The Attraction of Rhodesians

[sparrowhawk]

I'm considerering a Rhodian/Bulldog because they seem so popular. But I've never held one in hand or seen one in person, so let me ask you Rhodians owners, what is the attraction of the Bulldog? Why are they so popular? I would hate to pull the trigger on a Rhodesian unless I would be genuinely happy with it: I'm thinking of the Peterson Dracula sandblasted one. Chime in!

 

[newbroom]

Typically nice thick walled bowls, a gentle bend that facilitates clenching, a little more compact than a straight billiard, less cumbersome, below eye level in the mouth, usually a fairly large bowl, they give the suggestion of a calabash without wasted space. They feel great in the hand and they're more appealing to my eye.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Good, comprehesive answer, newboom. Thanks!

 

[ssjones]

For my taste, it's all about the tapered stem Rhodesian. I've never quite been able to figure out what it is about the attraction to that shape, but it is somehow very appealing....

 

[newbroom]

sparrowhawk, just keep in mind, my knowledge is that of a fledgling.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Oh, ha ha, ss. Newbroom, your answer seems quite convincing and well reasoned. Your response alone may make me pull the tripgger on a Rhodisian. Oh, and excuse my misspellings; I'm not wearing my reading glasses.

 

[newbroom]

Al, then there's THAT! :worship:

 

[sparrowhawk]

I would have never made Al's association. One of us is either hopeless or a dirty old man.

 

[jkrug]

....speechless!! :clap:

 

[sparrowhawk]

BTW, I did a little reading, and apparently a bulldog is NOT a Rhodisian: differences in the shank. I don't like the triangular shank of the classic bulldog.

 

[mranglophile]

Great one Al.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Well, with help from Newbroom's input, notwithstanding the other stange remarks here, I decided to pull the trigger and order a Dracula Rhodesian from SP. I'll let you know my verdict when it arrives. Thanks (I think) guys!

Here's the pipe I ordered:

 

[ssjones]

You guys aren't getting this connection???
I am a fan of the bulldog as well, particular a bent taper stem shape.

 

[sparrowhawk]

I would not have made this association. I suppose there's something wrong with my glands.

PS: Say, where do you perverts get all these photos?

 

[gambit88]

I like them both. Don't know why but I do. I only have one Rhodesian but probably 6 or 8 bulldogs. Most of them are kaywoodies(big surprise) but lately I've been favoring and old grabow bulldog. They smoke nice and cool and even if you smoke too fast the bowl never really gets too warm.

 

[gambit88]

I like them both. Don't know why but I do. I only have one Rhodesian but probably 6 or 8 bulldogs. Most of them are kaywoodies(big surprise) but lately I've been favoring and old grabow bulldog. They smoke nice and cool and even if you smoke too fast the bowl never really gets too warm.

 

[ssjones]

You chose well, the 999 is a classic Rhodesian shape.
Pix = Google...

 

[sparrowhawk]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, ss. I like simplicity, and Peterson delivers a nice sandblast on their pipes.

 

[newbroom]

I've read all sorts of opinion on what differentiates one from the other. One suggested that it was how the rim was angled or not...some speak of the diamond vs round shank. The Author style and the Rhodesian style to me are quite similar.

sparrowhawk, I am pretty sure that you'll be happy with that beauty!

bubbleheaddiver, yours looks like a hybrid leaning toward the Rhodesian from a bulldog. The top part is more bulldog, imo. Nice pipe!

 

[misterlowercase]

That pic deserved a re-post!

:!:
It took me a while to come around to the shape,

now I love them and actively seeking them out.
Gamboni makes a good one!

It was this pipe made by Russ Cook that originally turned me on to how good the shape can be,

he calls this a "diamond dog"...