Pipes New Or Used?

[mso489]

I'd say that most Forums members have pipes they bought both new and used, or estate as the euphemism has it. Although many used pipes have previous owners that are still alive, thank you. Here a are a few pros and cons of each. Then just add your own ideas.

New pipes: Pro: Prices are more standardized within brands and specifications; no wear to consider; any abuse of the pipe is your own doing; you get maximum life out of the pipe; you get the pleasure of a new item; sanitization is less of a consideration. Any other pros?

New pipe cons: Higher prices; you have to break it in; any overt defects in the manufacture are all at your expense; availability is limited to what is marketable right now rather than the whole potential inventory of existing pipes. Any other new pipe cons?

Estate pros: Big price breaks, even some on unsmoked pipes; pipe is broken in; fewer manufacturing flaws to discover at much lower cost; historical variety and wider array if types; known histories of makers.

Estate cons: Greater wear; needed restoration; earlier owner abuse; sanitizing needs; etc. And you take it from here.....

 

[warren]

I am not getting your idea that there are negatives to new pipes. Price is simply what it is, higher or lower and if I see a pipe I desire ... price is really immaterial. It I miss a defect at purchase which only becomes descerable after smoking, back to the retailer or manufacturer it goes. If the pipe is not up to my standards after a few smpkes, that's my risk and out it goes. I only "shop" pipes when I'm in a shop so, availability is not an issue, it's on display and offered for sale.

And as most of the old timers here know, I have absolutely no interest in used pipes nor e-trade pipes. I must be able to fondle any prospective purchase.

 

[mikethompson]

Tom, some of your 'con's to estate pipes are my 'pro's!

I love the process of restoring and cleaning up a good old pipe.

 

[Parsimonious Piper]

I rarely buy a new pipe except for cobs. I am, in fact, parsimonious. By buying and restoring older (1940s-50s) pipes I’ve built a collection of nicely grained, great smoking pipes in a wider variety of shapes than I could have if I bought new.

 

[weezell]

Given the pipes I tend to smoke, a moot point for me. Most of mine have a little (ahem) age on them...

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

Wow. A fresh topic. ?

I buy both. Pleasant results for both, as a general statement. But I have thinned the herd in recent months, and I noticed that the overwhelming majority among the culls were pipes I had purchased used. Not a bad smoker in the lot, but perhaps I subconsciously am more attached to pipes I have owned since new.

 

[didimauw]

I prefer to buy new, and make the pipe "my own" the dings, dents, scratches, char marks makes it personal.

The only time I buy used, is when I'm bored and looking for a seriously broken pipe to repair. I hardly ever smoke the ones I fix.

 

[sablebrush52]

I buy both. There are no cons for me.

 

[workman]

I have bought both, but I prefer new pipes. Pipes are tools in my world and I just want them to perform well and fit my general preferences regarding looks, weight etc. I have no desire to own a high-end pipe or a rare antique.
I can easily see why some would, but I'm simply not into it.

 

[gervais]

I have only smoked new pipes. I have little interest in cleaning up estates at this point in my life. When I retire someday and have more free time to tinker....that could definately change. I prefer the idea that I am the first one to be drooling in the pipes that I smoke from ?

 

[nick24601]

It depends what I’m getting the pipe for to be honest. All of my Virginia pipes are new. Most of my perique and Latakia pipes are used. If I where to get a pipe to smoke Lakeland or aromatic in I’d go with used. Oriental new.

its simply way to easy to find a perfectly restored pipe with no damage to not consider them a better buy when the blend you are planning on marrying to the pipe allows for it.

 

[bmdfm]

So far, I have only bought one estate and all the rest have been new pipes. That estate was an unsmoked pipe though, so I'm not sure that one really counts. I keep hearing about the cost savings when buying estate pipes, but every time I find one I like, it is much higher priced than I want to spend on a used pipe. Well, except for the one estate I bought. That one was priced right. I have no objection to buying an estate pipe if I found one I really liked and the price was right.

 

[autumnfog]

I only buy new pipes. Don't want someone else's wear and tear.