S.M. Frank still pumps out thousands of Brylon pipes. For those not familiar with it, Brylon is a
synthetic material, described as "ceramic." It was developed in the 1950's as an alternative to
briar. It's heavier than briar (it is said), and the bowl tends to heat up so it's hot to hold, a bit like
a clay pipe without the historical prestige. Most Forums member frown and groan at the mention of
it, with so many good briar, cob, Meerschaum, and clay pipes available. A few members defend them
as good travel and car pipes, because they are indestructible. I have fifty pipes. Do I need a Brylon to
round out the rack? Why or why not? If you own one, do you ever smoke it? If you like it, why? If you
hate 'em, why? And, as a final question, why hasn't S.M. Frank ever figured out how to make a bowl that
is better insulated? It seems like some young engineering graduate would love to figure this out. Brylon--
what about it? Incidentally, Brylon pipes tend to be really inexpensive, like $15-$20. When you smoke
'em, do you hold them by the shank and stem?
synthetic material, described as "ceramic." It was developed in the 1950's as an alternative to
briar. It's heavier than briar (it is said), and the bowl tends to heat up so it's hot to hold, a bit like
a clay pipe without the historical prestige. Most Forums member frown and groan at the mention of
it, with so many good briar, cob, Meerschaum, and clay pipes available. A few members defend them
as good travel and car pipes, because they are indestructible. I have fifty pipes. Do I need a Brylon to
round out the rack? Why or why not? If you own one, do you ever smoke it? If you like it, why? If you
hate 'em, why? And, as a final question, why hasn't S.M. Frank ever figured out how to make a bowl that
is better insulated? It seems like some young engineering graduate would love to figure this out. Brylon--
what about it? Incidentally, Brylon pipes tend to be really inexpensive, like $15-$20. When you smoke
'em, do you hold them by the shank and stem?