Oldest Cob in Use

[The Amish Tyrant]

I think of cobs as work pipes or "throw away" pipes that can take some abuse and get discarded, broken, or lost without much issue due to cost (albeit I only own two and never have tossed one).

For example, I take a cob on picnics or to the beach. That way I can enjoy a pipe and not worry about dropping or losing it, especially as I keep an eye on and run after my very active daughter.

However, cobs are also known to be somewhat durable (even if you strap it to a roof for 6 months like @mikethompson ).

What is the oldest cob some members have in regular use? How old is the pipe and what does it look like now? As @didimauw pointed out once (I believe), cobs tend to change color over time like a meerschaum pipe, which I find fascinating.

 

[mikethompson]

Yup, a simple cob is more durable than you think.

I think Embers has a few MM cobs going on 20 or so years.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Yup, a simple cob is more durable than you think.

I think Embers has a few MM cobs going on 20 or so years.

Due to personal reasons I could no longer support MM and threw them all out earlier last year.

 

[Streeper541]

I've got one that's about ten years old.

 

[FurCoat]

I bought this Country Gentleman and Legend in '96 at JR's.

 

[Sgetz]

I bought one in Milan (I dropped my cycling pipe ànd it broke?) 15 years ago. Still going strong. But I don't smoke much and have many pipes.

 

[hawky454]

I have at least 3 that I still smoke that I bought in 2009, so that’s 13 years and going. I don’t treat these like briar so they probably would have faired even better if I did. Some have loose stems, I just apply little beeswax in there to tighten them up.

 

[addamsruspipe]

I've got one going over 40yrs old. ?

 

[kcghost]

It is surprising how durable these pipes are.

 

[mikethompson]

It is surprising how durable these pipes are.

Long Term Cob Torture Test: 6 Months Under The Elements :: Pipe Talk

Just took delivery of a Huck Finn cob courtesy Smokingpipes. I used Super saver international shipping, and the package was well packed and secure. How durable is a cob? How porous is the bowl? The conventional wisdom is that briar, being dried, aged, and much harder makes for a better pipe...

pipesmagazine.com

 

[daberman]

I smoke three or so all day long for over a decade, only one I’ve lost was one I poked a hole through the bottom being too aggressive with a czech tool. They were bred to be smoked!

 

[daberman]

Due to personal reasons I could no longer support MM and threw them all out earlier last year.

come on, do tell!

 

[didimauw]

come on, do tell!

The cornabis line I believe

 

[daberman]

The cornabis line I believe

no way really? I wrote the first review on them…

 

[didimauw]

no way really? I wrote the first review on them…

Not for everyone. I don't ever mix the two. Tobacco pipes are for tobacco, glass pipes are not etc.

 

[Chasing Embers]

The cornabis line I believe

Yep. Used to be a statement in their FAQ that stated their products were for tobacco use only.

 

[Fralphog]

In the last few months, I picked up two vintage cobs from circa 1970’s. One MM Diamond and a H&B Irwin S Cobb. They are in great shape; I smoke them 3-4 times a month.
I’ve owned two Buescher's cobs for over 15 years.

 

[Ahi Ka]

I also smoke an H&B Irwin S cob. Don’t see them mentioned that often.

 

[mortonbriar]

13 years old I think? To be honest, I don't expect to get any less mileage out of the bowls than a briar. I have chewed through a few stems though.

 

[kurtbob]

Have 2 that are over 8yrs old. They are in my pipe rotation of 5 MM cobs at work. Get smoked 5 days a week. Can confirm on the color change. The bowls are dark brown and are much heavier than all other cobs. I assume that’s from absorbing tars and moisture over the years.