Which Churchwarden should I get?

bentbulldog · Sep 7, 2009

Based on the previous thread and a few generous offers, I've come to the conclusion that I want a very long bent stemmed pipe with a round bowl. Unfortunatley if the pipe has the bowl I want, the stem isn't long enough

and of the pipes that have long stems, they're either not bent enough or don't have that shape. Unfortunatly the variety of CW's isn't as grand as standard pipes, but i was able to filter it down to these 3.

http://www.tophatcigar.com/a.cfm//Pipes/Butz-Choquin-Pipes/Balzac-BZ6201.html

http://www.cupojoes.com/cgi-bin/spgm?dpt=H&srch=KW&item=savcwr601

http://www.pipesandcigars.com/josachpi1.html

I still have to check on their availability, but my concerns are also quality of the maker. I've thought about some of the VAUEN official LOTR pipes but I heard poor things about their quality and they're too expensive.

The other options I have are to contact Boswell pipes and see if they can come up with something for me or if I should just get a custom fitted stem.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Anonymous · Sep 7, 2009

Have you looked into Boswell? I don't remember which friend used to swear he made the best churchwardens. I bought one of his and didn't like it, but I have not tried a churchwarden.

bentbulldog · Sep 7, 2009

I'm gonna try Dan or Jim tomorrow and see what they can do for me. I would be looking for something similar to what I've already posted.

Ol'Dawg · Sep 7, 2009

Another option you might want to consider is a custom CW from Mike Brissett, aka pipemaker on this board. Mike Brissett Pipes

Good luck,
Jim

PipedJimmy · Sep 8, 2009

Mmmm that Choquin looks the nicest in my opinion, though Savinelli do have some very nice models, lol whichever one you go for let me know how it smokes, they look awesome!

alfredo_buscatti · Sep 19, 2009

The JOHS would seem to have the roundest bowl. . .

Mikem · Sep 19, 2009

You might consider contacting Mike Brissett (pipemaker here at BOB). He has created three custom churchwardens for me at a very reasonable price. He has always been a pleasure to work with and listens to your suggestions on shape, finish, etc.