Kirsten pipes from Seattle..........................

[wolverine3660]

Newbie question:

I have been looking at the Kirsten pipes on the recommendation of a local, experienced pipe smoker.
I am thinking of a model Kirsten calls the "Regent".

Do these pipes offer a cool smoke like the company's literature claims? Are they worth the approx $100.00 this pipe would cost me?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jhuggett]

I have a couple of their short straight models that I bought in the beginning of my pipe life. I didn't have much to spend on pipes and the thought of being able to smoke them all the time because they can be cleaned between smokes seemed to make sense to me. After I purchased some better quality briar pipes though, I haven't spent much time smoking them. In fact I don't think I've lit one in over two years.

 

[mark]

I had a regent two years ago, I liked the concept of swabbing it out and being able to change the bowls,,,,the valve was a nice feature and overall the pipe was well made,,it did smoke cool, and dry, but I had a problem with the bowl,,it had a one inch bore with an oddly shaped chamber and It wouldn't smoke right for me,,,,but that's just me, your experience may be totally different,,,you can always change the bowl to one of your liking if you're not happy with the original,,,,

 

[Tom Ed]

I have two that I picked up on ebay, but both required a good bit of sweat equity before they would smoke. That aside they smoke very well with the medium sized bowls. They are good with aromatics because the moisture accumulates in the aluminum body and doesn't get into your mouth. They do require cleaning after every smoke, but it is not to big of task to break them down and swab them out. The only real problem is that they are kinda like a moped, fun to ride but you really don't want anyone to see you on it.

 

[Natch]

I've got and smoked many Kirstens over the years, and they are still in my rotation. Two bits of advice, if I may, get the largest radiator stem you can, not the small or medium sized ones. I think the large straight one (Lancer) is the best smoker, they cool and dry the smoke so much more. Then see if you can get our local pipemaker (Mike Brissitt) up and moving and have him make you some bowls. The Kirsten bowls are too shallow, small, and too canted inward. Mike has made me probably two dozen bowls over the years and they really help. Great travel/backpacking/canoeing pipes.

Natch

 

[jrtaster]

kirstens in my experience do not have to be cleaned after every smoke
they do offer a cooler smoke but i agree larger bowls would be a great plus
their greatest advantage imho is that if you're a frequent traveler they're convenient; one stem can accomodate several different bowls.
i prefer falcons because larger bowls are available but neither pipe is beauteous to behold!

 

[Falconer]

I'm headed up that way in October. I'll most definately patronize their store at Westlake and Denny. One otf our newer members, brennivine, has already given me the insight. If I know me, and I most certainly do, :tongue: I'll purchase one of these cleverly systemed pipes. Right now I'm leaning towards the 'Mariner' by the depictions. Sleak!