Talk to me about Meerschaum.

[tarheel1]

When I first started smoking a pipe they were meerschaum pipes back in 1998. Unfortunately they were lost in the sandbox and I am thinking of getting a pipe or two. What should one look for in a quality meerschaum pipe? I know there are pressed blocks as well as natural blocks. One I am looking at is http://www.eacarey.com/5307k.html.

 

[warren]

You pretty much have to trust the vendor when buying on-line. Stick with reputable retailers, those listed in the left margin generally seem look after their customers, as pictures are no substitute to fondling and inspecting.

 

[warren]

Double post.
Lack of attention or an itchy trigger finger. Your choice!

 

[gloucesterman]

Stay away from the pressed blocks. They are prone to cracking. I agree with Warren, purchase from a reputable dealer.

 

[tarheel1]

ea careys link I posted is a forum sponsor.

 

[jitterbugdude]

I'm a big fan of Altinok Pipes. Own 2, getting ready to buy this one: http://altinokmeerschaumpipes.com/detail.asp?product_id=FP106
Very nice quality and excellent smokers.

 

[easterntraveler]

http://www.meerschaumstore.com/ they also frequent this forum. I believe under the alias meerqueen.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Wow, in checking out these links, it looks like meerschaums are going up in prices significantly, just in the last year or so. I remember when, only months ago, you could buy a block meerschaum pipe for $60-120 at best. And, $120 would get you one of those flowery meers with a couple of different stems and a case. I don't have one, but am not against getting one. I just have been super picky all of this time. They aren't crazy "out of reach" or anything.

:::sigh::: anyways, one hasn't "spoken" to me yet. When I hold them at the B&M or at the pipe show, they just don't feel right in my hand. That makes me super skeptical of ordering online.

Oh well, good thing I am super in love with briar.
Good luck with your search.

 

[Chasing Embers]

IMP, WGN, and AKB are very good block meer pipes. IMP went under and their lead carver started WGN, but they can still be found from time to time.

 

[cortezattic]

For me, the draft inside diameters of most meerschaums are too small ...and usually unalterable.

It's like sucking through a swizzle stick, and makes for a hot, wet smoke.

 

[mrbigglesworth]

I would like to get a nice meerschaum, myself. I have one that my parents brought back from a trip to Turkey several years ago, but it doesn't get smoked that much. Cosmic, I agree, the prices just seem to be going up. Even on briars. My first two briars, a Boswell and a Brebbia Pura, were $40 each in the late '90's. Every time I look at a meerschaum I end up thinking I'll just put that money into another briar instead. And here I am trying to build up a nice collection that will be "grandpa's pipes" for passing down someday. Thus, I digress. Sigh...

 

[brass]

I'm a big fan of Altinok Pipes. Own 2, getting ready to buy this one: http://altinokmeerschaumpipes.com/detail.asp?product_id=FP106

ooooh, pretty.

 

[okiescout]

I have one like the bulldog in your link at the top. I purchased it from my B&M. He had picked it up at the pipe show. Smokes fantastic! I do not care for most of carving and I like them as plain as that one.

 

[anarchisthermit]

I have 4 Altinoks and 1 IMP that are all fine smokers. They use a Delrin push tenon and a 4mm draft, about 5/32". I too like smooth finish, classic shapes like billiards and prince like shapes.
In the past I have tried bargain meers in the $45.00 - $80.00 price range and they all ended up in the trash.

 

[meerqueen]

Lets be honest

Meerqueen in diamond series are the best meerschaum pipes you can own.

- Briar type teflon tenon connection

- Grade of block meerschaum is 6 out of 6

- Workmanship is 6 out of 6

- Lightest block meerschaum ever

- Signed by master artisans

- Life time warranty

- Customisation is available

 

[easterntraveler]

I am definitely excited for my pipe coming from meerqueen. I am having a replica pipe made of my favorite briar. I will post pictures when it is completed.