I have one meerschaum pipe at the moment made by Altinay and I really enjoy it. I am considering getting one for my son. Who do you think is making the best meerschaum pipe these days with good high quality block?
shane
shane
Your Favorite Meerschaum Pipe Makers?
- Thread starter shane1
- Start date
Dont quote me, but I think most if not all carvers are in the same town in Turkey if were talking whole block Meerschaum and they buy from the same source. So I don't think you can go wrong with any true Turkish carver if were talking quality block.
Then comes the point, what do you think your son likes? Most can do a good figural, but some have better figural compared to classic shapes. I like the classic shapes of Altinay, thats why I have 2, I would not consider a figural to buy from anyone.
Then comes the point, what do you think your son likes? Most can do a good figural, but some have better figural compared to classic shapes. I like the classic shapes of Altinay, thats why I have 2, I would not consider a figural to buy from anyone.
If you can afford it then Baki does some incredible work. I've got a Rattray's meerschaum as well and that's a great little smoker that was a fair price.
IMP is nice because they do 4mm draw and push-pull tenon on every model, as far as I know. I only own one but I'd say I'm a fan.
I just got my first Altinay in the mail today, and it's fantastic. They're my favorite in terms of style. Their catalogue is less consistent though so really read all the specs. Also, Altinay will make you a custom pipe. @hoosierpipeguy has them do 4 mm draw instead of their standard 3. You can request push-pull tenon. The downside? Banks don't like to let Americans buy things online from Turkey. You'll have to make an annoying phone call. Said Altinay is very helpful and responsive though, and he was e-mailing me from the moment my card was declined.
I have four ~3/4 size unbranded meers (they might be SMS). These are some of my best smokers. The carved one is the finest carving I own. They were all $45 at my local.
I have one AKB, my first meer. It is a fine pipe, but for the price the carving is terrible and actually has more imperfections in the meerschaum than any of the others. It also has that terrible, classic, fragile meerschaum tenon style (teflon-delirin, I think).
If you've gotta order online my vote is IMP or Altinay.
I just got my first Altinay in the mail today, and it's fantastic. They're my favorite in terms of style. Their catalogue is less consistent though so really read all the specs. Also, Altinay will make you a custom pipe. @hoosierpipeguy has them do 4 mm draw instead of their standard 3. You can request push-pull tenon. The downside? Banks don't like to let Americans buy things online from Turkey. You'll have to make an annoying phone call. Said Altinay is very helpful and responsive though, and he was e-mailing me from the moment my card was declined.
I have four ~3/4 size unbranded meers (they might be SMS). These are some of my best smokers. The carved one is the finest carving I own. They were all $45 at my local.
I have one AKB, my first meer. It is a fine pipe, but for the price the carving is terrible and actually has more imperfections in the meerschaum than any of the others. It also has that terrible, classic, fragile meerschaum tenon style (teflon-delirin, I think).
If you've gotta order online my vote is IMP or Altinay.
Baki first , IMP second and Altinay third.
IMP, Kenan, Yanik, AKB, Emin Brothers and SRV. Aliexpress's reliability is too shaky for me to but a Baki.
My only experience with present day Meerschaum pipes would be Altinok, IMP, and SRV. No complaints with any of them.
ive been waiting almost three weeks for a Baki. Tracking is horrendous. Im sure it will get here...but no clue when.
Right now Altinay would be my first choice. Like Duane, I'm not willing to deal with Aliexpress to get a Baki, and unfortunately that's the only outlet for them now as far as I know.
Aliexpress does seem a bit away from my normal shopping experience.
I find the craftmanship of Altinok and Altinay to be somewhat equal. I must say that I do prefer the packaging and presentation of the Altinay product to be more appealing.
I made an attempt one time a couple of years ago to purchase one through AE and after struggling to navigate the very user unfriendly listings, there were a few I was interested in...fortunately I emailed them first before completing a purchase because none of them were available any longer even though the site indicated they were.
IMP, Kenan, Yanik, AKB, Emin Brothers and SRV are reasonable choices.
I’ve even been told that the credit card situation for US buyers has been fixed for Altinay. Altinay does have a wonderful pipe selection
Celebi, Yanik, & Baglan are my favorite carvers.
Just make sure to request a case for the Altinay if you want one. Many of them only come with a sock.
I'd have more Yaniks if he'd get away from those screw in inserts.