Personal Enjoyment and the Cost of the Pipe

[Dock]

I have to agree with the majority of the wisdom above. Paying huge money for a pipe doesn't mean there's a huge step up in the performance department. As I'm too fond of saying, I have quite a few pipes that were far more expensive than my first car. I buy them simply because I appreciate their worksmanship and view them as useable works of art. For my money Stanwell pipes are the finest smokers available. Older Registration no. pipes are the top tier of Stans. Look for them on e-bay.

A few years ago I bought an estate pipe made by a world famous carver at a pipe show from a good buddy. It was a large smooth horn with INSANE grain. You maybe able to guess the maker :lol: The pipe was over a thosand dollars as I recall. I took it back to my room and filled it with 15 year old Navy Flake. It performed like pure crap! I traded the pipe back to my buddy for three pipes of lesser money that I still have and all smoke like a dream!

 

[Dock]

I wanted to add one more thing here. There are several pipe related discussion boards which cater to a select group of collectors with very deep pockets. Much can be learned by frequenting these sites. The collectors there are as knowledgeable as can be and most have been involved in the hobby for many decades.

However, don't fall into the trap of thinking that simply because you can't afford an uber highgrade pipe that you also can't fully enjoy the joys of pipe smoking. A well known and highly respected pipes dealer once told me that he owned an old and well broken in Peterson system pipe that rivaled any pipe he had ever smoked regardless of price. Most collectors who are shelling out big bucks on wood are doing so because they're attracted to the pipes aesthetics. Smoking quality would rank a distant second I think.

 

[puros_bran]

I swear DPG if you bring up Reg# Stannies one more time I'm going to sell the farm and run up the price on your fav maker.....lol

For some reason everytime you mention them the price goes up another $20 or so.....knock it off already......

At the rate they are raising by the time I fill my new rack with them they'll cost more than Sixten and Lars stuff..

 

[Sasquatch]

LOL Did I mention that the top freehand in the photo is a Reg # Stanny from about '69?

DPG you are right - somebody was making CRAZY good pipes at Stanwell back in those days. That thing is a Cadillac, and I have some damn nice pipes to compare it to.

Eulenberg (and all) the bottom pipe was made right in my garage, so if you ever get in the mood for that kinda thing, just nod your head and wink twice, huh?

 

[Anonymous]

I agree to some degree. I could have lived the rest of my life smoking Petes and Savis, but I sure don't want to. One other thing about Tinskys.

His corral grades smoke as well as my 4 star straight grain custom. However, I have chosen to basically sell off my corrals for higher graded pipes (personal choice). When you have as many pipes as I have, 1 4 star trumps 5 corrals. Once again, 7 corrals would have served my smoking needs for the rest of my life, but like I said I just chose to upgrade.

With all that said, my friends, I highly encourage each and every one of you to treat yourself to at least one high end pipe in your collection.

One other thing, our love for pipes has made me a better employee, the kind of employee that any boss would want to keep around. Back when I was younger if asked to come in on weekends or work overtime, I always said to myself, "Oh ****, I gotta work overtime." This pessimism affected my performance at work.

Now when the boss asks me to work late, I secretly say to myself, "yes! another pipe!" I work hard so that I can afford my hobby; my positive outlook on work and life makes me a hard worker and an asset to my employer. I have a good job, but I certainly could take a job that makes me less money but more time off. But, I certainly love it when I get that email from Brian or Larry advertising a new pipe and being able to click buy without too much remorse.

I haven't stepped up to thousand dollar pipes (don't know if I ever will though I would love a Nanna, or a JT Cooke). If my PAD ever slows down a little, I will spend a year putting a hundred away a month until I can afford one. But my American collection rocks!

I believe I have the best American collection in south Texas (south of San Antonio and maybe including San Antonio). In my area, when someone utters the word pipe guy, everyone knows they are referring to me. In fact, I had an accident about a month ago. The community was saying you know it was the pipe guy, and I have people approaching me and asking me if I am okay.

 

[Anonymous]

I wanted to post this seperately:

What and how you buy really is affected by where you are in your pipe smoking life.

1. If you are just starting out and have just a handful of pipes, I would recommend you build a 7 day rotation as quick as possible, not worrying to much about grade and such. Just fill out your rotation.

2. Once you get to this point (at least a week rotation), I would offer this advise: be more selective. Find pipes you really like and save up if necessary. 1 high end pipe is better than a bunch of lower end pipes. Find your niche. If you like blasts or a particular shape, seek those out. Don't think I have 60 bucks what can I afford. Rather, find a pipe you LIKE and save up til you can get it. I've been saving up for another Roush for a few months now ( waiting for the shape I want) instead of just picking up whatever is available.


Most of us end up with PAD and will accumulate many pipes. You don't need all the pipes I have, just 20-30, IMHO. Honestly seven pipes in a rotation is excellent (unless you smoke many times a day as many of us do).

Furthermore, remember there are always trades available especially when those of us with PAD and huge collections thin the herd to make more room for more pipes. Make your pipe selection meaningful.


I hope this helps and doesn't sound preachy. Truth is no matter where you are as a pipe smoker, you are part of an elite community, a brotherhood if you will. I love this place, but I like to call it the Brotherhood of the Briar because that is what we are, a brotherhood. I'm from the South where we are all brothers, but we form a brotherhood, my friends. I, for one, am proud to be considered a member of the Brother(hood) of Briar.

 

[Trout Bum]

This is a great thread, with excellent discussion/input from our community. It is discourse such as this that makes me happy to be a member of the BoB. Smoke on, Brothers!

 

[Anonymous]

One of the guys here, forgot who, is fond of saying "Smoke what you like, like what you smoke". Applies well to this conversation.

Actually, what I like to say is, " Drink what you like; drink what you're able. If you're drinking with me, you'll be under the table."

 

[MisterE]

I am lucky enough to have a few expensive pipes in my collection. After a while, they become like any other pipe I have. I smoke it and enjoy it....

 

[Anonymous]

I learned a long time ago that it really doesn't matter how much money you spend on a pipe. I have expensive ones that sit on the rack all the time, and I have cheap ones that I seem to be smoking all the time.

Now, you can usually suppose that a $9.95 basket pipe at the discount cigarette shop isn't going to be much...but on the other hand...my best smoking pipes are some Medico pipes (all under $35) and a couple of Savinelli's (both around $100).

I am much happier with a $30 pipe that smokes great than I am with an expensive one that just smokes so-so.

 

[Dodge]

I think there must be a price point where the quality of the actual smoke will remain the same from that point up. For example a $10 drug store pipe will probably not be the best smoker, its going to burn hot because of the thin walls and may have draw problems.

The $80 Stanwell might be the best pipe in your rotation and that $1000 custom handmade might be the best looking but its still going to smoke at nearly the same quality as the Stanwell. At the end of the day its all carved from the same wood with the same couple of air holes and a stem. Basically I agree with the smoke what you like philosophy even if it takes a $2000 pipe to make your relaxing time enjoyable.