I stand by my $300 threshold. If you have an unsmoked pipe of that value or greater, you might as well shelve it and find a smoked copy.
Taking the Plunge?
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I'm with deathmetal on this one: "Enjoy them as they are meant to be enjoyed for you, which is as gaping virgin orifices of briar." Very well put.
I have a few unsmoked pipes myself, and for the time being I'm enjoying and admiring them in that way - as pristine pieces, full of potential. I'll light them up one day, most likely. But it will be a special occasion, not because it's Tuesday. One thing for certain is once I do, there is no going back. So for now, the delayed gratification is what I'm finding to be most gratifying about them.
I have a few unsmoked pipes myself, and for the time being I'm enjoying and admiring them in that way - as pristine pieces, full of potential. I'll light them up one day, most likely. But it will be a special occasion, not because it's Tuesday. One thing for certain is once I do, there is no going back. So for now, the delayed gratification is what I'm finding to be most gratifying about them.
I've seen similar questions asked before and it always seems that the majority vote is something along the lines of "a pipe is meant to be smoked, so load it and enjoy it." I on the other hand am on the minority side, and have pipes in my collection that I do not smoke. I don't need to smoke every pipe in my collection to enjoy them. The pristine unsmoked pipes I have on display throughout my home bring me a distinct sort of satisfaction that I don't get from my other pipes. I suppose to me it's not so weird to collect something and not actually use it for the purpose it was made for, as I did the same thing with action figures as a kid. I had an amazing collection of Star Wars action figures growing up, and i remember that there were a select few I left in their packaging and had them on my desk in my room. Many of my friends pressured me to open them to play with, or that they would look nicer out of the packaging, but about 12 years later when I realized how much they were worth, I made quite the profit on them and was happy I hadn't listened to their advice. All this to say that I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. There's nothing wrong with keeping your beloved collection unsmoked, but there's also nothing wrong with smoking every pipe. Do as YOU see fit and will bring you the most enjoyment with your collection, and don't feel pressured to follow the crowd.
I have a Tim West that is still pure, mostly due to indecisiveness on my part. This was my first artisan and when I bought it 9 months ago I decided to wait until I was sure I wouldn't 'damage' it (I've only been at this about two years) also I have no idea What to smoke thru it, it is a rather deep narrow bowl. I think today might be the day!
If you're using terms such as "defile" in other than a jocular way, then, yes, by all means, leave the poor virgin alone. Admire her on the shelf, etc.
But if you can think that lovingly loading her, tamping her tobacco chamber with skill, feeling the smoothness of her barrel, and then tasting the sweetness of what she has to offer is a good thing, then you will have crossed the bar.
Happy smoking!
But if you can think that lovingly loading her, tamping her tobacco chamber with skill, feeling the smoothness of her barrel, and then tasting the sweetness of what she has to offer is a good thing, then you will have crossed the bar.
Happy smoking!
I have some unsmoked pipes, but every pipe I have ever purchased, except for one, I do plan to smoke.
For me, it is a question of time.
It takes a lot of work and attention to break in a new pipe, and I like to concentrate on the process when I do break one in. Usually it is just far easier for me to grab a pipe already in the rotation rather than breaking in a new one.
I usually have time over the Christmas holidays and always break in a few pipes as I chill and listen to music.
For me, it is a question of time.
It takes a lot of work and attention to break in a new pipe, and I like to concentrate on the process when I do break one in. Usually it is just far easier for me to grab a pipe already in the rotation rather than breaking in a new one.
I usually have time over the Christmas holidays and always break in a few pipes as I chill and listen to music.
My opinion sounds like many in that, as your pipe, it's yours to choose.
For me, I don't think I could buy a pipe that I wouldn't consider smoking; I do appreciate the craftsmanship of a pipe.
For me, I don't think I could buy a pipe that I wouldn't consider smoking; I do appreciate the craftsmanship of a pipe.
Thank you all for your insight.
I think Warren sold me with:
I think Warren sold me with:
So, maybe I'll snuggle up with just one of the sisters; I don't want to be selfish, first time out.
As a side note, I remember reading somewhere that Samuel Clemens actually paid someone to break in his new pipes. When I first heard that I thought it was a joke, but after breaking in a couple of pipes, I could see the advantage of that service for a serious, constant pipe smoker like him. It would be a way to avoid a bit of a hassle, but it never occured to me that maybe he just couldn't bring himself to do it on his own. So I say smoke the Orwell and pay someone else to smoke the Mark Twain. It just so happens that I find myself available... :wink:
I read long ago that there were those who broke in pipes for the rich and famous, in Paris and London, a hundred years ago. Not exactly a great career path!
Unless a pipe has some historical significance, like some in Sables collection, then smoke them. Al's right if it worth less than $300 I wouldn't give it a second thought. Very few Petersons will ever have special significance. It's a pipe that was made to be smoked so enjoy it.
Unless a pipe has some historical significance, like some in Sables collection, then smoke them.
A good time to get some input from the masses on this one.
This is a Sasieni Specially Selected 8-Dot that I picked up on fleabay about a year ago. It was like new, still in the box,complete with lead stam signed by Alfred Saisieni.
This, according to Hacker:
A good time to get some input from the masses on this one.
This is a Sasieni Specially Selected 8-Dot that I picked up on fleabay about a year ago. It was like new, still in the box,complete with lead stam signed by Alfred Saisieni.
This, according to Hacker:
What say you all? Smoke this one or keep it as is?
That. Sasieni. Pipe. Is... A M A Z I N G .
I couldn't bring myself to smoke such a treasure; it would be displayed behind glass for my aesthetic pleasure. So much pretty -- so much history -- so much awesome. Thank you for sharing it with the post.
I couldn't bring myself to smoke such a treasure; it would be displayed behind glass for my aesthetic pleasure. So much pretty -- so much history -- so much awesome. Thank you for sharing it with the post.
That chamber wall sure looks rough! It's your pipe. Do what you want with it. I have a strong interest in the history of British pipes, so my unsmoked antiques stay that way. But I smoke Barlings that are older, though smoked. I just take extremely good care of them so as not to cause further wear and tear.
If that was a Joel Sasieni Specially Selected from the 1920's, no way would I put a match to it. I probably wouldn't put a match to this one as it's a rarity, and once lit, worth about 1/2 to 1/3 what it would fetch unsmoked. After all, this is a collectors pipe, not a standard run. Once smoked, it's just another used pipe.
If that was a Joel Sasieni Specially Selected from the 1920's, no way would I put a match to it. I probably wouldn't put a match to this one as it's a rarity, and once lit, worth about 1/2 to 1/3 what it would fetch unsmoked. After all, this is a collectors pipe, not a standard run. Once smoked, it's just another used pipe.
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