What About Hand Feel?

[Capt Morgan]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

I have been reading these forums a bit over the last few days. I totally see why there are so many different reasons a person buys a pipe. But, I see little mention about hand feel. I have to ask what about hand feel?

I am guilty of buying a pipe just because of the way it felt in my hand. I am also a sucker for many black rustic style bowls because I like the way they feel in my hand, I like the solid grip. I just don't feel the same with the smooth or glossy bowls that I have.

Anyone else?

 

[yohanan]

I have been reading these forums a bit over the last few days. I totally see why there are so many different reasons a person buys a pipe. But, I see little mention about hand feel. I have to ask what about hand feel?

I am guilty of buying a pipe just because of the way it felt in my hand. I am also a sucker for many black rustic style bowls because I like the way they feel in my hand, I like the solid grip. I just don't feel the same with the smooth or glossy bowls that I have.

Anyone else?

All I can say is , Exactly!!!

 

[anotherbob]

oh of course. But it's just slightly too subtle to really discuss beyond the basics.

 

[daveinlax]

Love the feel of a big chunky Sea Rock or Shell Briar billiard in my hand. ?

 

[JPremo]

Oh man I used to copyright for similar luxury products and "hand feel" was one of my favorite bullshit descriptors to throw in there and fill out a listing. Is it heavy? Is it smooth? Is it easy to grip? Is it cool metal? Is it soft or hard? Literally any one of these things could fit the descriptor for pleasant hand feel when used to describe a product.

I think all that matters is what feels good to you as the owner!
Different strokes for different folks and all that.

 

[F4RM3R]

Well the thing that matters most is the smoking characteristics of a pipe. But yes the feel matters too. I prefer smooth pipes myself. Small enough to wrap my hand around, but I have pretty big hands so that means most pipes including large Danish freehands. But I have all types of pipes(smooth, sandblasted, carved, clay, meerschaum, cob). also Kind of like the way a sanded/coated cob feels, like a legend, but that's also a smooth(ish) pipe.

Edit: I do most of my smoking sitting, so large pipes are fine, but I prefer smallish ones. I'm not too fussy really. As I said, the smokability trumps the feel.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

Yeah, it matters. If I’m working in the shop it’s not a big deal, because I’m clenching my pipe while working with my hands. If I’m sitting and relaxing, I like larger bowls that kind of fit my hand well.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I clinch so hand feel isn't wall that important to me. While some pipes feel better in the hand than others, I can't say I've ever held a pipe that felt bad.

 

[Chasing Embers]

But, I see little mention about hand feel. I have to ask what about hand feel?

Did you see my unboxing video of my Halloween commission? Quite a bit of content regarding my thoughts about how a pipe feels.

 

[Capt Morgan]

Did you see my unboxing video of my Halloween commission? Quite a bit of content regarding my thoughts about how a pipe feels.

I did not, there was a lot that came up with hand feel, but it was not in the same sentence ?‍

 

[warren]

How a pipe "fits my fist" is a consideration I've often mentioned. I'd need your definition of "hand feel" if I was to provide a better answer. My hand is of sufficient size so finish, rough/smooth, isn't really a consideration. But, after "catching my eye" on display, "fist fit" is the logical and next consideration before inspecting the build, fit and finish.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I did not, there was a lot that came up with hand feel, but it was not in the same sentence ?‍

Put simply, most of the time I wouldn't consider buying a pipe if it wasn't sandblasted. Artisan blasts create a depth that even Dunhill can't touch.

 

[bullet08]

Haven't really held a pipe I didn't like. Then again, never held custom artisan pipes before. Smooth, rusticated, sandblasted.. they all feel good. Billiards, rhodesians, bulldogs, they all feel good.

 

[Capt Morgan]

Ok, mixed reviews on the topic...

I am arthritic and have some grip issues, my hands are average to small hands. So to me the how it fits and feels in my hand is important. I have never dropped a rustic or sandblasted pipe from my hands, but smooth and glossy, bloop, on the floor. I am not a biter so I am either holding my pipe, or it's in the rest.

I just wanted to see what other's opinions were on the subject.

 

[ashdigger]

This is a fantastic forum. I get fashion tips, a hernia check (turn your head and cough) and a colon screening.

Man if we also talk about pipes my needs are covered.

 

[bullet08]

Arthritis plus diabetes neuropathy. No issue holding on to my pipes, or clenching. Just imagine it's a pineapple grenade with the pin pulled out

 

[Capt Morgan]

Arthritis plus diabetes neuropathy. No issue holding on to my pipes, or clenching. Just imagine it's a pineapple grenade with the pin pulled out

haha, 12 years as a combat engineer, I would just rig a pin

The grip issue and the arthritis are unfortunately, not related.

 

[olkofri]

Not something you can evaluate when buying online. I'm more led into it by shape; after all, the hand is highly articulate that it can accomodate all kinds of pipes.

 

[mikethompson]

It is something that you can't really tell when buying online, but it is certainly a component of a 'good pipe'. If it gurgles and fitment is all wrong, no amount of hand feel can make up for that though.

 

[smokiespipesmoker123]

Pipe smoking is a sensory cornucopia. You have the visual appeal of the pipe, the tin note of the tobacco, the tactile sensation of rubbing out the leaf, the sight of the tobacco; colors and cut, the feel of the pipe in your hand, the taste and aroma of the burning leaf and the feel of St Nic in your blood. TLDR : love the feel of a pipe