I've never understood why some people seem to get offended by others spending whatever amount they want to on a pipe. A beautiful pipe is a beautiful pipe regardless of the price tag and if someone has the financial means and stability for a $1,500 Dunhill all the more power to them.
I'm of the school of spending within your means. Right now for myself that means picking up a pipe in the $150-$300 range every other month or so. Also, if I'm spending around $300 it would probably be for a set like the Molly Malone or Mark Twain from Peterson.
I have a cob and I have basket pipes and I also have some pipes in the "mid range" around $200 a piece. The cobs do smoke wonderfully as is well noted by the community and my basket pipes have settled in to good smokers and found regular action in my rotation now that they've formed a good cake. I do have to say though that the "mid range" pipes do seem to be drilled more precisely, have no fills, a better draw, and are far better balanced than my lower end pipes.
What you spend on pipes is all a matter of preference. I say just acknowledge the beauty of the pipe and leave it at that.
I'm of the school of spending within your means. Right now for myself that means picking up a pipe in the $150-$300 range every other month or so. Also, if I'm spending around $300 it would probably be for a set like the Molly Malone or Mark Twain from Peterson.
I have a cob and I have basket pipes and I also have some pipes in the "mid range" around $200 a piece. The cobs do smoke wonderfully as is well noted by the community and my basket pipes have settled in to good smokers and found regular action in my rotation now that they've formed a good cake. I do have to say though that the "mid range" pipes do seem to be drilled more precisely, have no fills, a better draw, and are far better balanced than my lower end pipes.
What you spend on pipes is all a matter of preference. I say just acknowledge the beauty of the pipe and leave it at that.