Ukrainian Pipes Anyone?

[UncleRJ]

Since I need the assistance of a cane to walk, I decided to collect COOL canes instead of those Cheap and Ugly Aluminum ones.

And I have had more than a few hand-carved for me in Ukraine.

Looks like one of my favorite carvers has started carving unique Briar Pipes.

And since I like unique items, I decided to give him a try.




This one is what fancy art folk would call Multi Media as it has carved stone inlay in addition to all of the wood carving.

Anyone here tried a pipe from that part of the world?

 

[anotherbob]

tasteful I like that.

 

[mso489]

Weight would be a consideration, but it certainly has a unique distinctive look. I like your idea of getting canes that are artful.

 

[UncleRJ]

Thanks for sharing your honest opinions with me!

The canes that I have had specially made for me, not only have the design I wanted but are made to fit my height as well as my hand.

They also fit my budget at under $60 INCLUDING $&H!

Hopefully now that USPS is slowly getting it's act back together (I have a very nice Block Meerschaum Pipe MIA) I hope to receive the pipe in about 10 days or so!

 

[UncleRJ]

Weight would be a consideration, but it certainly has a unique distinctive look. I like your idea of getting canes that are artful.

No offense but why would weight be a consideration? Is that due to "Clenching" between the teeth? Which does not come natural to me but I am "experimenting" with it to the point where I have fitted ALL of my pipe stems with those little rubber guards.

 

[mau1]

Show us you canes, Uncle! We should start a thread about cool canes...

 

[UncleRJ]

Show us you canes, Uncle! We should start a thread about cool canes...

Show us you canes, Uncle! We should start a thread about cool canes...

Since I need the assistance of a cane to walk, I decided to collect COOL canes instead of those Cheap and Ugly Aluminum ones.

And I have had more than a few hand-carved for me in Ukraine.

Looks like one of my favorite carvers has started carving unique Briar Pipes.

And since I like unique items, I decided to give him a try.

View attachment 58910


This one is what fancy art folk would call Multi Media as it has carved stone inlay in addition to all of the wood carving.

Anyone here tried a pipe from that part of the world?

Update!

After a short wait as it turns out the pipe shipped from MN, I received this little beauty.

It is carved from seasoned Pear Root (like Mr Brog pipes).

It is 5.6" long X 2.5" high.

Bowl ID is 0.70"
Bowl Depth is 1.68"

Fairly light weight so it is easy to clench.

Nice airy draw and a real pleasure to smoke.

Also, the pic doesn't do the pipe justice!

The one slight drawback is that it takes a bit to break in and lose the slightest sweet flavour from the Pear Root.

And for around $30 I will most likely get more to add to my collection!

 

[agnosticpipe]

I've had a couple of Ukrainian pipes made by Golden Gate. Very nicely made and good smoking pipes. One was briar, and the one I still have is pear wood. I'm not sure where you can buy them now, but they were great pipes for the money.

 

[warren]

I use canes also, mostly in ice though and dependant on my hip. I use shillelagh usually. I have them made by an Irish company located near the Shillelagh forest.

 

[UncleRJ]

Update!

After a short wait as it turns out the pipe shipped from MN, I received this little beauty.

It is carved from seasoned Pear Root (like Mr Brog pipes).

It is 5.6" long X 2.5" high.

Bowl ID is 0.70"
Bowl Depth is 1.68"

Fairly light weight so it is easy to clench.

Nice airy draw and a real pleasure to smoke.

Also, the pic doesn't do the pipe justice!

The one slight drawback is that it takes a bit to break in and lose the slightest sweet flavour from the Pear Root.

And for around $30 I will most likely get more to add to my collection!

URGENT UPDATE!

And it looks like I have some CROW to eat here....

All was going well with this pipe and then one morning, I went to pick it up by the stem and it just fell out of the shank where before it just had a nice, firm fit. On closer examination, there was a split in the wood between the tip of the shank to nearly the bottom of the bowl.

Sorry, I don't have a pic with enough detail to actually show you.

I did do some additional investigating (being sneaky) and found that the Pear Root had not even been seasoned for even a full year! I think Mr Brog is about 30 months of seasoning.

Even more troubling is that most of the pipes like these in the seller's other items are being listed as Briar Pipes which I personally expect they are relatively unseasoned Pear Root pipes.

At the moment, I am trying to get a refund before getting eBay customer service involved hoping they will do the right thing.

I am sure that some of the hand-carved pipes available might be just fine.

Mod's, please feel free to edit this but the seller of the pipe I purchased from is

lovelyfrom_ukrain

I will update you when I find if they will, or, will not stand behind their product!

 

[Cucamonga95]

Cheers, thanks for the info. I've been eyeing a couple on eBay and Etsy from a couple sellers, very similar looking to yours minus inlays in many ways. I think I'll pass.

 

[UncleRJ]

Last Update....

Without having to go through eBay I contacted the seller directly to try to settle the issue the easy way.

I sent a full description of the issue and provided the best pic my phone could deliver trying to show the split.

Fortunately, no muss, no fuss, and the seller issued a full refund!

If only they had provided the carvers with PROPERLY SEASONED Pear Root even if they have to raise the price by a Buck or Two.


Possibly, not the last update...

Wondering if I can repair the split and end up with a good-looking and great smoking pipe?

All ideas are WELCOME!

 

[Dyakoff]

Here in Ukraine pipe smokers I know tend to treat pear pipes like US smokers treat Missouri corncobs.

It may be good while it lasts, some may stay with you for decades, but no worry or surprise if it dies in your hands.

Plus I would call the pipe you had “a souvenir” one. Too much ornament on wooden pipes should always be treated with a hint of suspicion.

Overall I see no reason to pick a pipe made out of any fruit tree wood.

In Ukraine we have two reputable manufacturers (Golden Gate and KAF) and a lot of fantastic carvers (some I can’t even afford) for briar pipes.