Chris Askwith Hand Finished

riff raff · Sep 21, 2014

I like Chris Aswith work and wanted an opportunity to own a British-made artisan pipe. Recently, he released his "Hand Finished" line with very reasonable prices. I popped for this bent Billiard, as it had that classic British profile.

The pipe arrived yesterday and I've smoked two bowls in it and though I would share my observations.

Chris found a stock of old English briar stock. The stem material is vulcanite, from some old German stock that he found. The stem fitment is perfect and the button is sublime, just to my liking and much like my older Sasieni's in shape and feel. The stem has a great mouth feel and Chris reports it doesn't oxidize in use (one concern that I had). I was a little concerned as the pipe will not pass a cleaner. As I suspected, Chris said the strummels were pre-drilled, so he had to work within those shaping confines. I am happy to report, that after two smokes, the pipe was dry as a bone and cool. The wall thickness is also just to my preference. Chris says he is still learning to work with this supply and appreciated my feedback.

Ordering was smooth and completed via email. It was pleasant to have some interaction with the maker.

This one appears to be a good addition to the rack and has whetted my appetite for a future Hand Made pipe.

Brewdude · Sep 21, 2014

Beautiful! Love the finish on that one Al.

8)

Cheers,

RR

pepesdad1 · Sep 21, 2014

Looks like it was made with you in mind, Al. Smoke it in good health.

Hiram-2011 · Sep 21, 2014

Good looking pipe, own two of Chris's pipes and they at superb smokers. Plus Chris is a real pleasure to work with.

monbla256 · Sep 21, 2014

A nice looking pipe for sure! Now you need to contact Brian at Growley for one of his blasted Rhodies or Bulldoggies and Kirk at BSP for one of his bent straight grains !! BOTH of them will SPOIL ya !! :twisted: :twisted:

d4klutz · Sep 21, 2014

monbla256":8pwvhc84 said:
A nice looking pipe for sure! Now you need to contact Brian at Growley for one of his blasted Rhodies or Bulldoggies and Kirk at BSP for one of his bent straight grains !! BOTH of them will SPOIL ya !! :twisted: :twisted:

I can attest to that, as I own a custom Growley pipe, and several BSP pipes. All are great smokers. In fact, I just about don't smoke anything but those pipes. You can't go wrong with either maker.