So, What Pipe Shape Sings to You?

[toobfreak]

Obviously, any pipe shape can smoke well, it isn't the shape but the craftsmanship that makes a good pipe, so it really comes down to what you personally like. There are a hundred basic, classic shapes out there and a thousand different looks, not even counting the freehands! I have everything from straight billiards to gourd calabashes and I like them all. Look to whatever best fits your lifestyle and personality--- the pipe should say something about YOU.

 

[warren]

A pipe must be bent, to some degree and conservative in shape to attract my eye. Then it comes out/off the display to be fondled and examined. Once home, it must rest comfortably in my mouth and within a few smokes deliver an ill defined but, satisfying, experience.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I find I drift around as to favorite shape- sometimes Hungarians, sometimes Canadians, sometimes Yachtsman, or billiard, etc. Sometimes it needs to be a blast; others, smooth. Not a fan of most freehand or nose warmers. But things do change, I've found.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Obviously, any pipe shape can smoke well, it isn't the shape but the craftsmanship that makes a good pipe....

I think the briar used is as important as craftsmanship- without it, the best work can't make a silk purse.

 

[deathmetal]

I will never tire of billiards. Typical, I know.

 

[prndl]

Peterson 03 silver spigot.
It may/may not smoke worth a toot but, it sure looks the part.

 

[daveinlax]

I've always loved the Castello shape 30 the chubby bent apple with an sharp oval shank. 8O

 

[johnbarleycorn]

I love apples - bent or straight....and zulus....and pokers.....and......

 

[toobfreak]

I think the briar used is as important as craftsmanship- without it, the best work can't make a silk purse.

Yep. I consider good briar to be part of the job of the craftsman in picking out well.

 

[philobeddoe]

I have examples of many shapes in my stable, but the vast majority fit into the 1/4 or 1/8 bent pot, apple and Rhodesian family. I like a pipe with thick walls, a little bend and generally around a KKKK or group 5ish.

 

[hammerhorror]

Love Dublins. Oddly enough, I don't currently own one...

 

[darthcider]

Pokers and cuttys are my favourites at present, but that may change over time.

I do love my little clay cuttys.

 

[instymp]

didache... same here.

 

[dread]

Bent apples have my fancy these days.

 

[sablebrush52]

As long as I stay on my meds, no pipe sings to me.

 

[Chasing Embers]

This one sang, I just didn't like the song. :mrgreen:

 

[thomasw]

Dublins are my favourite.

 

[mso489]

I'm a fan of variety, but lately straight billiards have called me back to that great tradition. Dublins, bulldogs, zulus are favorites. I have three or so pokers I like a lot, a great little egg clencher, several princes, and some pots that really unfold complex bends, a diplomat, two authors, some well smoked freehands, billiards straight and bent, two much-enjoyed brandies ... you get the picture. I have some bright stains and stems, but over all I seem to tend toward fairly conservative pipes, not by intent. I have several churchwardens and a Hungarian/Oom-Paul.

 

[simong]

This one. Like a canary!

 

[jefff]

Cuttys have lately sung to me.
And Cosmic has a Regina Scarlatta Dublin that I like a great deal.