Rusticated/sandblasted or Smooth?

[bigboi]

I have been noticing that the pipes in my collection are pretty evenly balanced with smooth finish vs a rusticated/sandblasted pipe. My question is what is your preference?

 

[irishsmoker]

I love the look of sandblasted!

 

[gray4lines]

It really depends for me , I love a good rustication like Castello's sea rocks, but I've seen some ugly ones too, just shallow and rough looking. More like you dropped a pipe in a garbage disposal.
I like smooth pipes showing nice grain too!
If I had to pick one now, its be a rusticated.

 

[wildcat]

Depends on the pipe for me, y'know?? Whatever speaks to me...

 

[shawn]

I'm with Wildcat - it has to speak to me.

 

[dochudson]

sandblast..
Peterson Sherlock Holmes "Original" Army Mount Sterling

 

[captainsousie]

I like some rusticated/sandblast pipes but most of them aren't my speed. I really love a good smooth pipe even if it has a couple fills.

 

[bigvan]

Sandblast
Scott Thile Blasted Egg

 

[numbersix]

Right now Sandblasts are my preference, can't get enough of 'em.

 

[bigboi]

hmm Sandblasted seems to be winning right now...can you guys elaborate as to why?

 

[burghbriar]

I like the way a sandblasted or rusticated pipe feels in the hand and a good blast can show off grain -- particularly ring grain -- beautifully. A smooth pipe -- while there are a lot of great ones, certainly -- also seems to show oil from a hand more readily, and needs a little more care for appearances. Finally, I have heard (though I wonder) that a blast or a rustication can add a carburetor effect, letting the pipe smoke cooler, but YMMV on that one.

 

[sergemoat]

Smooth Meerschaums, and blasted briars.

 

[irishsmoker]

The reason I like sandblast is because I see the beauty behind the rough exterior. It doesn't have to be shiny, it's all about function.

 

[Wellington]

I like both. I just ordered a vintage Graco sandblasted, looks awesome, don't know if i'll keep it or resell it though.

 

[numbersix]

hmm Sandblasted seems to be winning right now...can you guys elaborate as to why?

Can't explain it other than I find them visually interesting/striking and they have a good feel to them. I like smooth finish too, but at least right now, sandblasts are my fav.

 

[philobeddoe]

The older I get, the less I like rusticated finishes. I love a nice sandblast and of course, a nicely grained smooth is always beautiful, but for some reason I have sold or traded away most all of my rusticated pipes.

 

[crazypipe]

sandblasted! for me ,i'm not good at taking care of my pipes

 

[crk69]

Mostly smooth for me, but have been picking up sandblasted/rusticated lately..

 

[cortezattic]

Sandblasts primarily, then rusticated. I have issues with arthritis, and they're easier to hold than smooths.

I keep a heavy coating of carnauba wax on my smooths, and that makes them somewhat easier to hold on to.

At any rate, I think the blasts are visually more interesting.

 

[captainprophesy]

I'm with wildcat as well... It all depends on the individual pipe and what speaks to me. I love he look of a well done sandblast but because i work with wood everyday I also appreciate a very nice grain.