Tom Eltang Pipes

[Merton]

I have had a couple of Eltang pipes and a few of his S. Eltang line. They all have been well made and i especially like a Sara Eltang devil anse. You might think of getting one of his classic pokers, especially a rusticated one. They are very smokeable, aesthetically pleasing and light as a feather. I dont know that they are the "smoking machine" they are touted to be but i always enjoy mine. One thing about Eltang though is that he has a heavy hand on the bowl coating. Too much in my view than is required. But, he does make a very nice pipe.

 

[pauls456]

Part of the appeal of owning an Eltang is that you own a piece of pipe-making history. Tom is an important part of the history of pipe making. When guys like Eltang and Former are retired, they won't be replaced.

Tom has invented many of his signature shapes, while other established shapes are now associated with his execution of them.

For carvers in the pantheon (Former, Bang, Ivarssons, Nordh, Micke, Knudsen, etc) his high end pipes can be considered a (relative) bargain. His M-grades are worthy of that distinction.

Fortunately for the pipe smoking world at large, he makes more-or-less common pipes (an aesthetic rather than a functional distinction- his pipes are all perfectly engineered and executed) at various price points. So enjoy!

However, I will say that Tom carves a very specific size and shape of bit for most all of his pipes- rather thin and finely shaped. This will appeal to many, but not everyone.

 

[craig61a]

Tom Eltang draws a lot of water in the pipe making community. I have a couple of his pipes, and while that doesn't speak to the breadth of his work, they are fine pipes. The higher quality work is on the high side of the price spectrum. And the quality of the wood and materials used command a higher price, aside from just the experience of the work the carver put into it.

I haven't heard of many if any complaints at all about Tom Eltang's pipes. Then again I'm not the arbiter of all things Tom Eltang...

If it's a shape that appeals to you, and you have an interest in the carver, then go for it. I'm pretty sure you'll be pleased with it.

The tired old argument of "For what you paid for that could've got two or three of these" is misguided. You're buying a piece of art in my mind. And that piece of art will hold it's value in the long run. Two Volkswagons will get you from point A to point B; so will a Lamborgini. But you'll probably have a more enjoyable time drive the Lamborgini.

 

[saltedplug]

I put cobs above Dunhills and use Dunhills for gardening implements.

View attachment 58520
My point was why pay $500 for this.

View attachment 58521

When you could commission this for $150?

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Devastating point! But this ignores the illogic of branding that prevails in the market. Also, if the rusticated poker smokes as well as the high-end perhaps a bargain. But no, I think he pushes out the low-end as fast possible.

@luke, an opinion held for years about Eltang from those who have smoked his pipes is trustworthy and allows my comment, though I agree it would certainly better for me to experience smoking his pipes.

Given how often we complain about retailers, feeling justified to publicly chastise them with negative reviews that too often become bashing (4noggins), do you really think Eltang's reputation could have survived did it not reflect the quality of his pipes??

 

[briarbuck]

I absolutely love my large Arne Jacobsen. One of my favorite pipes. I probably will pull the trigger on another one...someday.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

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.

Haha, I think this is a healthy discussion no? It's always good to hear both sides of the argument and make the decision for yourself.

Dave, if your profile is anything to go by I think you're being a bit pessimistic about your "last pipe", but I am always on board when someone want to get "something special"! It's already been said but Tom does have a spot in the great lineage of Danish pipe makers.

It's a real shame we're still under these Pandemic Times, because the real advise is: if you are planning on spending $$$$ for a pipe, I'd go to a show to get some hands on experience of the pipes and the pipemaker (maybe less hands on in the latter case).

 

[Tennessee Dave]

Well Luka it may not be my last pipe but once you get North of 70 years your outlook does tend to change a bit. When I was younger it was "One day I am going to...." and now days it is "If not now, When?" I am blessed with good health, many of God's blessings (far beyond anything I have merited) and a wife who supports (or at least tolerates) my interests. I intend to enjoy these golden years as much as I can and circumstances allow. Always wanted an Eltang and now one is on the way.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

Well Luka it may not be my last pipe but once you get North of 70 years your outlook does tend to change a bit. When I was younger it was "One day I am going to...." and now days it is "If not now, When?" I am blessed with good health, many of God's blessings (far beyond anything I have merited) and a wife who supports (or at least tolerates) my interests. I intend to enjoy these golden years as much as I can and circumstances allow. Always wanted an Eltang and now one is on the way.

Amen to that brother. If you have any specific questions about Eltang feel free to shoot me a DM.

Cheers!

 

[BROBS]

Tom Eltang draws a lot of water in the pipe making community. I have a couple of his pipes, and while that doesn't speak to the breadth of his work, they are fine pipes. The higher quality work is on the high side of the price spectrum. And the quality of the wood and materials used command a higher price, aside from just the experience of the work the carver put into it.

I haven't heard of many if any complaints at all about Tom Eltang's pipes. Then again I'm not the arbiter of all things Tom Eltang...

If it's a shape that appeals to you, and you have an interest in the carver, then go for it. I'm pretty sure you'll be pleased with it.

The tired old argument of "For what you paid for that could've got two or three of these" is misguided. You're buying a piece of art in my mind. And that piece of art will hold it's value in the long run. Two Volkswagons will get you from point A to point B; so will a Lamborgini. But you'll probably have a more enjoyable time drive the Lamborgini.

A shitty ass piece of art, sure.
you can buy an overpriced hobby lobby painting or a real piece of art.

His work is straight-up boring. If you want “history” there are better examples too.

also it’s Volkswagen with an E.
and the two VWs you could buy for the price of a lambo would both piss all over that lambo. Hobby lobby painting.

 

[BROBS]

Ever notice it’s only people who own an eltang defending their purchase? Never others who say yeah they are good pipes just never bought one?

 

[lukasstrifeson]

A shitty ass piece of art, sure.
you can buy an overpriced hobby lobby painting or a real piece of art.

His work is straight-up boring. If you want “history” there are better examples too.

also it’s Volkswagen with an E.
and the two VWs you could buy for the price of a lambo would both piss all over that lambo. Hobby lobby painting.

Beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that.

But I do agree that the poetic descriptions of history and lineage can be a bit of snake oil, but then again aren't those short story tin descriptions that too?

Ever notice it’s only people who own an eltang defending their purchase? Never others who say yeah they are good pipes just never bought one?

So you're saying, no one who's actually tried an Eltang dislikes his work? ?

 

[BROBS]

Beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that.

But I do agree that the poetic descriptions of history and lineage can be a bit of snake oil, but then again aren't those short story tin descriptions that too?



So you're saying, no one who's actually tried an Eltang dislikes his work? ?

Or wants to admit they paid so much for one and regret it! ?

I’m just messing. Maybe they are amazing but to me never would be worth it unless I got one unsmoked for 1/16 price.

 

[cigrmaster]

For 20 years I have had a hard on for a top of the like Eltang Saturn grade(I think it's his highest grade)Dublin. I love his staining they have a name for it. His shaping is really impressive but I still haven't pulled the trigger. I can easily afford it as I recently bought 10 Jack Howell sandblasted pipes within the last few weeks.

The pipes of Tom's I like go for 1500.00 give or take a couple hundred. I just can't pull the trigger as friends of mine who own his pipes say they smoke ok a good solid pipe but nothing outstanding. For that kind of money I want it to smoke as good as my American artisan made pipes.

I cannot justify to myself that my 300.00 Jack Howell, will most likely be a superior smoker and I can get 5- 6 pipes for the price of one. Sure looks are important, but not 6 times important. I had 6 Formers at one time in my collection and ended up selling them all for a tidy profit. I know guys who have quite a few in their collections and some had a few and sold them off. I learned long ago, you cannot smoke grain. I refuse to trade off looks for smoking experience, no way does that happen ever again.

I still pine for a Saturn Grade ELtang but I doubt I will ever pull the trigger.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Ever notice it’s only people who own an eltang defending their purchase? Never others who say yeah they are good pipes just never bought one?

Had one once before.

 

[saltedplug]

Todd Johnson's website has a multitude of pictures of Micke pipes.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Todd Johnson's website has a multitude of pictures of Micke pipes.

For November's pipe smoker?

 

[unadoptedlamp]

Always wanted an Eltang and now one is on the way.

My guess is that you will not be disappointed. His pipes are a pleasure to smoke and to me, feel particularly nice in hand. Really depends on what interests you. I enjoy minimalism and the Danish styling. Combine that with the mechanics that he has mastered after decades of experience and it is difficult to find a better carver for those interests. Some people like these things, and others don't.

I would pay attention to the people who have actually owned them. On balance, people seem far more satisfied than not, so that's probably the best indicator you're likely to get on the internet, which is often a cesspool of negativity.

For most things with a high price tag, you'll consistently see people lining up to crap on it and call you vain for having it. It's been a forum feature for quite awhile, unfortunately, and these threads always bring it out.

Tom Eltang's history in the pipe world is worth mentioning, in my opinion, because he's been making pipes since many people here have been in diapers.

If he made shoddy pipes, he just wouldn't have lasted in the pipe world as long as he has. His shop wouldn't be a pilgrimage for many of the pipe makers in the world who go to him to learn some skills. He wouldn't have the respect of the finest pipe makers in the world.

Enjoy your pipe! Post a picture sometime when you get it.

 

[saltedplug]

I was taken aback lately by a long thread bashing 4noggins, and I regularly read threads bashing P&C. I don't think any business' procedures are improved by piling-on in a public platform. It's abusive. Someone owns and someone works in these businesses, and abuse hurts people.

You want to criticize a business for poor procedure or service? Follow the business' complaint procedure. Not nearly as satisfying as the former but much more likely to resolve the issue.

Bashing on a public forum provides nothing more than a transient release.

But what if the vendor won't engage with your concerns? Hell if I know!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Bashing on a public forum provides nothing more than a transient release.

Rich coming on here and bashing members brought him a lot of negativity.

 

[saltedplug]

I should add to my last post that if a vendor doesn't treat one fairly, bashing is understandable.

@embers. Rich is long gone. What does bashing 4noggins now have to do with Rich? More, if Rich got on the board and said silly things, how can bashing/being abusive reply to the things he said? It is those things that are the issue, thus if you wish to reply, reply to them.

Tell me, in what way does starting/continuing a firestorm of negativity address your issue?

Plus, it makes the board look bad.