The "Crossroads" Of Pipe Collecting

[scottbtdmb]

Hey Brothers,
I am three years into this wonderful hobby of pipe smoking/pipe collecting and I have reached the "crossroads" in regards to my pipe collection. I have roughly 35-40 pipes and have no desire to have a larger quantity of pipes in my collection, yet I still want to buy more pipes. Realistically, in order to do this, I would have to sell off some of my collection in order to whittle my collection down so that I could buy more. This is not necessarily a bad thing and one of the guys in my pipe club told me once that if you can take care of your pipes and then sell them at some point in time, making back most of the money you spent, then it will have been as if you enjoyed that pipe for free. I kind of like his logic to be honest and I am wondering if any of you have gone through similar situations that I am going through with my collection right now? Finally, not to advertise, but be on the lookout for some of my pipes that I will be posting up for sale during the forthcoming weeks. I believe there will be a pre-trans Barling on there, an Ardor Giant, a nice bent GBD, and a few other goodies. It will be bittersweet to sell them, but exciting at the same time when I will have more money (and more space) to work with when I decide to purchase new pipes.

Regards,
Scott

 

[puros_bran]

Got pics of the giant ardor??? Lol

Yes, reaching your comfort point is normal and expected.
The good thing about it is you can begin to sell a few, upgrade, sell a few, upgrade, sell a few, upgrade until you have that salivating collection you once only dreamed of. Because you made 'installments' on it that $1000 pipe doesn't hurt so bad.

 

[plumbernater]

I want the GBD, oF course I would like to see that baby. She would be getting a loving home. And also friends to play with, being I have two other GBDs

 

[Frost]

In a similar spot myself. Problem is i cant quite bring myself to part with any of the pipes i currently have, but still have several i would like to add. It's a tough decision.

 

[Sasquatch]

What happened to me was that I got about 20 pipes, and realized that some of them were better than others in a myriad of little ways, and I sought to build or rebuild a collectoin of pipes that were all absolutely wonderful (because the other ones just don't get smoked). That's taken longer than I though, and there's been winners and losers. Result is actually fewer pipes but only truly exceptional ones.

I'm not saying this is the right way to move ahead, but it's the way I wound up being able to part with some pipes.

 

[kieveryuu]

Granted I am only a few months into this wonderful hobby, but being a very careful collector I am at the point where I am wanting to adjust my collection of 19 pipes. Figuring out which pipes I really like, which ones I tend to just leave alone and, of course, the desire for a few new, nice, pipes. Hearing of your various issues and ideas on this subject is good, gives me a little perspective and encouragement.

 

[Zeno Marx]

Granted I am only a few months into this wonderful hobby

A few months into pipe smoking or a few months into the idea of collecting pipes?

 

[R.A.]

Yes out with the old in with the new, Its a new year thinking like this is par for the course. I have pondered such myself having pipes I dont smoke and probably wont smoke. Having certian ones I know I really like.

Enjoyed smoking a pipe for years but just 1 year ago went into "gotta have it" mode and now have more pipes than I really can enjoy. I feel if they are not getting used they are just taking space.

Well the logical side thinks that, the other side say They are really cool and I want them all :lol:

There's the guy who wants to sell and thin the herd, and the guy who sees a new pipe and brings it home. Or plan B no more pipes once the money is gone. :lol:

 

[kieveryuu]

Granted I am only a few months into this wonderful hobby

A few months into pipe smoking or a few months into the idea of collecting pipes?

Well, both actually, I started with one pipe, then quickly added three more, and now have nineteen, well sixteen with three on the way. Really enjoying discovering new tobaccos and enjoy my pipes and through enjoying my pipes I have realized which pipes I really like and which ones are simply nice.

 

[Smoker99]

It just keeps going on and on. I have been smoking pipes for 45 yrs. I set limits as to how many I will own, and keep adjusting upward. Over the years, I have kept winnowing out all but the very best smokers. I have never sold a pipe., I have given away or thrown away many. That's right, thrown away. Back in the day, there was no such thing as an "estate" pipe. Everyone thought it just nasty to smoke someone else's pipe. I now have about 115 pipes, and all excellent smokers. This is your destiny. :lol:

 

[Hermit]

I've only sold one pipe.
It wasn't my intention to sell it, though.
I posted a picture here of a Kaywoodie that
Justpipes wanted, because it matched one of his.
I demanded to make a one cent profit. :twisted:

 

[szyzk]

I've only sold one pipe.
It wasn't my intention to sell it, though.
I posted a picture here of a Kaywoodie that
Justpipes wanted, because it matched one of his.
I demanded to make a one cent profit. :twisted:

You didn't account for inflation! That's poor financial planning! :lol:

 

[monbla256]

I think I hit that "crossroads about 15 years ago. Having now smoked a pipe for 40+ years now, and aquireing 82 pipes ( just counted 'em all ) over this period I'm really not trying, nor really wanting to aquire many more! I did buy a new Savanelli last year, the first new pipe in over 15 years but as many nice ones that there are, and I do look at new pipes, I find myself NOW wanting to try different tobaccos and ENJOY what I have! With this quantity I can smoke 3-4 pipes a day and not smoke the same pipe again for about 20 days! Keeps everything nice and sweet and alows me to really enjoy all the tobaccos i want I won't say there won't be another pipe coming home, but there are far fewer "wants" than there used to be! But my "new" GBD bulldog Century "wants" to get this mornings dose of Va right now

 

[alfredo_buscatti]

I think it's fantastic that the pipes that you have, and you do have a few, perfectly satisfy your smoking needs. With that many good smokers, or better, I don't know, I can see myself reaching the same state of satisfaction. I'm more or less there at 55 pipes; there are many pipes that did I have the cash, I'd buy today, the number be damned. But with that many pipes, my thoughts turn to tobacco.

 

[mike_68]

As a newb I don't have this trouble, but I can see the dillema already. A couple of my pipes are already "old friends" that I wouldn't want to give up.

Time will tell..best of luck deciding what is best for you.