| Author | Message | ||
     Martin Brogan Member Username: Smoker Post Number: 48 Registered: 08-2005 |
Hi there, I am planning to buy some new pipes and I would like to know who are considered the 'high end' pipe makers. I have several cheap pipes and the best quality ones I own are Dunhill and Savinelli autograph. I recently heard someone mention Castello as a very good quality pipe so I looked at their website and now plan on getting one. I realise that a cheap pipe can sometimes provide a great smoke, and also that a lot of this depends on personal preference. However, as in all industries there are companies that are known for consistantly producing high quality products and would like to know who they are! Any names you guys can throw out would be very helpful. Martin My credit card company is going to enjoy this more than I will | ||
| Ian Weeks Member Username: Kilgore_trout Post Number: 207 Registered: 03-2005 |
Martin what a topic! :-) Well you certainly cannot go wrong with Castello, they smoke fantastic- the only reason why I do not own many of them is the stems are cut from lucite, which is uncomortable to me. As for the wood itself it is in every way "top shelf." Same thing with Becker- love the wood, but the stems are not for me. I collect and smoke Danish, German, and Japanese high grades and ultra high grades. I have decided this year to focus my collection on S. Bang and Jess Chonowitzch, because I love the shapes and they smoke exceptional- but this is a matter of taste and personal preference. Peter Heeschen also makes a damn fine smoking instrument, a few more are Poul Ilsted, Former, Kurt Balleby, and Peter Hedegaard. On the Japanese end of the spectrum I love Tsuge Ikebanas, and Hiroyuki Tokutomi. Rainer Barbi also makes a fantastic pipe. Use a search engine and do a search- You'll be busy for hours. Happy hunting! | ||
| benhur Member Username: Benhur Post Number: 34 Registered: 01-2005 |
Dear Martin, My "highest" quality pipes are from the Danish artists Peter Heeschen and Tom Eltang. I have also had good experiences with the Italian craftsmen of Radice, Becker, Ser Jacopo, and Viprati. As for English pipes, I think Ashtons are special and smoke extremely well, though their fit and finish sometimes leaves something to be desired. You will find that people have many different opinions and definitions of "high-end" pipes. My suggestions is to take your time, do some reading and research, and buy something that both captivates you aesthetically and is within your price range. I hope you find that special pipe! Benhur | ||
| robert cane Member Username: Pipe_dreams Post Number: 268 Registered: 05-2005 |
Peter Matzhold, T. Arita, Rolando Negoita. And of the factory pipes, Dunhill still must be given serious consideration, along with bens suggestion of Ashton. | ||
| Martin Brogan Member Username: Smoker Post Number: 49 Registered: 08-2005 |
Thanks guys!! This is perfect, just what I wanted. I will now sit and research all those pipemakers you mentioned and see which I like. By the way, that's an interesting thing about the lucite stems. I'm not sure I would know the difference between that and vulcanite or whatever else they use  . More studying for me to do on stems now!My credit card company is going to enjoy this more than I will | ||
| Jeff Stierman Member Username: Jeffstierman Post Number: 56 Registered: 09-2005 |
I certainly respect anti-lucite views, but confess that I find only a neglibile difference between the way lucite vs. vulcanite stems feel. If I like the pipe, either of the two is satisfactory; but I really do like the fact that the lucite doesn't seem to stain or oxidize. Martin, The emergence of e-bay has given us all an opportunity to own pipes from top drawer makers at prices considerably less than retail. In some cases, the estate pipes are an exceptional value because many legendary pipes are no longer available new. With that in mind, I'd recommend considering not only my favorite---the Castello, which you're apparently already sold on---but also the older Caminetto's (with the gold moustache on the stem). New Caminetto's (white moustache) are fine too, but IMHO not quite as sweet. Another great pipe now available only as an estate piece (unless you can find old stock) is the Lane era Charatan's Make. Others include family-era Barling's and Sasieni's. Another fine pipe which I don't think has been mentioned on this thread is the James Upshall (in either new or used condition). Jeff | ||
| Perry Royer Member Username: Perry Post Number: 89 Registered: 02-2005 |
Who makes the best? Here are my three choices Dunhill, Dunhill & Dunhill | ||
| Dave Crehore Member Username: Briarbrain Post Number: 323 Registered: 11-2004 |
Don't forget Baldo Baldi as an upper-upper Italian maker. | ||
| Christian-Heinrich Member Username: Tseha Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2005 |
Martin, here's my list: Sixten Ivarsson, Poul Rasmussen & Preben Holm (all †, but doubtlessly all-time-greatest) Today's best: Jess Chonowich, Hans "Former" Nielsen, Bo Nordh Maybe getting this rank in the future: Cornelius Mänz, Rolando Negoita, Kent Rasmussen The very good ones: S. Bang (i.e. Per Hansen & Ulf Noltensmeier), Rainer Barbi, Fritz (†) & Paolo Becker, Walt Cannoy, Castello, Tom Eltang, Poul Ilsted, Sven & Teddy Knudsen, Peter Matzhold, Jørgen & Kai Nielsen, Viggø Nielsen, Trevor Talbert, William Ashton Taylor, Tsuge, Lee van Erck, Luigi Viprati, Jack H. Weinberger (†), ... Close behind: Kurt Balleby, Love Geiger, Peter Heeschen, Bertram Safferling, Dura Semjaniv, Mark Tinsky, Tim West, Randy Wiley, ... Newcomers: Reiner Thilo Bindschädel, Michael Lindner, Michael Parks, Will Purdy, Damiano Rovera, Lasse Skovgaard, ... To be sure, this list is as subjective and incomplete as can be! | ||
| david goliath Member Username: Fritzin Post Number: 160 Registered: 07-2005 |
If price was no limit then I would go with a large ornate meerschaum, a large straight grain Dunhill, or a Porsche with the finned heat sink type design. Non wishlist pipes I would realistically save up for myself; BBB(best british briar) Ehrlich Savinelli Dunhill Shell | ||
| Gary R. Thomason Member Username: Phantom55 Post Number: 129 Registered: 11-2004 |
I prefer traditional shapes in brands that have proven to me to smoke well. On that basis, I recommend Castello, Dunhill, Ashton, and Ser Jacopo. I think the Danish makers are way over priced for value received. Particularly since, in the latest P&T, it states that Tom Eltang gets his briar from Stanwell. I just won't pay big bucks to get a peculiar shape. | ||
| Tom Bruce Member Username: Tom_bruce Post Number: 253 Registered: 03-2005 |
Mark Twain said it: "A difference of opinion is what makes horse races." There are lots of high caliber crafts people making pipes out there in what seems to me to be the most outlandish and outrageous styles. But, people must buy them, or why would they bother. Me, I prefer something more traditional. About half of my collection are Grabow's, which came without the varnish or which I removed. I have a $20 volcano Grabow that smokes as good as any pipe I own. For appearances, my favorite is a Savinelli green alligator, which I got for $42 on E-bay. The principals of burning are pretty much standard, so unless the pipe has some built in serious flaws, I believe one should work as well as another. To me, it's the tobacco that makes the difference. | ||
| Martin Brogan Member Username: Smoker Post Number: 51 Registered: 08-2005 |
I know I am in the minority when I say this, but I could never buy an estate pipe. The thought that it had been in someone elses mouth puts me off. Even if I got a new stem, I still think a pipe is quite a personal thing and I'm not sure I'd like it if I knew my pipe had been molested by someone else . I realise this means I am missing out on many great pipes at reduced prices but for the added pleasure of 'knowing where it's been' and building up my own cake, I'd rather pay the full amount. If I couldn't afford the pipe I wanted then I'd rather have a lesser one that was new.My credit card company is going to enjoy this more than I will | ||
| Rev. Paul Shaw Member Username: The_grim_reaper Post Number: 38 Registered: 08-2005 |
Martin, I agree with your comments about estate pipes. If I ever purchased one, it would be solely for display purposes. However, I am fascinated by this thread. I am "googling" the various pipemakers mentioned here. I think it is refreshing to have a thread about these craftsmen and this quality of pipes. If there is space for cobs and Boswells, I also want to be exposed and informed about "the state of art" and "leading edge". Ian, Thank you for bringing up Hiroyuki Tokutomi. What a wonderful story behind this artist and craftsman. I spent a good part of last evening researching this artist. This certainly wants me to explore more and to broaden my horizon. -Paul | ||
| Tom Bruce Member Username: Tom_bruce Post Number: 257 Registered: 03-2005 |
Martin and the Rev. - I too agree, I would never buy an estate pipe. I only buy pipes on E-bay that are listed as unused, both for the reasons you give, and secondly I don't want a pipe that is tainted by a tobacco I don't like. | ||
| Jeff Stierman Member Username: Jeffstierman Post Number: 57 Registered: 09-2005 |
For more than 30 years, I felt exactly the same way about estate pipes. I bought only new ones. Then, I discovered pipes could be cleaned and sanitized so thoroughly that there was no remaining residue, and all traces of tobacco previously smoked in the bowls had been removed. PLUS, you gain the advantage of not having to break in a new pipe from scratch. I have been more than satisfied with the two pipes I purchased on e-bay. Both, by the way, were purchased from pipe dealers, and I got the pipes at bargain prices. Besides, is there any other way to acquire a Barling pre-trans ? Jeff | ||
| Melvin S. Schwartz Board Administrator Username: Schwartz Post Number: 3061 Registered: 02-2002 |
Seems like this discussion has gone from Who makes the best quality pipes? to buying pipes on eBay. Please continue with the original concept of this thread. Thanks! | ||
| Charlie S Member Username: Charlie_stemmel Post Number: 53 Registered: 09-2005 |
I would like to add Poul Windslow to the list of makers to seriously consider. I believe that his pipes provide the biggest 'Bang for the buck'. The only criticism might be that many if not most of his pipes are larger than what some people might prefer. Other than that he uses a two tone stain similar to the highest priced pieces that makes the outstanding grain pop. The stems are always comfortable the tenons are much larger in diameter than in most pipes reducing the risk of breakage PLUS allowing opening of the air passage if so desired. The second maker I'd strongly recommend would be Radice. Both his 'rind' treatment and many of the shank treatments such as the spiral and the fax bamboo are excellent. Plus, his twin bore design WORKS! Also, don't forget the oil cured option. Man he has it all plus his designs are pleasing to almost everyone. I still regret letting a candle drip apple get away from me some time back on e Bay. On the other hand, I am equally surprized to see several makes mentioned. Considering the price I believe Ashton's leave a lot to be desired. I have an Old Church with the poorest drilling of any pipe I've ever seen! Not to mention some of the thinnest walls ever. (This was an acqisition I made on e Bay I regret winning. You win soe and you loose sometimes .) On another the fit and finish of the stem was just awful. I'd also rank the American makers Tinsky, Wiley and West which were all mentioned well below Stanwell or a machine made W O Larsen cognac. | ||
| Howard B. Lenow Member Username: Lenow Post Number: 3 Registered: 03-2005 |
Interesting. I agree with everyone. My personal favorites that are affordable--a big consideration--are Viprati pipes. For some reason, I always rely upon them when i just want to be sure I will have a good smoke. I have about six now, from the Collection grade, the Fiammata and a few 5 clover and 4 clover. I have never been disappointed. I absolutely love Rolando Negoita for shape and creativity. His pipes are amazing in their craftsmanship and beauty. Of course, if you can afford a Rasmussen, buy it. I picked up a three star on eBay that I love. I also have great things to say about two not mentioned: Stephen Downie and Alexander Florov. Check out their web sites. Their pipes are still affordable, but I expect they will go up as their popularity does also. I am looking for my first Balleby and waiting fo the arrival of my first Ruthenberg. Also, if you can find Sam Learned, I have one that is great and I would easily recommend his pipes. Again, it all depends on how much you choose to spend. I still think Viprati pipes are the deal of the century. | ||
| smokey strodtman Member Username: Smokey422 Post Number: 220 Registered: 08-2005 |
I have a new Mark Tinsky 2005 Christmas pipe as well as two Stanwells and I would definitely not rate Mark's pipes as well below Stanwells. Fog Cutter in a Peterson smokey | ||
| Micky Baruq Member Username: Micky75 Post Number: 28 Registered: 08-2005 |
i have heard that Rainer Barbi was one of the best pipe maker. Do you know it? And do you have one Barbi pipe? Is it transcendant? better than Castello or Dunhill? | ||
| Larry Faulkner Member Username: Pipeyeti Post Number: 13 Registered: 01-2005 |
I have to agree with Howard above about Alex Florov. He is producing some outstanding pipes check out his web site and look under the news tab for a pic of one of the best pipes he's made to date. I have one of his pipes that was a gift from him ( he is a personal friend, yes I am biased) and its a great smoker. His web site is florovpipes.com . I have also owned a Learned hunter pipe that I ended up trading off. While I love the look of Sams hunters and always wanted one, the one I got turned out to be one of those pipes that you just cant get it to break in. No matter what I did I couldn't get a cake to form and believe me I tried every trick in the book. I'm sure it was just a fluke, an odd piece of wood. If I get the chance again I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another. I really love the look of them. I also own a Tonni Nielsen that is a wonderful smoker. I also agree that you can't beat a castello for consistent quality. | ||
| Ian Weeks Member Username: Kilgore_trout Post Number: 212 Registered: 03-2005 |
I've had a few Barbi's and they are great smokers. His bit work is excellent- though I find some of his pipes to be somewhat large for me. I have only one now, a blowfish that is reserved for VAPERs. As far as being better than one pipe or another that is simply a matter of taste and personal opinion- if you would be intersted in discovering what your taste and personal opinion are in this matter, the only way to be certain would be to go out and smoke a half dozen Castello's, a half dozen Dunhill's, and a half dozen Barbi's. By doing so you would get a feel for each factory's or carver's style and dimensions, and be able to make an informed decision on your own. Good luck and enjoy your pipes! | ||
| robert cane Member Username: Pipe_dreams Post Number: 277 Registered: 05-2005 |
VAPERS!??!! in a Barbi 'blowfish'. My ..life is good. Ian, You MUST let Me send You some Tavern Tobacco 'laurel flake', but only if You let Me read Your Barbi/tavern experience here. robert1m1@yahoo.com |