Opinions on Mario Grandi pipe?

[jonasclark]

I'm not much of a briar guy, but I found this pipe on Briar Blues. I don't know Mario Grandi's work, though I've looked up some photos and this is my favorite of the ones I've seen.
My December budget is gone, but I'm considering whether to push it and grab this pretty pipe before someone else does. I love black, rusticated pipes, it has a neat shape that's vaguely reminiscent of some of my old Ropp cherry pipes, and the stem reminds me of 1950s amberoid ones used by companies like Bauer.
What do others here think? Is Grandi's work generally good? Is this an unusual look for him? Is the price good?
http://www.briarblues.com/ak14.htm

 

[pipestud]

Howdy jonasclark,
Mario Grandi is not actually the name of the carver of that line of pipes. For more info on the brand you can follow this link - http://pipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Grandi
For what it's worth; I think that for the money, a Grandi is an excellent buy.

 

[jonasclark]

Thanks for the details!

 

[easterntraveler]

I would agree with pipe studs that Mario Grandi pipes are a good buy at the price. They are generally unique, fairly inexpensive and overall good smokers. Specifically your pipe is not my cup of tea though but it is also not my pipe. Enjoy the your new pipe.

 

[jonasclark]

Thabks, easterntraveler. I haven't bought it yet, and I really don't have the funds for this PAD. But I'm tempted.

 

[kola]

I like their olive wood pipes....never owned one though. It's amazing how they can make a 40 dollar pipe and still profit.

 

[pruss]

I have one, and it was definitely worth the $60 (plus shipping) I paid for it in an eBay buy.
The briar is dry and light for the size of the pipe. The pipe takes a cleaner from button to bowl. The draw is fine, with no whistle.
Now, the shaping isn't exactly symmetrical with a wobble in the lines on the rim of the chamber. The finishing of the airway and stem is rough. The button is a little thick.
But for a sub $100 pipe I am more than happy.
-- Pat

 

[okiescout]

"For what it's worth; I think that for the money, a Grandi is an excellent buy."
Thanks for that input, Pipestud. Coming from you that means a lot. These pipes a very reasonably priced.