Ashton pipes

[Bub]

Whenever I ask one of these questions I always think of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUx1i38Rco8
Regardless, what the word on the street concerning Ashton pipes?
I bought one on ebay and really like it.
A Google search turns up a lot of information on these pipes, but I would like to know what has been your experience?
Thanks,
Bub

 

[Anonymous]

Well, my first one was received in a trade for a Dunhill, but it was too big for me (a bulldog). So I put it up for trade and dealt it for a Ruthie. My second was a zulu, kinda small pipe; this one is a winner. Just plain awesome. One of my favorite pipes.

Next, I got an Ashton lovat, this one is also awesome. I consider myself an American pipe collector, but I'll always consider adding an Ashton to my rack.

 

[Trout Bum]

Check out this link for the history of Ashton pipes:

http://pipelore.net/index.php?id=154

I personally own two Ashtons, and consider them exceptional in every way. Many smokers consider them on par with Dunhill, but considerably less expensive. As far as British briar goes, Bill Ashton Taylor is held in the highest regard, with a rich and interesting history. If there was a Briar Hall of Fame, he would easily be inducted. I think his pipes are a lot of value for the money, though if you are into grain and free form shapes, you might prefer some of the Italian carvers. Bill's shapes tend to be classically straight-forward. (very British!)

His blasts are excellent, though not of the depth/quality of say Rad Davis. (few are!) But, for the money, his pipes are absolutely superlative smoking instruments, from the very first puff! I am a huge fan, and I cannot say enough about his pipes. I got both of mine for under $200, and they are my best smokers, period end of sentence.

To sum it up, I say, "Go for it!"

 

[cutshot]

Ashton in my experience is one of the best smoking pipes available for the money. I own 5 and each one has been a great smoke from the very 1st bowlful.

The oil curing process that Bill Ashton-Taylor uses gives the pipe an easy break in and a very nice cool smoke even when new... no bite! You do however have to watch the quality of the drilling from time to time I have noticed they are drilled a little high, low or off center from the bottom of the bowl.
So if you can look at the pipe and make sure it is drilled properly I am confident that you will love Ashton pipes.
I personally highly recommend them! Two thumbs up! :cheers:

 

[alfredo_buscatti]

I think, and I've read this elsewhere, too, that Ashton's pipes of the last several years have not undergone his previous thorough QA. I bought two of them, recent production from what I can tell, around Christmas and both had flaws. The first's stem was ridiculously loose, and the second, if I remember correctly, was not drilled properly.

I returned them both. Seems like old age has caught up with Mr. Ashton.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't buy one but that be sure it is returnable, upon inspection.

 

[Dudley]

I would agree Ashton pipes are superb smokers but I would only ever buy one after personally handling and checking; I have two wonderful pipes but both have fills... I know this is rare....... maybe it will make them more collectable :lol!:

 

[Winslow]

When I was talking to a dealer at the pipe show he said one of the British
pipe makers had a serious auto crash and wouldn't be making many anymore.
I can't recall if it was Ashton or Ferndown.

Winslow :sunny:

 

[skaukatt]

I struggled with whether I should post this or not but decided to do so...

I have a handful of Ashton's and began buying them when they first arrived on the market in, I believe, the mid 1980's. Bob Hamlin was selling them at that time. They were a good alternative to Dunhill's for my budget. I always loved the pipes. They were well executed, smoked fantastic and again, were a great value. I had purchased a bunch and really loved them.

Then came the first of two bad experiences. In the mid 1990's I purchased a beautiful Old Church XXX from Dave Field. I bought the pipe at a NY Pipe Show and loaded the pipe for the ride home. As I got ready to pull out of the parking lot I put the pipe to my mouth in hand and lit the pipe taking my hand off the pipe to grab the steering wheel. Upon letting go of the pipe, it jettisoned out of my mouth spewing its fiery contents all over me and the interior. I thought it odd as to why the pipe would not stay put clenched between my teeth. Upon further examination I noticed that the button was not at all properly filed down to the point that when placed in between the teeth it would stay there. The button was rounded and tapered to the point that it would simply refuse to remain put and more so, it would slide out forward from my teeth. I brought the pipe back in to Dave and to my shock, he basically blew me off. He told me that the long time stem man at Ashton no longer worked there and that some stems exhibited some issues. He offered some other excuses for the poor finish on the stem but I will not go into it here. He did not offer to send the pipe back or offer any recourse. I tried to make a plea but to no avail. I like Dave but this really bothered me and I vowed never to buy Ashton again. I suppose I should have been more attentive in my pre-sale examination but I nvere expected to find such an issue with an Ashton. I took the pipe home and filed down the button so that it was flatter at the top and bottom such that I could clench it comfortably in my mouth.

So, it was another 10 years before I figured I'd give Ashton another try. I was seduced by another beautiful Old Church XXX full bent this time on Premal Chheda's table at another NY Show. I told him of my reluctance with purchasing another Ashton but he assured me that if I had a problem he would replace the pipe or do whatever it took to make it right. So, I bought the pipe. I actually smoked it at the show and did notice a liitle moisture on the stem but I figured it was me. Well, subsequent smokes proved that it was NOT me. I noticed that moisture droplets were seeping out from the stem and shank juncture - like a leak! I felt moisture on my hands where I was holding the pipe. I examined the situation and narrowed it down to the stem. How? I took the stem to the sink and put my finger over the draft hole and filled the stem with water from the faucet from the button end. I then blew through the stem keeping my finger on the draft hole at the tenon end. to my shock, a steam of water shot out from the point where the tenon meets the stem. There was the smallest slit (could not be seen with the naked eye) at that juncture causing the leak, which was the moisture formed by the process of smoking leaking out and down the shank - YUK!. I called Premal, who was true to his word - he replaced the pipe with another Ashton which has absolutely NO issues and is a great smoker.

So, the moral of my story is that there are great and fantastic Ashton's and the majority of them are but there are some inferior ones as well. I guess this could be true of any pipe but I would have never expected it from an Ashton pipe. Let the buyer beware. I have found that Ashton's from the beginning of production to early 1990's were much more consistent. Pipes from the mid 1990's to early 2000's when I bought my last one - questionable quality in terms of consistency.

If you buy one be sure there is a return policy.

I in no way mean to discredit Ashton, Dave Feild or anyone, I am just telling you my experience.

Lou, NY

 

[daveinlax]

Bill Taylor was injured in the car wreck, from what I seen posted he is in a bad way. My 3 Ashton's a shell, sovereign and old church are very good. The blasts are very good and the drilling is spot on and his stem work is very good. I have read a lot about past quality issues over the years but my pipes are fine. :shock:

 

[skaukatt]

I am very sorry to hear this news. I hope that Mr. Taylor is on the mend quickly. Thank you for letting us know of this terrible news.

Lou, NY

 

[Wet Dottle]

I have a few malformed Ashtons. They all smoke great. To me, they are the proof that a poorly engineered pipe can smoke as well as any of the best. However, for what they cost they should be better drilled. Like someone already said, either make sure you can inspect the pipe before you buy, or at least that you can return it if it isn’t to your liking.

I'm very sad to hear what happened to Bill Taylor and hope for his fast and complete recovery.