After a year‘s use, I thought a review might be useful to other buyers considering a Vauen pipe of this sort.
BLUF: it is beautifully made piece with a (IMO) high grade of briar and pressed meershaum lined bowl. I also will not purchase another.
It is a good smoker with no gurgle and tightly fit. For those considering one, my caution is that in combining briar and meerschaum you gain none of the full benefit of either type.
Cleaning must be done very carefully so as not to mark the meer lining, and a break in process was recommended by the vendor consisting of small bowls before further filling the pipe. My lining rapidly developed hairline cracks throughout the bowl which have thus far been cosmetic and are stabilized by carbon buildup. (One of which is visible in the photo).
What I do like is the great filtration system, which does work with no bypass when using their filters.
I have another Vauen Fuego 740 which has turned out to be a gurgle machine. Perhaps the meershaum lining does absorb more than their full briar Version.
I hope my experience helps you make the best decision for you should you consider the purchase of this or similar pipe! Caveat emptor.
BLUF: it is beautifully made piece with a (IMO) high grade of briar and pressed meershaum lined bowl. I also will not purchase another.
It is a good smoker with no gurgle and tightly fit. For those considering one, my caution is that in combining briar and meerschaum you gain none of the full benefit of either type.
Cleaning must be done very carefully so as not to mark the meer lining, and a break in process was recommended by the vendor consisting of small bowls before further filling the pipe. My lining rapidly developed hairline cracks throughout the bowl which have thus far been cosmetic and are stabilized by carbon buildup. (One of which is visible in the photo).
What I do like is the great filtration system, which does work with no bypass when using their filters.
I have another Vauen Fuego 740 which has turned out to be a gurgle machine. Perhaps the meershaum lining does absorb more than their full briar Version.
I hope my experience helps you make the best decision for you should you consider the purchase of this or similar pipe! Caveat emptor.