwarden for quite some time, and just haven't pulled the trigger on one yet. Personally I don't think you can wrong with a Nording. I would say go for it, and I bet others will chime in and agree with me.