What Kind Of Pipe Purchaser Are You?

[PApiper63]

I have been smoking a pipe for over 40 years and, as you can imagine, over that time I have bought many pipes. I also restore estate pipes to either trade or sell. because of my long history with pipes and my interest in restoration I'm sure I have moved over 1500 pipes through my house.

In my personal collection, I have several high-end, newly purchased Artisan pipes and several high-end estate pipes. However, I have an affinity for estate "working mans" pipes that are usually factory made. I really enjoy restoring old and beat up pipes from the bygone era. I am also very particular about how I restore these pipes because I do not like an older estate pipe to be restored to look brand new. Of course I clean and sanitize the hell out of them but aesthetically I prefer a matte finish and I don't mind a few blemishes. I'm sure I over romanticize the golden era of pipe smoking but the connection with history is important to me.

What kind of pipe purchaser are you? Do you prefer new pipes, estate pipes that look new or estate pipes that show a little wear and history. I'm sure many of you are like me and have some from all categories but I am curious about your preference. There are no wrong answers here, just opinions and individual taste.

 

[OzPiper]

Like you, all categories of pipes.
Old Britwoods, Bulldogs, Danish production Stanwells, the occasional artisanal one, but mostly estates and factory pipes.

The only “must” is they have to take my fancy.
There are some shapes I just will not buy.

 

[PApiper63]

Like you, all categories of pipes.
Old Britwoods, Bulldogs, Danish production Stanwells, the occasional artisanal one, but mostly estates and factory pipes.

The only “must” is they have to take my fancy.
There are some shapes I just will not buy.

Just curious...what shapes do you avoid?

 

[warren]

I only look at pipes when I'm in a store (tobacco shop) and, should one catch my eye, I can inspect it. Very simple pf course.

 

[ashdigger]

I collect Peterson’s from 1892 to the late 1940’s so it’s estates.

I own some new Pete’s, B42’s primary and I have a few Ryan Alden pipes.

That’s my focus.

 

[sablebrush52]

I like a variety of pipes, though my largest concentration are Barlings, ranging from 1882 to the late 1960's as well as other Britwood (though it all would more accurately be called Frenchwood) like Comoy and Sasieni, and I have a definite abiding interest in the history of the British pipe trade.

I also like modern artisan made pipes just as much. I look for carvers who have developed a personal style that makes their work instantly recognizable, like Lee Von Erck, Scottie Piersel, Paul Tatum, and Trever Talbert. No less important are the smoking qualities of these pipes, because, with very few exceptions, I smoke all of my pipes. If a pipe doesn't smoke well, I don't care how it looks or who made it.

The only canon shapes I really don't care for are bull dogs and dublins. Taste is personal.

 

[telescopes]

I think I will always be drawn to Danish Freehands. After that, it really is any pipe that stands apart, in terms of construction, artistry and design, and the overall way the shape works with all of the other components.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I only look at pipes when I'm in a store and, should one catch my eye, I can inspect it. Very simple pf course.

Damn!

I didn't realize you could buy pipes in a store.

 

[VDL_Piper]

I like my Castello's but because I also work outdoors and use my hands a lot so I'm drawn to easy clenching, lighter pipes but I do try to find them with a generous bowl. My preference is also for pipes about 4.5/5 inches long otherwise they become a bit unruly in real world situations.

 

[warren]

I didn't realize you could buy pipes in a store.

I narrowed it down for you. Last time a purchased a pipe it was from Petersons in Dublin 14 years ago. That's the last time one caught my eye I guess.

 

[OzPiper]

Just curious...what shapes do you avoid?

Castello Shape 55, Charatan Countryman, Captain Warren, hawk bills, Danish plateau topped freehands and pipes with double comfort stems.

Please understand it’s a personal taste. I love Bulldogs which are disliked but quite a few

 

[DIngobuzz269]

I have a wide range of pipes, all shapes and sizes, new and estate. But, as the clock ticks on and my space ticks down, I now mainly focus on Peterson's and the occasional Savinelli. Both good, mid-range pipe makers.

 

[BingBong]

Quite respectable, really.

 

[sablebrush52]

I love Bulldogs which are disliked but quite a few

I forgive you.

As far as most of the other shapes you mentioned, I agree with you. But even shapes that don’t appeal to me I may find interesting, like a Captain Warren.

 

[PLANofMAN]

I restore every estate pipe that passes through my hands. I like the ebonite to be black when I'm done, and the bowl to have a nice sheen to it, but not the glassy look of Carnauba, but the hand rubbed oil and beeswax look. I will lightly top a bowl if I must to remove deep dings and scorching. Minor nicks and scars get left alone.

Clean and well maintained is the look I go for, not a reimagining of how it looked 'new.'

Shape is something I look for, then grain. This applies to rusticated and sandblasts as well. Graceful proportions, elegance, and, as a bonus, creative use of textures and shape.

Here's a recent example of a pipe that caught my eye. Bear in mind I don't find pokers attractive. This one got away, but I kind of wish it hadn't. It was Algerian briar to boot.

 

[judcole]

Lately it's been French pipes - several Ropps, a Brulor. They all have been billiards or variants on that classic shape.

 

[Kingsley]

Always focused on meerschaum pipes fashioned from blocks with strange or uncommon qualities. As the type I am truly interested in within those parameters are a real undertaking to find, I usually take whatever I can get shape or size-wise.

 

[PApiper63]

I restore every estate pipe that passes through my hands. I like the ebonite to be black when I'm done, and the bowl to have a nice sheen to it, but not the glassy look of Carnauba, but the hand rubbed oil and beeswax look. I will lightly top a bowl if I must to remove deep dings and scorching. Minor nicks and scars get left alone.

Clean and well maintained is the look I go for, not a reimagining of how it looked 'new.'

Shape is something I look for, then grain. This applies to rusticated and sandblasts as well. Graceful proportions, elegance, and, as a bonus, creative use of textures and shape.

Here's a recent example of a pipe that caught my eye. Bear in mind I don't find pokers attractive. This one got away, but I kind of wish it hadn't. It was Algerian briar to boot.View attachment 426791

You expressed your restoration process much better than I did but I think our goals are similar.

 

[Day2Day]

Normally if I like the way it looks, I want it. I have always been partial to Kaywoodie, Nording, Stanwell, limited Petersons, WDC, etc....

Was on a yearlong search for a 1964 Dunhill when I came across a Barling Canadian, forgot about the Dunny and started focusing on Birlings absolutely love the 8 estates I have bought, even the new one received for my Birthday has totally sold me on Barling. Still love my Kaywoodies though.

 

[Dshift]

I have been smoking a pipe for over 40 years and, as you can imagine, over that time I have bought many pipes. I also restore estate pipes to either trade or sell. because of my long history with pipes and my interest in restoration I'm sure I have moved over 1500 pipes through my house.

In my personal collection, I have several high-end, newly purchased Artisan pipes and several high-end estate pipes. However, I have an affinity for estate "working mans" pipes that are usually factory made. I really enjoy restoring old and beat up pipes from the bygone era. I am also very particular about how I restore these pipes because I do not like an older estate pipe to be restored to look brand new. Of course I clean and sanitize the hell out of them but aesthetically I prefer a matte finish and I don't mind a few blemishes. I'm sure I over romanticize the golden era of pipe smoking but the connection with history is important to me.

What kind of pipe purchaser are you? Do you prefer new pipes, estate pipes that look new or estate pipes that show a little wear and history. I'm sure many of you are like me and have some from all categories but I am curious about your preference. There are no wrong answers here, just opinions and individual taste.

I completely relate with everything you mentioned, except the artisan pipes. The best pipe for me would be something old, with history and a bit of wear showing, but no structural damage