Subtle Yet Obviously Different Pipes - How To Choose?

[shanez]

Occasionally I come across 2 pipes that are very similar yet upon closer examination are obviously different. It's always difficult to decide which I like more.

Maybe some opinions of others will help. Which of these do you prefer and why?





They're both by the same carver.

 

[BROBS]

I dislike rounded bowls like the top one. Bottom one fits the design better.

 

[BROBS]

Are they called “The Sperm Hunter” ?! ?

 

[mso489]

If you are going to a stylized design like this, go all the way. The top one is handsome, but looks like a traditional design that is somewhat jazzed up. The bottom one has the integrity of being exotic all around.

 

[Chasing Embers]

The top one looks like the carved reconsidered the design, the bottom appears complete. I would go with the bottom.

 

[workman]

The top one looks like that thing whatever it is that's been shot by an arrow has been dead for a week.
The bottom one looks like it's just been hit.
The bottom one for sure, much more dynamic.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

The curves on the bottom one are less interrupted and more dramatic. It got my vote. The top one is nice too though.

 

[jttnk]

Seems pretty unanimous. Bottom one for sure. Very cool pipes. I’m sure you’ll treasure them. You must smoke Ahab’s Comfort in that one.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I don't care for either one all that much so I'd probably take the top one because the grain appears to be nicer. May be the photo but it looks out of round though. The workmanship on both does not appear to be that great. If they're $90 pipes, buy both perhaps if you like them. If they're $200 pipes plus, which I expect they probably are, well ....... It's your money to do with as you please.

 

[autumnfog]

Both have poor stem-bowl alignment.

 

[SpookedPiper]

Neat pipes, but the bottom one would be my choice as well! Enjoy!

 

[scloyd]

Neither...I'll play along though. Voted for the bottom.

 

[autumnfog]

Both have poor stem-bowl alignment.

Correction: shank-bowl alignment.

 

[mso489]

This is one of those rare threads where Forums opinion was nearly a consensus. Don't worry. This won't happen again soon.

 

[bnichols23]

Well, as usual I guess I'm the oddball. I like the top one better.

 

[tenton]

Another odd ball here. I like the wood grain on the top one + the top of the bowl is a normal shape, maybe easier to light?

 

[kcghost]

I preferred the top one too.

 

[sablebrush52]

They're both interesting in the same way that a car wreck with bloody bodies flung around it is interesting, but I'd vote neither. They're sort of the Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum of ugly. The joinery work is clumsy in both. The alignment of bowl to shank is poorly executed, and the profile flow is clumsy. The finish of both bowls, at least in the pictures, looks pretty so-so. It's an ambitious idea, indifferently realized.

 

[doug535]

Keeping with the sleeker thinner lines of the design, the bottom bowl goes better with the design. The top one appears out of balance with the heavier thicker bowl. I agree with autumnfog that the shank to stummel/bowl should be a lot cleaner.

 

[anotherbob]

don't like either if I am to be honest. But I guess I'd go with the top one if I had to.