I have always wanted a Japanese pipe, but most are too expensive or the style is not to my liking. For several years, smokingpipes.com had Tsuge factory pipes by the dozen at reasonable prices, but the shapes weren't just right. Fussy, fussy. Here lately, PC sent out an email ad for a discount on Tsuges. Featured were the tankard style with metal exteriors. But at the bottom of the ad was a straight blast black billiard called a "Sampling Pipe," but with specs that indicated it was a full size pipe. Hmmm. I'm always a sucker for a billiard, and in this case a Tsuge. At a most affordable $39.99. I'm always one to ponder and debate myself. This time I bought quickly. The next time I looked, after I'd received my shipping notification, the pipes were out of stock! I think it was the brand that gave me courage. It arrived, and I must say, it is a sweetheart, light weight, full length, with wide and deep bowl. The blast is intricate and delicate, not like any other I have. There are a few tiny pits on one side of the bowl, very Japanese to have flaws to ponder in a Zen-like way, but not shoddy looking. And here's the final grace note; the straight billiard in its very traditional style is a sitter! What a nice touch, just enough flat surface to do the trick. If this sounds good, keep an eye out for it. It might come back.
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