I'd highly recommend the Stanwell bulldog shape 32 to a first-time briar buyer. Not everyone will choose a straight bulldog, let alone a saddle stem, but if a newbie likes the shape visually, it has much to recommend it. The standard recommendation might be a medium (Group 4) billiard, and I'd have several recommendations on that too. But the Stanwell shape 32 is one of their original shapes, is a good compact pipe, light-weight for clenching and lunting, with enough bowl for many blends. It has a good open draw. It's readily available and at a good price. It's one of the few pipes that has actually gone down in price from close to $100 for many versions to around $60, sometimes as low as $50 on sale, and so much better than basket pipes that sell for just a little less. It's a keeper that will remain with a pipe smoker through their life. It's not the single answer for those who have a different idea in mind, but it is certainly a good one if you like the look. I think it is claimed by some to be the first/original Stanwell shape and it has certainly reamained popular through the years. I own two, both made after the move to Italy, but I have absolutely no complaints.
Here's a link, the scroll down to the 32: http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pipes/66580/stanwell-silkebrun-pipes/
Here's a link, the scroll down to the 32: http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pipes/66580/stanwell-silkebrun-pipes/
