As I've been exploring my new pastime I've been trying out pipes from different makes and at different price points (within my budget). I now have seven pipes in total -- five factory pipes from Savinelli, Peterson, Stanwell, and Missouri Meerschaum, and two artisan pipes from JM Boswell and now Mark Tinsky. I've pored over the postings in these forums and probably looked at nearly all the pipes on SmokingPipes.com. At this stage in my journey I can say that I prefer bent to straight (I believe this is because of the cumulative effects of older print-advertising and TV shows -- they often showed a man in a business shirt or suit in the middle of work or some activity with a straight pipe. Makes me associate straight pipes with being productive. 
). I also really lean toward bulldog/rhodesian-style or freehand pipes. I am sure my tastes will evolve over time as my interest, experience, and collection grows.
The pinnacle of my exploration thus far was just delivered by my postman: a Mark Tinsky 2023 2-Star Christmas Bengal pipe! In person it is even more stunning and feels wonderful in the hand. I can't wait to fire it up for the first time!
). I also really lean toward bulldog/rhodesian-style or freehand pipes. I am sure my tastes will evolve over time as my interest, experience, and collection grows.The pinnacle of my exploration thus far was just delivered by my postman: a Mark Tinsky 2023 2-Star Christmas Bengal pipe! In person it is even more stunning and feels wonderful in the hand. I can't wait to fire it up for the first time!
