Stanwell vs. Savinelli
- Thread starter spud
- Start date
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
- Status
I think you may need to watch for specific Lines or Models. Both brands have some lines of pipes that are up there with the other elite brands, both quality and price. There more moderate lines of pipes are very comparable in quality and price. For both Sav and Stan, unless you are just a real bargain hunter, (from my own experiences) I feel it is better to buy them new. That way you don;t have to worry about the abuse of a previous owner that may put you off to the entire brand.
I went off the deep end for a while with estate pipes. After restoring, smoking and reselling a lot, I only keep an eye out now for specific things I want and have turned my eyes to spending a few extra bucks on new pipes. I did find if you were willing to buy from someone who was not an established seller on the bay or someone who was not known for selling pipes you can get some great deals, but you also get burned at a much higher rate.
I went off the deep end for a while with estate pipes. After restoring, smoking and reselling a lot, I only keep an eye out now for specific things I want and have turned my eyes to spending a few extra bucks on new pipes. I did find if you were willing to buy from someone who was not an established seller on the bay or someone who was not known for selling pipes you can get some great deals, but you also get burned at a much higher rate.
+1 on Stanwell "bang for buck", I have 4 of them; 2-63Ms (outstanding flake pipe smokers/conical drilled bowls), 1-Golden Danish Pot and one HCA..I don't like vulcanite stems do to the extra care required to keep them looking at their best...otherwise the Savs (lower-end models) will also work fine (I also have a few Savs as well with Vulcanite stems) and you can save between $20-$50 off the price of a Stanwell this way
I had a Stanwell once and I really wanted to love it. Very light for its size, beautiful carving, and great stain job. Unfortunately, it didn't smoke well and off to a new owner it went. I've yet to have a bad experience with a Sav. I find the De Luxe Milano line (no longer made) is often in my price range and I think the brass bar adds a touch of class. I'm still waiting for the perfect 320 KS (large author-style shape) to come up for me to purchase.
Good luck with that. Every estate 320 I find shots through the roof price wise. I have one but I bought it new. They have a line called "Antique Shell" Rusticated finish, it is a seconds line but smokes the same. I got mine for just over $50, Pipesandcigars usually carries them, though they go out of stock quickly. I would love to get a 320EX. It would be like a big brother to my current 320.
I prefer Savs myself and when it comes to estates I generally look for old subsidiaries or seconds. They may not be the prettiest, but they sure smoke sweet and I snatch them up for a pittance.
I don't know very well the newer Stanwell production. Speaking for the old one, they are pipes I'd suggest over every other at the medium level.
I own more savinelli, part because I like (or liked) the disegn part because I live quite close their firtst, central, home shop in Milan and this means temptation always at work.
All my first good pipes, 20-25 years ago were either Savinelli or Stanwell.
To me, they smoked equally well but I do admit Stans had an edge on Savs especially on the bit quality. The Savinelli bit was lousy, the Stanwel bit was in great ebonite, at Dunhill quality level. Most of my old Savinelli were re-equipped with quality hand-cut bits at Dunhill quality level. I never felt that need with Stanwells.
I own more savinelli, part because I like (or liked) the disegn part because I live quite close their firtst, central, home shop in Milan and this means temptation always at work.
All my first good pipes, 20-25 years ago were either Savinelli or Stanwell.
To me, they smoked equally well but I do admit Stans had an edge on Savs especially on the bit quality. The Savinelli bit was lousy, the Stanwel bit was in great ebonite, at Dunhill quality level. Most of my old Savinelli were re-equipped with quality hand-cut bits at Dunhill quality level. I never felt that need with Stanwells.
:
When I first got into pipe smoking I looked at three brands of pipes: Peterson, Savinelli and Stanwell. I currently have 1 Peterson, 4 Savinelli's and 0 Stanwells. I'm on the lookout for a quality Stanwell on eBay though. Just waiting for the right pipe at a good price point. I love my Sav's. They are inexpensive $50-60, durable and great smokers. Hard to beat that.
- Status