Peterson vs Vauen

[unkleyoda]

I don't have any Vauen pipes, I've only heard good things about them. I have 85 Peterson pipes, I've never had an issue. Peterson pipes definitely can polarize people. I've heard some people have had some issues with them. That said, the new owners. The Laudisi Group, has tightened up their QC, from what I understand. That said, you need to go with your gut. Look through all the pipes both have to offer, and go for what you like.

 

[redone]

No Peterson’s but I have two Vauen pipes and they are fantastic smokers.

 

[americaman]

I have a fascination with Peterson pipes. I love their shapes, their special editions, their history, the lore surrounding them, and the fact that they are still made in Ireland. I own an Aran, two Summertime editions, and a Christmas 2018 pipe. They feel great in the hand and they smoke well. I did sand down the bowls on three of them in order to speed up the break-in process. You may want to do the same if you get one, because Peterson does something called dip staining, which makes the break in process longer.
I recently got a Vauen Olaf and I am really liking it. The construction feels excellent. It just feels sturdy in your hand and the feel of it is unique (although the unique feel largely has to do with the fact that mine has a matte finish). Vauen also made the Lord of the Rings pipes in the early 2000s, and to this day their pipes are very unique.

 

[daniel7]

@americaman, Vauen is older than Peterson, the German pipe producer was founded in 1848 and Peterson in 1865. So the history part is also there for Vauen. Although that's true that they use the Vauen name "only" since 1909.

 

[deckpiper]

I'd been smoking my JJ Fox and MM cob, filterless and liking them. This thread prompted me get my Vauen out again, and I loved it, of course.
I better order some filters. Maybe as the Father's Day deals start coming.