Stanwell From Italy...New Pipe Decisions

[mkvillaire]

I recently purchased a Stanwell pipe online. Still new to pipe smoking, I didn't realize that these pipes are no longer made in Denmark. I thought about sending it back but once it was in my hand I had to smoke out of it. Seems to be a good smoker. What is different about the pipes made in Italy as opposed to the Danish made Stanwells? I can't help but wonder if I might have bought something else if I had done a little more research. You might call it "pipe buyers remorse." In any event, I'm already considering another pipe purchase. I prefer somewhat smaller pipes as I rarely like a smoke to last more than an hour. I'm looking for something for $100 or less. Can anyone suggest some good ones? Oh yeah, does anyone else have the problem of obsessively thinking about that next pipe purchase?

 

[mkvillaire]

Yeah I suppose "remorse" and "obsess" are pretty strong words. Just using them to get my point across. Like I said it is a good smoker. Jake Hackert? I never heard of it. Enlighten me.

 

[puffy]

More than likely Stanwells are being made from the same briar they were before the move.My guess would be that there's no difference.But as I said it's a guess...I think most of us pipe smokers are looking for that one more special pipe.Wheather we need it or not is an open question.

 

[mkvillaire]

Nice pipes!

 

[numbersix]

More than likely Stanwells are being made from the same briar they were before the move.

+1
I wouldn't stress about the fact that they are made in Italy. Italy has a long and proud tradition of pipe making and odds are, they are every bit as good as the Danish ones.
Personally I think Stanwells are great - so you might want to consider another Stanwell, but look for a Danish estate (but there are still news ones to be had too that are Denmark-made, just have to check).
Otherwise, as most here will tell you, Savinelli or Peterson make fine pipes too.

 

[mrenglish]

From what I have read, the Italian made Stanwell's are every bit as good as their Danish counterparts. Very strict quality control and I have not heard of any complaints regarding the new production.

 

[cigrmaster]

I don't know what styles you like, but here is a nice looking pipe that should be a good smoker. It is a group 4 size. I am always thinking of my next pipe, I live to buy pipes. :lol:
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/savinelli/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=92497

 

[instymp]

Fly fish, nice

 

[chopz]

and the same shape but rusticated and with a vulcanite stem:
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/savinelli/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=106921

 

[lonestar]

I cant comment on the Italian pipes, but I'm sure they're good pipes. Like others have said, Italians make good pipes.

I think the issue (for me and others) is that Stanwells have always been a step above others in their class. I have owned dozens of Savinellis and dozens of Stanwells. Most Savs I have owned are great pipes. Every Stanwell I have owned is a great pipe. That is one big difference.

The other difference is the relationship between Stanwell and several high end pipemakers in Denmark who worked hand in hand with Stanwell to design many of their pipes over the years. The style and selection of Stanwells was second to none in Factory made pipes.

The third strike (from what I have heard) is that much of the original equipment from the factory did NOT move to France.

Maybe I am just stubborn, but if a product is made in a different location, by different people, using different equipment, it just will not be the same thing. It may be just as good, but I just dont see how it can be the same.

To me its a heresy right up there with Dunhill Inc. selling off the Pipe Museum Alfred Dunhill spent his life building.

 

[photoman13]

Every time I hear Italian I always hope it is about Brebbia. I really feel like they are under-rated.

 

[rigmedic1]

I just purchased a Stanwell 83, which is a bent billiard. I find it comparable to the Savinellis and Petersons that I have. The rustication is well done, the fit and finish are excellent, and after I got past the pre-coating in the chamber, I found it to be an excellent pipe. I can't say that it is any better or worse than any of my other pipes though, but I am confident it was worth the price I paid for it.

 

[bentmike]

I like how lonestar said it:

Maybe I am just stubborn, but if a product is made in a different location, by different people, using different equipment, it just will not be the same thing. It may be just as good, but I just dont see how it can be the same.

I have a Italian made Stanwell and I love it. And I would certainly buy another but yes I have to agree the magic is missing.

 

[sjpipesmoker]

Why worry about stanwells when you have Hackert pipes?

 

[numbersix]

Maybe I am just stubborn, but if a product is made in a different location, by different people, using different equipment, it just will not be the same thing. It may be just as good, but I just dont see how it can be the same.

+1
Ol Cajun gifted me a beautiful Stanwell, and I am very impressed with it.
I wouldn't be surprised that the Italian version will be well made and a good value, but you make a good point.

 

[Perique]

I have an Italian Stanwell that is among my favorite pipes. Smokes fantastically. Italy vs Denmark = lower production costs. Both countries have excellent pipe making traditions. Be worried when they start making them in China.

 

[foggymountain]

I am writing hoping not to stir the ire of Stanwell lovers. They were among my first pipes in the 1950s. They were never great pipes, passable at best. A few years ago, noticing that I had few pipes left, I got three more Stanwells. One, made in Denmark, had a gold crown on the stem, their premo pipe, I guess. The others were made in Italy. The Danish Stan was ok, not great. The others were awful smokers which I sold before even breaking them in.

 

[lonestar]

De gustibus non est disputandum. I believe you if they never smoked well for you. That doesnt say anything about their quality, which has been some of the best in a factory pipe.

My opinion on Stanwells is comparing them to other factory made pipes in the same class (Peterson, Savinelli etc). I am curious which pipes you consider great ?

 

[photoman13]

I've never smoked a Stanwell or actually seen one in person. But they a lot of them look very nice.

 

[foggymountain]

lonestar: I love Petersons but just had one in the Stanwell price class. I didn't keep it either, but it was better than the Italian Stanwells. The reason Stans were so attractive in the fifties was that they were well shaped and original. There wasn't the large number of Danish pipemakers that there are now, as far as I know. The pipes are very likeable because of their interesting and sculptural shapes.