What Makes a Pipe a High Grade Pipe?

[fishnbanjo]

I'm fascinated by this because I think that like bamboo fly rods which began simply as tools to fly fish with, pipes had the same beginning a tool to enjoy tobak from.
Some of the bamboo rods made more than 50 years ago were not built for collectors but for fly fishers, they have become collectibles based on may criteria, too many to mention here but the one parallel that I think fits perfectly with pipes is form, function, repeated excellent craftsmanship and the one criteria for pipes would be smokability just like fishability for rods.
Like fly rods and pipes we're all different individuals, we come from different walks in life, have different likes and dislikes and all have our own idea as to what makes a high grade pipe, either vintage, or new. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[numbersix]

That is one loaded question fishnbanjo - you tryin' to start something?!
I have one pipe I consider to be "high grade", my Dunhill, so I will use it as an example. First, Dunhill has a reputation for being a high grade pipe - so this places it into the category, but that doesn't necessarily make it a "high-grade" to me.
Instead it is the pipe itself. This piece of briar is unlike my other less expensive pipes. It's lighter weight (feels like I'm holding balsa wood) and it smokes better than all of my other pipes.
Why is it so superior? I don't know for sure. Is it Dunhill's curing method? Did I just happen to get a Dunhill that had perfectly aged briar?
I can also say that it is fitted and drilled beautifully, so for me, I guess it comes down to smokability and craftsmanship.

 

[chubbster]

In general, I think when we say high grade, for the most part, we are speaking in terms of price. Now, what that price may be, is a discussion that can carry on for a while.
To individuals, I think it is relative. What may be high grade to another, may be a lower end to you or me, or te other way around.
Certainly, overall, there tends to be a quality we all speak of when we say high grade. We expect perfect fit and finish, craftsmanship beyond the normal expectations. It is an instrument, but it is taken a step further. The attention and detail put into it, raises the price, and with the raising of the price, we generally expect a better pipe, a high grade pipe.
Personally, when you step into the $400 dollar range, IMO, you are in high grade.
Now...... What about ultra high grade (-fishnbanjo and your amazing Ivarsson or chonowitsch)?

 

[cigrmaster]

To my mind a high grade pipe offers a unique smoking experience where the pipe smokes very cool, amazingly dry, has a fit and finish that is top notch and makes your tobacco taste great. A high grade pipe is made from superior briar that has been aged and cured properly. It has a stem that is well designed and contributes to the over all smoking experience, it does not detract from it. I think there are plenty of allegedly high grade pipes with crappy stems and poor craftsmanship. Just because a pipe sells for 300.00 plus that does not make it a high grade in my book. I think that price can be a starting point to the conversation of what constitutes a high grade pipe, but it does not make it a high grade. I have seen plenty of 400.00 pipes that are shaped badly, have lousy stems and the fit and finish does not justify the price. I believe there are many factors involved in determining what is a high grade with smoking properties at the top of the list.

 

[philobeddoe]

To me, a high-grade pipe carries with it, cache. There is a certain ooh factor associated with high-grade pipes. Of course money enters into the equation, but it's a lot more than just price. I think it starts with price, which for me is around $400.00 new retail. Then it's wow factor and pride in ownership, exclusivity and rarity. Unfortunately, smokability doesn't really enter into the determination of high-grade status. I, and many others have relatively inexpensive pipes that smoke like a dream, the fact that high-grade pipes smoke well is unfortunately secondary to their aesthetics. To quote an old phrase, "you can't smoke grain".

 

[fishnbanjo]

philobeddoe,

I see your point but what I meant by this is there are many who purchase bamboo fly rods, and pipes, and never use them for their intended purpose, while I do have 2 unsmoked pipes at the moment that will be rectified, I do not own any unfished bamboo rods.

 

[philobeddoe]

I think your point is valid, I don't think I would catch any more fish with a Leonard or an old Hardy than I would with a Sage, but I would enjoy the experience much more.

 

[petergunn]

what I meant by this is there are many who purchase bamboo fly rods, and pipes, and never use them for their intended purpose

And that's the curse for those of us who are users, once something crosses over into the objet d'art category prices get skewed and users get screwed.
What makes a high grade? Naturally you have to have good wood and good craftsmanship, most important is that it smokes well so I guess when buying it all comes down to reputation of the maker. Prices should be the least deciding factor if you’re a user, leave the art for the art lover and speculators .

 

[surlysoul]

I agree with Harris.
I think a high END pipe is simply one that has a high price.

A high GRADE pipe is one that deserves that price with exceptional craftmanship and materials. A high grade pipe would have to be an excellent smoker, but not all excellent smoking pipes are high grade.

 

[pitchfork]

I think that sums it up pretty well, mikephillips. I'm curious, though, how you acquired such a great pipe for 20 bucks. PIcs? I think $57 is my best deal on a pipe like that.

 

[pstlpkr]

The best pipes are made from well-aged and cured briar, completely flawless in appearance and workmanship, and of striking or unusual grain pattern, with highest quality stem material.

+1 Mike you pretty much nailed it from my perspective.

I might add that (for me) a tight straight grain does it for me.

While I like some rusticated pipes, and some blasts really can reveal a great grain.

I prefer smooth... Just personal preference.

::

 

[pitchfork]

Wow, that's quite a find. I've contemplated what I'd do in a similar situation -- I guess I'd do pretty much the same. Great story.
If you want to pick up another one, here's one for a cool $850
http://www.finepipes.com/pipes/charatan/charatan-c-1950-supreme-classic-billiard.html

 

[mso489]

I don't own any high grade pipes by most definitions, just to put it in context. But one factor that hasn't

been mentioned: most of the pipes visualized here or mentioned specifically were made by high grade pipe

makers, either the oldest and namey ones or artisans who have earned the reputation and can demand the

prices. The other path to high grade status is when what was created as a middle grade or even economy

grade pipe is preserved well enough, and is sufficiently unique or rare in some other way that time makes

it a prize. This is like the Crosley or Edsel car that survives its make's demise and resurfaces at the auto

collectors auctions to demand big bucks. Neither was a huge prize in its time, but both have become dearer

than some of the luxury cars of their eras.

 

[locopony]

Just like everything else its all about the name brand.

I like to compare it to motorcycles. You can get a great motorcycle or mid grade or low end. Or you can get the brand that everyone will tell you is great, middle, or low end.