What is Your Favorite Type of Straight Grain on a Pipe?
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I have no particular preference between straight grain, flame grain, birdseye, cross grain, whatever. As long as the pipe has interesting grain I enjoy it. I like the effect of contrast stains as well. Barling straight grains often have only a bit of actual straight grain on the bowl. I really have no idea what they were thinking some of the time. But when I see a pipe whose shape really marries to the pattern of its grain I'm in love.
Anthony, that birdseye is spectacular, I also love that shape. Very cool pipe.
pitch, is that Castello from Marty Pulvers site? If so I have been ogling that one for over a year. It is a great example of straight grain. No idea why it is not designated Fiamatta.
pitch, is that Castello from Marty Pulvers site? If so I have been ogling that one for over a year. It is a great example of straight grain. No idea why it is not designated Fiamatta.
I'm a sucker for bird's eye cross-cut grain - especially when it approaches a 3D pattern.
Comoy's Grand Slam straight saddle bulldog #398.
Comoy's Grand Slam straight saddle bulldog #398.
Thanks gents. Nice pipes on display here. Here's another favorite bird's eye pipe of mine - a Pease / Radice June Bug, with a silver rim. It's really nice when you stumble upon a pipe that has fine bird's eye on both sides of the bowl. Usually, when present, I've noticed, the nicer pattern (straight or cross) is displayed on the left side of the bowl (from the piper's point of view, as the pipe is clenched). I've read somewheres this is called the "display" or "TV" side of the pipe. Anyone ever heard of this?
Allan, as a habitual clencher of the pipe, I slip on a small ring of surgical rubber, where the teeth go, for a better grip. Comes off before racking. Button styles don't figure. Sorry for off topic. Back to the thread ...
I have always enjoyed straight grains but it is easy to admire many others. Knock on wood, I've never had a bowl crack/split from smoking and I like thinner walls. That goes back to the 70's. I'm hard on pipes but it usually a broken tenon that sends it to the junk box.
I just weighed my heaviest pipe at 1.9 oz. Many are under or barely make an ounce. So walls are thin and holding up fine.
I just weighed my heaviest pipe at 1.9 oz. Many are under or barely make an ounce. So walls are thin and holding up fine.
Kashmir, the birds-eye on that Comoy is amazing. It is certainly an example of the 3-D characteristic of the grain. It also reminds me I should buy a better camera! 
@jkenp As I said, it was not a scientific study. But it is also not a coincidence that the vast majority of bowls I have seen that have cracks, the crack developed on a piece of vertical grain that reached the rim. Of course there are may other variables that could have attributed to the crack starting, which was the reason for the "taking care" part of the article. But it is also unarguable about which is the weaker part of wood to be putting under stresses.
Thanks reborn. It's just a simple cellphone camera on the Android G4 phone. Nothing fancy. But the phone does come with some nice post-processing software to enhance the image.
Kashmir, thanks for posting that Comoy, I never tire of looking at that pipe, it has to be one of the best examples of birdseye I have ever seen. It is simply spectacular, and you are right it is almost three dimensional. I also wouldn't kick that Radice out of bed either, really nice.
duckfat, I am too blind to see the fill you are talking about,but it makes sense that because they stained it dark, they must be hiding something. That is the first Castello I have ever seen with that color stain, I like it though.
Sam, that is a gorgeous pipe, awesome cross cut and birdseye. What is it like smoking a horn, I have never tried one, is it a bitch trying to light it? I know for myself even a little forward cant on a couple of my pipes makes for difficult lighting.
duckfat, I am too blind to see the fill you are talking about,but it makes sense that because they stained it dark, they must be hiding something. That is the first Castello I have ever seen with that color stain, I like it though.
Sam, that is a gorgeous pipe, awesome cross cut and birdseye. What is it like smoking a horn, I have never tried one, is it a bitch trying to light it? I know for myself even a little forward cant on a couple of my pipes makes for difficult lighting.
sam, I kind of figured that, it is the main reason I have never bought a horn although I really like the looks.
Several threads are going on now featuring Comoy's. I have yet to own one, enjoying Dunhill and James Upshall for the English variety.
As a generality, are they heavy pipes, meaning above 55 grams or so? I've investigated Former pipes and they weigh above 70 grams, too heavy for me.
Thanks for any replies.
As a generality, are they heavy pipes, meaning above 55 grams or so? I've investigated Former pipes and they weigh above 70 grams, too heavy for me.
Thanks for any replies.
Allan - Comoy's are among the lightest and most comfortable out there. Most of mine are under 35g in weight and, with their thin vulcanite stems, make ideal clenching companions. Although the higher grades, like the Blue Ribands, can fetch a pretty penny, most grades, like the Grand Slam and Tradition, can often be found under or just over the hundred dollar mark. Shoot for the older (mid 70s or older) pre-Cadogan merger era, identified by the three part C inlaid stem logo. Pipedia has a good write up on brand Comoy.
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