Tsuge Tankard opinions?

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bigpond

Lifer
Oct 14, 2014
2,019
15
Hi folks,
Now that we've finally thawed, I'm up to my elbows in workshop projects. I've been looking for a suitable sitter and stumbled across the Tsuge which seems to tick all the right boxes. I do have a few minor concerns and know a few guys here have/had a Tankard and thought I would ask for feedback.
If you've smoked one does it have a tendency to be a wet smoker?

Is the bit comfortable to clench?
I've read Fishnbanjo's two reviews and found them very helpful.

 

brass

Lifer
Jun 4, 2014
1,840
11
United States
I have a Peterson tankard which smokes ok. Haven't decided if I like the p-lip but that is another topic.To me, a tankard is a modified poker and pokers are some of my best smoking pipes.

 

bigpond

Lifer
Oct 14, 2014
2,019
15
Yeah, the Pete is a horse of a different color. The Tsuge reminds me of the Duke or Don style, part of the appeal for me, but it has the height of an english chimney. I think pokers are usually cut to a billiard like dimension, no? Chimney's and Dukes are hard to come by and this pipe seems to draw from both.
Not too many pipes have a metal shank like this Tsuge, hence my concern about the potential for condensation to lead to the dreaded G.

 

fishnbanjo

Lifer
Feb 27, 2013
3,030
70
I have owned the Peterson Tankard for close to 30 years and have put several hundred smokes through it, it's a nice smoker. I bought the Tsuge Tankard when it first came out and have logged 1500 or more smokes in it and it is a fantastic smoker that cares not one bit what kind of tobacco is in it everything smokes great, I heartily recommend it over the Peterson.

banjo

 

bigpond

Lifer
Oct 14, 2014
2,019
15
Thank you Banjo! :worship:

That was all I needed to know. Now all I need to do is decide which flakes want to ride shotgun in my package. Hmmm....

 

fishnbanjo

Lifer
Feb 27, 2013
3,030
70
The one thing I will mention that I do is when I replace the stem I put it in with the right side of the bit between 12 and 1 o'clock and the left side between 6 and 7 o'clock, then I turn the stem clockwise to where it sits correctly. This ensures the metal portion that is screwed into the bowl hasn't loosened and if it has continue to get it tight then remove the stem and reinsert it all over again, I had gotten into the habit of only going clock wise for removal which prevents the metal component from becoming loose. Every dozen or so smokes I clean the metal work with a paper towel and warm water and it stays looking as new. Never had a single problem with it using this method.

banjo

 

fishnbanjo

Lifer
Feb 27, 2013
3,030
70
brass, there's nothing wrong with the Peterson but I burned through the first one I owned which Pterson replaced. I bought it in the winter when I owned probably 5 pipes and quickly found out harsh winter winds were not its friend so I smoked it indoors. The Tsuge has not had an issue with winds in any season and is always the pipe I use for walkabout in the winter, I think having the metal cap makes the difference as I have a high grade Peterson with a silver cap and it too is a fantastic smoker. Regards.

banjo

 

brass

Lifer
Jun 4, 2014
1,840
11
United States
Thanks, Banjo. Half of my pipes are Savs, and the rest come from around the world: American, Ireland, Turkey, France, Denmark, England, Spain (I think).
I don't think I'll be getting another Peterson. My tankard smokes fine but not spectacularly. But mostly, the Peterson shapes just don't me on like Danish or Italian pipes.
I've looked at Tsuge's before and liked many of them. I just hadn't seen an enthusiastic endorsement of their smoking qualities until your post.
I appreciate the tip about keeping things clock-wise.

 
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