What I got, a few new pipes in the 100-200 range.
When to buy a high grade pipe
- Thread starter Ben.R.C
- Start date
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Get to know some artisans. All of those pictured are high grade quality at a fraction of the cost. Two of them were gifted to my by their carver.
I consider over 200 high grade,I know you can go way over that but I’m looking in the 200-500 range.
Honestly, I don’t own any over $500.
My most expensive is my Peterson Amber Spigot which was $450.
I find I smoke my $100 or $150 Savs, Petersons, and Neerups more often.
I consider over 200 high grade,
I wouldn’t put a Price Range on buying, other than a Limit at the most you could afford, because price doesn’t always equate to a better smoking pipe.
Also, spend a lot of time looking, because there is a massive world of pipe carvers out there, and just when you think you’ve seen something you like, guess again, there will be hundreds more.
Here are some names to look at online, and be sure to look for their Instagram to see some nice pics. Just realize, there are hundreds more out there. Also Do a Search in Instagram; Briar Pipes
Probably too, in the next 2 years, your tastes in pipes will change, and maybe always changing, so I wouldn’t spend a lot right now.
Have fun looking..
Alexander Pipes
George Boyadjiev
Martin Cermak
Francois Dal
Bay Denmark
Dominik Demon
Andrea Gigliucci
David Huber
MiscoiPipes
Nuttens Pipes
Flavia Rodrigues
Jose Rubio
Regina Scarlatta
Artem Shcherbak
Smith House Pipes
Budget wise, I need to limit the price, number of pipes, and frequency of buying. 5 to 7 is enough for a reasonable rotation, I plan to stick to that. I got some specs from the pipe podcast on minimum chamber depth and width, and outside bowl width and will be trying those suggestions when looking.I wouldn’t put a Price Range on buying, other than a Limit at the most you could afford, because price doesn’t always equate to a better smoking pipe.
Also, spend a lot of time looking, because there is a massive world of pipe carvers out there, and just when you think you’ve seen something you like, guess again, there will be hundreds more.
Here are some names to look at online, and be sure to look for their Instagram to see some nice pics. Just realize, there are hundreds more out there. Also Do a Search in Instagram; Briar Pipes
Probably too, in the next 2 years, your tastes in pipes will change, and maybe always changing, so I wouldn’t spend a lot right now.
Have fun looking..
Alexander Pipes
George Boyadjiev
Martin Cermak
Francois Dal
Bay Denmark
Dominik Demon
Andrea Gigliucci
David Huber
MiscoiPipes
Nuttens Pipes
Flavia Rodrigues
Jose Rubio
Regina Scarlatta
Artem Shcherbak
Smith House Pipes
Six months to a year from now, you might be thinking something different for a pipe.
Whatever you decide, since I don’t know how long you’ve been smoking, if it’s not been long, don’t be in a hurry, there are hundreds of fantastic pipes out there. I say, take your time and get to learn them first, then buy later.
Have fun...
Look for a pipe which pleases your eye, fits well in your hand then, if it smokes well you'll have it for life.
After listening to the radio show a week or so ago, I decided to give a Chris Morgan "Bones” a whirl - for $45.00.
Had its first use today and it performed great.
Had its first use today and it performed great.
If the poor Lad gets infected with PAD, he could be throwing them in a box next year and buying a dozen more... LOL
That PAD is dangerous... LOL
@HawkeyeLinus I’ve been looking at those Bones, some of them have some really sweet looking blasts, yours is nice.
Take anything you hear about pipes with a grain of salt. Pipe specs are just as subjective to the individual as flavors of tobacco are.
Above, is found great wisdom.
A high grade briar pipe, must be artfully carved of the old burls on the roots of a heath tree (we’d call a shrub) on poor soil around the rim of the Mediterranean, which has been boiled to cure it, dried, and then preferably aged.
Then a vulcanite or acrylic stem is attached.
So must every Dr Grabow.
A dinged up Lorenzetti Bruyere Extra just cost me $44 on eBay.
A great premium is attached to prettiness.
Which ain’t much different than other things a man craves, you know?
Not quite a crap shoot in my experience. I have had very good luck carefully buying from artisan carvers, and from some larger firms like Ardor.
I've been lucky with some careful purchases of lower priced pipes, but they can be a bit more hit or miss.
Stem work matters, drilling matters, and many maintain that briar age and quality matters. The artisan carvers are generally very careful and thoughtful with each pipe. And they are not the least expensive but there are good pipes out there that can be had for a good price.
I've been out of the market for a while but...I'll name a few:
Bargain priced..(sorta) moretti makes very good pipes. Next...maybe Ardor (I have not purchased one in a decade) A bit more expensive... Trevor Talbert and then Larry Roush.
I expect that any issues with a moretti, a Talbert or a Roush can be remedied by contacting any one of them. And as has been mentioned...there are a lot of artisan carvers out there who are probably awesome. Talk to them!
Btw I have a 20+ year old Peterson that took ages to break in but it's one of my best smokers now. And a smattering of other so called lower end pipes that are also fine performers. This is not a snob hobby, but... As with all things sometimes a bit extra $ ...and homework does pay for attention to detail in manufacturing that matters.
I was looking at Moretti, don’t like them esthetically, I’m sure they smoke great. I love some Ardor though and they are on my wishlist.
Marco's online presence is just a showroom, he'll make just about anything you want.
My idea of high end is 300 to 500, with 500 being an extreme exception. Inotice some much higher priced pipes and can’t fathom spending 1000+, just don’t make enough money for that type of pipe. I wish!
Lots of advice already, but wanted to add my experience to the mix.
First, all my pipes were under $125, are mostly estate pipes, and have varying levels of beauty and smokability.
Second, I have acquired 3 lightly used Savinelli estate pipes (2 purchase, 1 just gifted) in the last year that all cost under $80. I’m highly impressed by their smoking mechanics and aesthetics. Those three traded in (not happening) would maybe equal one mid 100s Peterson or Savinelli, but what would I gain? Two fewer pipes in my rotation. But that’s about all.
Would I love to own a higher end Peterson or Savinelli, or Musico or Ashton or Castello or Dunhill? Of course, because of the name or aesthetics or quality of briar. But I don’t think it would be worth reducing the number of pipes in my rotation. I would only buy one like that because I had the money and wanted something higher end. Alas, that day hasn’t come and I have 15+ pipes in my rotation that cost on average far below $100.
My suggestion is: wait it out, buy a few more affordable, useable, and good quality pipes. And save your money for that special pipe you want.
First, all my pipes were under $125, are mostly estate pipes, and have varying levels of beauty and smokability.
Second, I have acquired 3 lightly used Savinelli estate pipes (2 purchase, 1 just gifted) in the last year that all cost under $80. I’m highly impressed by their smoking mechanics and aesthetics. Those three traded in (not happening) would maybe equal one mid 100s Peterson or Savinelli, but what would I gain? Two fewer pipes in my rotation. But that’s about all.
Would I love to own a higher end Peterson or Savinelli, or Musico or Ashton or Castello or Dunhill? Of course, because of the name or aesthetics or quality of briar. But I don’t think it would be worth reducing the number of pipes in my rotation. I would only buy one like that because I had the money and wanted something higher end. Alas, that day hasn’t come and I have 15+ pipes in my rotation that cost on average far below $100.
My suggestion is: wait it out, buy a few more affordable, useable, and good quality pipes. And save your money for that special pipe you want.