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PipeIT

PipeIT

Lifer
Nov 14, 2020
5,238
30,918
Hawaii
@Tennessee Dave did you say Discord?

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Discord - Group Chat That’s All Fun & Games

Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out.
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Oops wrong Discord! LOL, just a little computer joke! ?

No worries about any Discord! :)

6B03D45B-2CFD-4441-94D4-C8BC6D26EA6A.jpeg

@lukasstrifeson what Gold Eltang are you referring too?

@chasingembers I cam real close to buying an Eltang Mini Poker with bone, like that one you pictured.

I thought those were suppose to be great pipes, or any of his Pokers for that matter... hmm ?

I was also about to pull the trigger on a SPC 20th Anniversary Rusticated Billiard.

45747035-4EA1-4067-9E97-50B057284583.jpeg

In the end, I just couldn’t afford these, maybe one day...
 
Last edited:
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Chasing Embers

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
46,108
123,661
PipeIT said:
@lukasstrifeson what Gold Eltang are you referring too?

@chasingembers I cam real close to buying an Eltang Mini Poker with bone, like that one you pictured.

I thought those were suppose to be great pipes, or any of his Pokers for that matter... hmm ?

I was also about to pull the trigger on a SPC 20th Anniversary Rusticated Billiard.

View attachment 58651

In the end, I just couldn’t afford these, maybe one day...
Click to expand...
I just can't bring myself to pay those prices for rustication. A sandblast that reveals ring grain is one thing, but rustication is often used to cover flaws.
 
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boston

boston

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 27, 2018
574
1,315
Boston
Eltang has a good reputation. I don't have one of his pipes, but reputation is not simple to earn. And its not like buying something from a major brand...where you don't know the carver.

As to price, the guy isn't likely driving an expensive sports car or living too large.... although I hope he is!

I don't know...and have not heard.. that he's compromised his brand with cheap or otherwise poorly made pipes.

Having some experience in the hobby, I've always reminded myself, most carvers don't make a killing, and it's a hard life for most to chase their passion and art.

Simply saying, if you have the coin, and if an Eltang will make you happy, I'll bet a nickel (cuz I'm a periodically cheap Yankee) it will be a safe bet. Perhaps it will be as good or better than most...which is what we all hope from an artisans pipe.

With most artisan carvers if u have a problem they will bend over backwards to fix it. Maybe Tom Eltang is a similar dude?

My comments are less meaningful because I don't speak from experience with this carver. But I do know many, and I think we need 'all' the good artisan carvers we can get in the hobby.

As to an apprentice, that's a coin flip. But studying under someone like Tom Eltang who knows pipe making is not trivial. For me, in my prime frenzy buying pipes, I'd give him a shot if I liked his work. I never regretted an artisans pipe. Never.

Money is scarce for many. And very good/excellent pipes can be had for less. Absolutely. But if you're able, and if it will make you happy, I say go for it. It's not a car, just a spendy pipe.
 
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PipeIT

PipeIT

Lifer
Nov 14, 2020
5,238
30,918
Hawaii
chasingembers said:
I just can't bring myself to pay those prices for rustication. A sandblast that reveals ring grain is one thing, but rustication is often used to cover flaws.
Click to expand...

Now you got me paranoid... LOL ?

As chasingembers looks and speaks to me;

Don’t Buy Rusticated Boy! That’s the Style used to Cover Flaws! rotf

Boy, let me slap ya upside ya head for thinking about them dang Rusticated!

ED22FA66-D113-44F6-8DE7-5926A4B13565.gif
 
gamzultovah

gamzultovah

Lifer
Aug 4, 2019
3,241
21,656
Tennessee Dave said:
Well I appreciate the input brothers. Certainly didn't mean to cause any discord which is why I originally thought it would be better via PM. I not looking to just spend money. I was actually thinking about a commission from a young man that spent quite a bit of time with Eltang in his shop. One of the reasons that I even looked at Eltang's pipes was the high regard that the American artisan had for Mr. Eltang. His prices are not far removed from what Eltang charges. This will be my last "major purchase" pipe as I am getting old. I have plenty of really good smoking pipes including cobs, Petes, Castellos and several American artisan carvers. I would like for this last pipe to be something special. Hence the reason for my asking for thoughts. Peace brothers.
Click to expand...
Dave (if I may), I’ve owned (and own) many artisan pipes simply out of an affinity for the artist. I currently own two Eltangs and I have given two away to very good friends, and all of them smoked fine, but no better than any other pipe in my collection. The only reason I own any Eltang pipes at all is my affinity for Mr. Eltang and my like of two of his signature shapes. I say buy one of his creations if that what strikes you...you won’t be disappointed.
 
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PipeIT

PipeIT

Lifer
Nov 14, 2020
5,238
30,918
Hawaii
chasingembers said:
Think I'm kidding?
Click to expand...

Oh, I know you’re not, neither was I.

I was just making light of it with some humor is all.

I do have some paranoia, nervousness about it, a wee bit, only to hope, if I get Rusticated pipes the wood will be good.

I actually just bought two Italian pipes, both Rusticated, that I’m doing a review on in ‘Pipe Talk’.

I have known, that people do consider that the possible reason(s) for some pipes being Rusticated are exactly as you mention, to hide flaws.

P.S. @charf so are you the guy that bought up all the SPC 20 Anniversary Eltang Rusticated Billards? LOL ?

I swear, I was looking at those pipes for weeks, then when I was ready to pull the trigger, I go back to SPC, and every one of them is gone.... :oops:
 
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Chasing Embers

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
46,108
123,661
PipeIT said:
Oh, I know you’re not, neither was I.

I was just making light of it with some humor is all.

I do have some paranoia, nervousness about it, a wee bit, only to hope, if I get Rusticated pipes the wood will be good.

I actually just bought two Italian pipes, both Rusticated, that I’m doing a review on in ‘Pipe Talk’.

I have known, that people do consider that the possible reason(s) for some pipes being Rusticated are exactly as you mention, to hide flaws.
Click to expand...
Now don't get me wrong, some rustications are done for artistry such as Savinelli's Capri or Castello's Sea Rock, but I cant pay top dollar for a finish that removes the natural grain or texture from a pipe. Granted I'm a blast fanatic, but even that shows the briar's natural grain.
 
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PipeIT

PipeIT

Lifer
Nov 14, 2020
5,238
30,918
Hawaii
chasingembers said:
Now don't get me wrong, some rustications are done for artistry such as Savinelli's Capri or Castello's Sea Rock, but I cant pay top dollar for a finish that removes the natural grain or texture from a pipe. Granted I'm a blast fanatic, but even that shows the briar's natural grain.
Click to expand...
Oh yes, I get it, depends, we could say, where you get it from and how much.

Castello hiding flaws in their Rustication would certainly turn heads.... :oops:
 
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charf

charf

Part of the Furniture Now
Jul 10, 2018
575
3,192
New Zealand
PipeIT said:
Oh, I know you’re not, neither was I.

I was just making light of it with some humor is all.

I do have some paranoia, nervousness about it, a wee bit, only to hope, if I get Rusticated pipes the wood will be good.

I actually just bought two Italian pipes, both Rusticated, that I’m doing a review on in ‘Pipe Talk’.

I have known, that people do consider that the possible reason(s) for some pipes being Rusticated are exactly as you mention, to hide flaws.

P.S. @charf so are you the guy that bought up all the SPC 20 Anniversary Eltang Rusticated Billards? LOL ?

I swear, I was looking at those pipes for weeks, then when I was ready to pull the trigger, I go back to SPC, and every one of them is gone.... :oops:
Click to expand...
Nah, not me. Just bought one. Took a looong time to arrive by post thought. Thought it had gone MIA but finally it arrived.
 
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