PM2012 and the "Storie" on Storient Meerschaum?

[J. Mayo]

I don't mean to bring up any sore subjects with this one.... But what in the world happened with Yavuz and Storient Meerschaum? I was one of the unfortunate ones that had a HORRIBLE experience with my PM2012 order but I guess I missed the ultimate fallout with that whole cluster. Finally got my pipe after I had pretty well assumed my money was forfeited. I haven't frequented the forums much in the last few years, but I recently stumbled on some threads suggesting I wasn't the only one that had a bad experience by far. I guess I'm just curious, was considering buying another meer one day but was hesitant to give Storient another shot. It doesn't sound like Storient even exists anymore from what I've gathered? Like I said, I guess I'm just curious. On a lighter note, please post pictures of your PM2012 pipes if you have them, I'd love to see how they're all aging! I'll try to snap a pic of mine next chance I get.

 

[sfduke]

Storient (formerly) is now WGM meerschaum. Unless you "enjoy" dealing with Yavuz, highly recommend to steer clear.
None of the US retailers carry their pipes and eBay is their only avenue left to sell their "pipes".

 

[voorhees]

Do not buy from Yavuz. I too was part of the many that had a terrible experience. I did get my LVC pipe, but at extra expense and worry. Never again. I'll buy from SP or P&C but definitely not WGM.

 

[hobie1dog]

I got a PM 2012 too and the stem was as loose as a 80 year old Amsterdam prostitute. I still smoke it just to have something to bitch about while I'm trying to light it and it starts spinning around and dumping tobacco out. Good thread to start though. Glad to hear they were consistently poor quality, and that I wasn't the only one plagued by very poor quality.
I'll have to get a picture of mine for you.

 

[J. Mayo]

Ya the stem and shank on mine don't line up quite right. I got on here and bitched when I first got the pipe but at the time everyone was still holding Yavuz in high regard. All the suggestions were that I send it back and he would make it right. I wasn't even remotely interested in dealing with that process after the headache of trying to get the pipe in the first place. So it hangs just a little to the right lol....... Still gets smoked occasionally though because it's the only meer I own. May need to fix that problem.

 

[lasttango]

See, this is why I am confused....
I have seen WGM pipes for sale at Smokingpipes, 4Noggins, tobaccopipes, ea carey, meerschaum market, even Altinok had a Mustafa Albayrak for sale...
So, when you say no US retailer will carry them, do mean they never have or they won't anymore? They clearly have a history with some reputable vendors.
There is a post on the WGM website that says be wary of buying WGMs on eBay etc... that some folks are using their name to sell inferior pipes. They alluded to some scam where the WGM name is being misused.
It was supposed to be a company started by a master carver from IMP... Mustafa Albayrak...
So, what does Yavuz have to do with it? Did he just buy it? Is he the middle man? Is he one of the people pretending to be affiliated with it? Is he trying to start over and whitewash his "reputation? are we sure it's the same Yauvez? That might be a popular name in Turkey like John or Mike is here. I am confused.
No offense... I just want the story straight -
I got a custom bulldog from Storient back in 2012? It was okay - not worth the $200+ I paid... - the drilling was off...
BTW, I just got an F. Baki meerschaum pipe last month and it is great...

 

[voorhees]

Details are cloudy on who is associated with WGM. But my gut says Yavuz is behind some of it.
My suggestion is buy from a reputable stateside dealer here or Meerqueen (I did have good luck with them) and if there are issues. Return it.

 

[bluegrasspipe]

IMHO Meerqueen was very helpful in helping me to directly buy a Tekin pipe, although it is my first meerschaum, I absolutely love it.

I wish we had Fred Bass to field this one.. Bless him.

 

[sfduke]

The same Yavuz trademarked "WGM" and filings show him as the owner. Hopefully more details will be available after IPCPR next week, but assume there is a reason why none of the US retailers have any WGM pipes in stock.
Btw, the eBay seller has the same name as the WGM website so think there may be some affiliation as well even though there is that "warning".

 

[sfduke]

Side note, recently got my first Baki and really makes you appreciate the quality and workmanship. I have slowly transitioned from Storient to Altinok to Baki.

 

[hobie1dog]

I was hoping that the PM2012 pipes would become highly praised collectibles so that I could sell mine without losing my a$$.