By "best smoker" I meant the one that consistently gives the best smokes, even if in only sees one type of tobacco.But by "best smoker" do you mean the pipe that has the best performance with tobaccos or the one that gives the best overall smoking experience?
I refuse to believe that that Pete is a good smoker unless I test it for myself. I'll PM you my address.These three are my best smokers. All rather large.
1. Dunhill Root Briar 1965 size 4 (bigger than modern size 5) -- estate purchase from a pipe show
2. Peterson's HANDMADE with ass-tight grain -- purchased new circa 1990-2000
3. David Jones REGENCY 2708 S --purchased new in 1993 for $80 from Marty Pulver's Sherlock's Haven in San Francisco
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I have several Petes, all treasured. Back in the day, Petes had a well-earned rep for smoking great -- after breaking in like a bitch.I refuse to believe that that Pete is a good smoker unless I test it for myself. I'll PM you my address.
No they all stink now and are ugly to boot. No need to look for yourself as I’ve clearly proven myself to be clearly not self interested.I have several Petes, all treasured. Back in the day, Petes had a well-earned rep for smoking great -- after breaking in like a bitch.
I wonder if this still holds true?
Here's a few of my pipes that consistently give me easy, satisfying smokes. At the top is a Peterson's 9BC Sterling; a real winner. In the middle is a Connoisseur "Original" that I got free from Nikos Levin . . . free because there is a hairline crack in the rim. That was twenty years ago and it's intact and smoking just fine. The bottom pipe is a custom job that Murf O'Dean made for me; super smoker.You might say that there is no such thing as "the best" smoker. That if a pipe is capable of producing a great smoke even once, then anything short of that must be user error. I can't disagree. But I have one pipe that never fails to do produce a great smoke. It doesn't matter what tobacco I put in it or how perfectly I pack it. It has a slight preference for Virginia blends (probably because I do) but it loves flakes (folded or rubbed out), coins and ribbons equally. It doesn't matter if it's the first or last smoke of the day. The tobacco tastes good right to the bottom of the bowl and never gets harsh. And it's been that way since day one. To boot, it's also easy to clench and even sits on its own. Yes, user error accounts for the inconsistency in my other pipes but this one is foolproof.View attachment 291662.
Castello 1982 great line cherrywood.
Speaking of homely pipes, I have this no-name rusticated Italian pipe that fits the bill for the aforementioned question. It just smokes what I choose effortlessly but prefers VaPers and Balkans like a champ. It is what I consider my carpenters (akin to what i believe a pipe maker would smoke) pipeBoy, I have sure seen some beautiful pipes on this thread.
I have about 25 pipes and a few of them are very good looking, too. But, as embarrassing as it is, if I honestly answer as to which is the best smoking pipe, it is probably my "homeliest" pipe.
About 30 years ago I sorta/kinda started smoking pipes. Largely to use when I did Civil War reenacting. During this period I got one of those "kits" that consist of a square block of briar with holes in it. I used to sit with my pocket knife and just whittle away bits and pieces and ended up with this chunk. It doesn't look good but it smokes like a dream.
I feel like the boy who just introduced his ugly girlfriend to his family.......
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