Rad PAD

[jbbaldwin]

My first Rad Davis creation is on its way from smokingpipes.com.

Besides a couple of cobs, this is the first pipe I've bought in nine years; after taking on a surprisingly painful seasonal job grading exams, I thought I had it coming. I've passed on a couple of Charatans and Ashtons that caught my eye, mostly because of the reputation Mr. Davis enjoys on this forum.
Here's another view:

It seems such a long time until Friday...

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I looked at that one and thought it was the one I would buy if I was in the market for another Rad. Congrats.

 

[numbersix]

Sweet purchase - I like the all black sandblast and white band. Hope Friday comes quickly for you!

 

[cigrmaster]

That is a great looking Rad, congrats on your first. I have two of his Rhodesians and I love how they smoke. They are so light and comfortable, you are in for a real treat. Make sure you let us know how you like it after smoking it. One thing you will be amazed at is how the pipe will never need a pipe cleaner to soak up excess moisture, they smoke that dry.

 

[tbradsim1]

JB, I am happy for you, a good pipe for a good man.

 

[jbbaldwin]

You all are very kind.
I'll check back in when I've had a few bowls - very excited...

 

[gwtwdbss]

Very nice JB. That is one gorgeous rhody! Congratulations.

 

[kashmir]

Gorgeous pipe, and congratulations on your first Rad.

 

[mountainman]

I was looking at that pipe. Glad to see it went to a fellow forum member.
Enjoy!

 

[jbbaldwin]

At the risk of continuing the show-off trend, here's an update.
The first bowl was interesting - not unpleasant at all. The second bowl was decidedly enjoyable and the one today was downright tasty.
The construction is as near to perfect as I could imagine. The tenon and mortise are aligned and there is no gap on the inside. The button and stem are exceedingly comfortable and the airway into the bowl is executed flawlessly. Harris is right about the dry smoke - truly astonishing from a quarter-bent pipe.
This sounds like a commercial, but if you're in the market for a hand-made pipe, you should look at one of these. As someone mentioned on another thread, the sandblasts are bargains in comparison to the smooth (and I happen to like blasts better, anyway).
I follow all the debates about whether to spend money on a new pipe or on stocking the cellar, and, while I think maybe I should have bought 10 pounds of bulk tobacco, I'm so happy with the pipe I can't regret it regardless of whether it was prudent.
Thanks for the suggestions, everybody. I didn't know who Rad Davis was a year ago. You are all PAD enablers!
Here's the obligatory photo...

 

[tennsmoker]

I looked at that pipe, JB. I just couldn't pull the trigger right now. That is a beautiful pipe and I lusted in my heart for it.
I know it will be one of your finest smokers.

 

[adam2]

What a nice pipe!

 

[gwtwdbss]

That is great JB. Congrats buddy!

 

[rigmedic1]

Congratulations!

 

[cigrmaster]

jb, glad to hear you are enjoying your new pipe. Pretty amazing how dry, how light and how comfy isn't it? Just wait until it is fully broken in( which will not take that long), the quality of the smoke keeps getting better and better. I have a feeling this won't be your last Rad.

 

[jbbaldwin]

I have a feeling this won't be your last Rad.

I have already warned my lovely wife. ::

 

[allan]

JB
Congrats on that beautiful Rhodesian
It looks absolutely magnificent. Enjoy
Now, to other folks who haven't purchased one of Rads pipes
Don't bother
It's all hype
They really are not that good, and you should try others work. Really.
(Ok, I am kidding)
I'm actually concerned that if too many of our members buy up his work as soon as he makes them, he will raise his prices.
Allan

 

[boudreaux]

@allan :rofl:
I feel a magnet pulling me...

 

[numbersix]

Thanks for the update. From what everyone who owns a Rad has been saying, I am not surprised! I keep telling myself, one day...one day... ::