Second Briar Suggestions

[andrew369]

Hey guys I have recently started getting into English/Balkan blends, having only been smoking aromatics up to now, so seems like a good time to invest in a second briar! Only problem being there are so many pipes out there I haven't a clue what is good quality, value for money etc. The briar I have now is a Pete standard system 312 which I bought on impulse from a local store. It is pretty good apart from the P Lip and how bloody long it took to break in. Any suggestions on brands or specific pipes maybe around $100 would be greatly appreciated by this noob.

 

[javajunkie]

Stanwell and Savinell make great pipes in that range new. Of course, that hundo would go a lot farther with an estate pipe.
If you want an instant rotation, you could get a Mr. Brog or two, or possibly a Tsuge Kaga from smoking pipes.com, and a bag of cobs. The Tsuge is win, the Brog is right now taken on hearsay (I will know more probably Monday, and cobs are the old used Toyota of the pipe smoking world; kinda ugly, but cheap and they work.
Good luck, and let us know what you find!

 

[jah76]

Hi Andrew. A note on the plip... tilt it back as you inhale a bit. It gets more smoke on the tongue. I'm going to widen a few of mine with a hand turned drill bit, but at a bit of an angle so the bottom opens up a bit.
I have an 1915ish Pete whose plip is tilted back much further then the modern ones. I don't know if it came out of the factory like that or not.

 

[john218]

I have 5 Savinellis and they all are good smokers. I only know of Stanwells by the reputation they have here on the forum, but I would suggest either brand in a new pipe. New Petersons have a reputation for quality problems and being slow to break in.
The older GBD's are good smoking pipes and there's always several on Ebay, but you may want to wait until you have a little more experience before buying estate pipes. Estate pipes, however, give you the best bang for the buck.
A bag of cobs is a good way to fill out your rotation and let you give your briars a rest.

 

[lordofthepiperings]

As far as makers go I'd suggest Peterson, Stanwell, and Savinelli. I've also only heard good things about Brighams.
Buy what appeals to you. If you're looking for pipes on a budget hit the estates section of site sponsors or briarbid.com .

 

[andrew369]

Thanks for the suggestions . Found some really nice Stanwells and Savinellis online brand new which are gorgeous looking pipes. Don't think I will get another Peterson unless it really catches my eye. That break in period was nasty. I'm a little weird about the idea of estate pipes. Not too sure I like the idea of having a pipe someone smoked before me. And all the maintenance work on them which I would inevitably mess up in some way.

 

[surlysoul]

If you would buy one of these it would make my wife happy. I used to feel the same way about estates, but I think buying one that has been cleaned by a professional is a good way to to get a good pipe. If you really don't want an estate I would consider one of the NOS Trypis on Briarbid.com.
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/ireland/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=117254
http://www.smokershaven.com/savinelli-estate-pipe-oscar-full-bent-billiard-614.aspx
http://www.briarbid.com/phillip-trypis-grade-5-dublin-new-old-stock,name,101254,auction_id,auction_details

 

[fishnbanjo]

My suggestion would be a Tsuge, they are a great value and some tremendous savings well below your $ amount on Smokingpipes.

 

[fishnbanjo]

Well if you eat at a restaurant that serves in other than paper plates, plastic ware and paper cups you use utensils others have eaten off of and after sterilizing a pipe it's no different and recycling at its best.
Thanks for the suggestions . Found some really nice Stanwells and Savinellis online brand new which are gorgeous looking pipes. Don't think I will get another Peterson unless it really catches my eye. That break in period was nasty. I'm a little weird about the idea of estate pipes. Not too sure I like the idea of having a pipe someone smoked before me. And all the maintenance work on them which I would inevitably mess up in some way.

 

[andrew369]

Lol good point Fish. It is so hard to tell what to go for. Know for a fact I will buy something and then see a pipe I love, bringing on one of those jump around the house like a madman while listening to Slipknot moments. Although some of those Tsuges do look nice, then there is Chacom and Dunhills too. I have no idea how you guys have not blown all your money on pipe smoking. Never thought there would be so much to choose from in terms of pipes and tobacco for what is a pretty small number of pipe smokers in terms of percentage of the population. Equally brilliant and brain melting at the same time. 8O

 

[andrew369]

Ohh bloody hell roth that sounds brilliant! Any idea if that offer is available to people outside America though? I'm in Ireland.

 

[andrew369]

Thanks a million for that info roth, will take a look around a few sites next couple of days but that sounds like a great one to pick up on. Never tried a Dunhill though although I don't think I have talked to anyone who doesn't like EMP so may be worth the chance.

 

[surlysoul]

I would listen to Roth and Fish, they are smarter than me. I have a couple of those Tsuge pipes and am very happy with them.

 

[numbersix]

I'm a little weird about the idea of estate pipes. Not too sure I like the idea of having a pipe someone smoked before me.

I was the same way when I first started, the very idea grossed me out, but I have since done a 180. They can represent a great value. For example, I picked up a $600 Dunhill for $150. And the pipe itself was barely smoked. Picked up a Pete meer for $25.
With estates, the stem can be thoroughly sanitized - so no worries there. The briar can be cleaned as well with a good salt and alcohol treatment or for really bad pipes, a full retort (use search to see how that's done). All in all, not very difficult.
Also, reputable dealers in estates (like smokingpipes.com) do an excellent job of cleaning them. With those types of sellers, you don't have to do any work.

 

[kashmir]

I would second the idea of a Stanwell. Lovely pipes. Very affordable. Give it go and let us know what you decide on. And, of course, post a pic, or at least a link. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[buster]

Stanwell or a Butz Choquin.
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/butz-choquin/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=118431

 

[ffmurray]

I agree with everyone who says an estate pipe, great value and a history to them, you could even pick up a couple of estate Dr Grabows for that price, and if you find the right ones the briar is even aged!