Stephen Downie Estate Pipe, I Think I Stole This One

[cigrmaster]

assaad, thanks. I have seen a lot of his work and a guy I know swears by his pipes. Nice to hear he is a good guy as well.
I just received an email saying my pipe has shipped, so I am getting it for the price they listed it at.

 

[teufelhund]

Congratulations!

 

[bobpnm]

Another beauty Harris! That stem is fantastic!

 

[cigrmaster]

Thanks teufelhund and Bob.
The pipe came in a short time ago and of course I had to light it up. It is smoking like a champ, cool and dry and my Astleys 44 tastes great. The stem is fantastic, it is nice and flat, a great button and really comfortable. My favorite stems are my Rad Davis pipes and this one is right up there, if I was blindfolded I would swear I was smoking a Rad. I am extremely happy with my purchase, and honestly would have been happy paying double for a pipe of this quality. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for another pipe from Stephen, really top quality work.

 

[msandoval858]

Beautiful pipe Harris! Lucky you saw it before I did. At that price I wouldn't have hesitated for that one!

 

[cigrmaster]

Thanks Mike, I know a lot of people would have jumped on it for that kind of dough. I am just lucky I began searching smokingpipes site before their newsletter came out. Just good timing is all.

 

[petes03]

I'd say you did get a deal Harris! That's a beauty, and personally, I like the blast! Congrats!

 

[cigrmaster]

Thanks Pete, I appreciate the nice words.

 

[allan]

Harris
First of all, congrats on your find. I have not heard of Mr. Downie before and examining his website, his pipes look fantastic, at reasonable prices. Getting that pipe for $135.00, you should be arrested. LOL
You and I both agree that stems are an extremely important element in choosing a pipe, at least for us clenchers. Rad's pipes fulfill that aspect 100 per cent. To find another maker that 'gets it' is wonderful.
Thank you for posting this find. You truly are a wealth of knowledge, at least pipe wise!
Enjoy that pipe.

 

[cigrmaster]

Allan, thanks for the kind words. I still cannot believe that someone at SP didn't screw the pooch on the price. Those guys never give pipes away, they are competitive, but they also know what pipes are worth.
I know that if you get a Downie someday, you will appreciate his stem work, it really does feel like a Rad.

 

[yazamitaz]

Harris,
It just amazes me how many beautiful works of art that you have shared with us from your collection. I wish I had the stones to drop over $200 on a pipe. I still don't feel that I am "expert enough" and wouldn't want to do the craftsman's work an injustice by messing it up, if that makes any sense.
Beautiful pipe and great score. Glad she is smoking well for you.
Dan

 

[cigrmaster]

Dan, thanks for the kind words. If you ever feel like you are ready to drop 200-250 for an artisan estate pipe let me know and I can help guide you. There are some fantastic pipes out there in that price range and even lower in many cases as was the case with my Downie. You do not have to be any kind of expert to appreciate a great pipe, you will be able to see for yourself why people like myself are enamored with our Rad's and other artisans as soon as you smoke one bowl. The comfort of a hand cut stem, a cool and dry smoke, a pipe that never needs a pipe cleaner to soak up moisture is something anyone can appreciate.

 

[mso489]

Might fine pipe, lovely balance and shaping. The price is a puzzle. Good going. Sometimes online

retailers seem to want to cull the herd and you can pick up some serious bargains ... as we see.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Check out this Downie that SP had some time back - he certainly has a flair for the dramatic, doesn't he: