| Author | Message | ||
     John Daigneault Member Username: Johnnyd Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2008 |
Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to pipes and am really getting interested quickly in not only smoking but collecting. There are so many great pipes out there that seem almost too beautiful and expensive to smoke. Undeniably there are many that are not only pipes but works of art. Where would you draw the line on a price/artist whose pipes you would merely buy to collect? | ||
| Thomas Allen Member Username: Tomsense76 Post Number: 12 Registered: 08-2008 |
Depends on the person.... I, for one, really don't have a budget for any pipe more than $150 USD. I know there are people out there that have pipes nearing the $1k mark! And they smoke them. Figure as long as you keep them in good shape, ie no nicks, gouges, scorching, a pipe's resale value really wouldn't be harmed if you tried it out to see how well it smoked. | ||
| Michael Shawn Eaton Member Username: Xdipper Post Number: 70 Registered: 10-2006 |
John, I've seen it both ways, yes, some of the high end pipes seem more sculpture or art than a smoking implement. I for one would probably not buy something I didn't intend to smoke. I have this theory that in order for a pipe to reach true self actualization, it must first be smoked and enjoyed. If in fact you have the budget for high end, modern art masterpieces that you don't want to smoke then have at it. I think step one is determining what you want to do. Do you want to collect rare, very expensive pipes and leave them in unsmoked condition or do you want to collect a rotation of pipes all smoked to one degree or another? If your answer was the latter, a very viable collection of good classic smokeable pipes can be had on a fairly reasonable budget. If on the other hand you want high end, pristine very expensive pipes to leave in unsmoked condition and just ooh and aah over, that will take a bit more research and a LOT more $$$. Most functional collectors (i.e. folks that collect pipes to smoke) will tell you that the best pipe in their collection is not necessarily the most expensive or even the best looking. That's certainly the case with my collection. Although in all candor I must admit that I never had the budget for any of the fancy high end stuff. | ||
| Harvey Click Member Username: Fafhrd Post Number: 1261 Registered: 03-2006 |
I've limited my pipe buying to Petersons, so this is not an issue. Even the finest high-grade Petersons are affordable enough (depending on your income) to smoke, though I admit I'm extra careful when smoking my best Petes. | ||
| John Daigneault Member Username: Johnnyd Post Number: 2 Registered: 08-2008 |
Michael, I definately understand what you're saying. In order to actually enjoy having the pipe you need to smoke it! I suppose I just get mesmerized when looking at ones like tokutomi's or florov's unbelievable pipes. Harvey, i just bought my first Peterson and can't wait to get it, it's nice to hear good things. I have a Nording freehand and soon the Peterson, can anyone recommend other reasonably priced but good quality pipes? | ||
| Kevin Durling Member Username: Briar_fox Post Number: 233 Registered: 11-2006 |
I would never buy a pipe that I didn't intend on smoking. That said I do have some pipes I smoke more carefully due to their beauty like my Brigham President or Centennial pipes. How much is too much? Thats a hard question to answer as my collection ranges from a $4 to $300, and I smoke them all! My fav is a $150 Brigham poker which smokes beautifully, looks and feels great, and isn't even the most expensive pipe in my collection. So in my humble opinion, any pipe you are afraid to put fire to is too expensive. | ||
| Harvey Click Member Username: Fafhrd Post Number: 1263 Registered: 03-2006 |
--"So in my humble opinion, any pipe you are afraid to put fire to is too expensive." Well put! I guess that's always been my rule too, but I've never framed it in words so succinctly as you just did. | ||
| Chuck Wright Member Username: Truckerchuck Post Number: 1005 Registered: 05-2004 |
A friend of mine once told me, "If you don't smoke it, Its just another piece of wood." | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 21 Registered: 03-2008 |
Pipes are meant to be cherished and enjoyed, and I find great pleasure in doing so. Having the distinct honor and privilege of being able to experiment with a very broad spectrum of pipe carvers across the world I can say with enthusiasm that I have never been able to simply "look" at a pipe  If it's mine and I own it I smoke it-- indeed all my pipes are smoked and smoked well | ||
| Gig Azar Member Username: Gigazar Post Number: 19 Registered: 11-2007 |
I'll go a step further than Chucks friend and say that all pipes are just a piece of wood, except the metals (Falcons, Alcos, Kirstens) whether you smoke them or not. They are all a tool for smoking tobacco. Yes, some are prettier than others but that does not make them better smokers than lower priced pipes. You can buy moderately priced pipes which will serve you well for a very long time and the selection is great example, Peterson, Stanwell, Savinelli pipes are just 3 brands which have alot of options and its difficult to go wrong with. But it does come down to what yo specifically are looking for. A pipe which is functional and nice or a piece of art which you may be hesitant to smoke? | ||
| Robert Bittner Member Username: Rmbittner Post Number: 237 Registered: 01-2005 |
John: I could never purchase a pipe that I wouldn't smoke. . . no matter how expensive it was. If the pipe was made by a pipemaking craftsman -- as opposed to an artist who just happened to make a pipe-like shape -- then it won't be complete until it's appreciated as a smoking instrument. If I didn't smoke it, I'd be robbing myself of the pleasure of seeing this work of art mature and change along with me over the years. If a pipe is *just* art, then forget it. Bob | ||
| Elmer Bringas Member Username: Coondawwg Post Number: 30 Registered: 08-2007 |
My two cents worth on the issue: I have an old, large BBB billiard which I have never smoked. It was not so much because it was too expensive but more because it was just too beautiful to smoke, at least for now. | ||
| George Spiers Jr. Member Username: Gman Post Number: 8 Registered: 06-2006 |
Harvey- I've read many of your posts and value your opinion. I'm curious as to how you decided to smoke Petersons exclusively. That may be too obvious a question, you like them. But I'm wondering what specific characteristics make them your favorites. | ||
| Tightwad Member Username: Tightwad Post Number: 141 Registered: 12-2006 |
"Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to pipes and am really getting interested quickly in not only smoking but collecting. There are so many great pipes out there that seem almost too beautiful and expensive to smoke. Undeniably there are many that are not only pipes but works of art. Where would you draw the line on a price/artist whose pipes you would merely buy to collect?" Do what I do...buy one brand to smoke while I save up for my "art" pipes. I smoke E.A.Carey pipes 100% due to great smokes at a modest price. As to "art" pipes I own some run as high as $3,000 from fine sculptors of brair. The 'art' pipes are all unusual with huge eye candy appeal. Some of these pipes are quite stunning to see. All these are kept in a glass case. So you see, it's possible to own "artwork" in the form of a pipe and still smoke pipes that smoke very well in a another pipe brand. | ||
| rob van loon Member Username: Smokingrob Post Number: 389 Registered: 10-2004 |
Hello Tightwad, could you perhaps give us some more info. on these expensive pipes, or better still, pictures as well? Thanks, Rob | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 28 Registered: 03-2008 |
I call shenanigans. | ||
| Eduardo Member Username: Edu74 Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2008 |
I agree with Robert Bittner: a pipe is to smoke just for anything else!! Of course there are : pipe smoker and pipe collectors ( in this last case there are people that buy pipes as a pice of art and for futures revaluation of that ). Regards, Eduardo.- | ||
| Chuck Wright Member Username: Truckerchuck Post Number: 1071 Registered: 05-2004 |
Mr. Spiers, I'll try your answer the question you put to Harvey. I too, am a fan of Peterson pipes, especially their system pipes. I have a $600 Dunhill, several Celius' that would sell in the $500 to $1000 range if he were still alive and several high grade Willmers that would go for $500 to $750. My systems smoke as well as they do whether it's a $100 System Standard or a $240 Deluxe. | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 31 Registered: 03-2008 |
The topic of the thread isn't does a $100 or $240 Peterson smoke as good as a $600 Dunhill, but out of curiosity I wonder if I can delve into your post just a bit. You seem to have allot of experience with Peterson's, but is the one Dunhill your only experience with the brand? Also-- I've had about 15 or 30 Celius pipes that I've gone through over the years, I use them for fishing and camping pipes and I really wouldn't call them what I consider to be a "quality" smoke as I would most of the pipes that I collect and smoke. They're like Stanwells-pretty (except for 70's and early 80's production) ok- but nothing to write home about and no big deal if it gets demolished. What are the qualifications for a good smoke that you use to make the comparison? | ||
| King titus Member Username: King Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2009 |
I buy them and smoke them all. Otherwise, its just a nicnack and I hate nicnacks! Dunhill to Nording...all used regularly! | ||
| Aleš Member Username: Pipeclubsi Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2009 |
As for smoking alone I don't really care about fancy names and silver rings. A good pipe is a good pipe and it doesn't have to be expensive. What matters is the technique and tobacco. I won't go to lunch with the sultan of Brunei to show off an expensive pipe. It's just a good enjoyable smoke I want, and spending some nice time with that hobby. As for collecting, as the question was, it's a whole different thing. It's more about art than useful 'tool', although it's nice if it smokes well. It's hard to save if you want something special. I'd advise you to make a good plan what exactly you want and then evaluate it. It might cost thousands, so a small but interesting collection could be better than a variety of all kinds of pieces. Choose a theme, like best classics, sherlock h., carved pipes, meerschaum sculptures, etc. I hope you'll end up with something special and enjoy it! Best regards! | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 33 Registered: 03-2008 |
Ales thanks for the declaration of your integrity- it is appreciated; however, the statement that a good pipe is a good pipe and doesn't have to be expensive really doesn't depend on you- it depends on the pipe Also--- the technique and tobacco statement is way off from my experience. I've smoked some VERY good tobacco using my good old same old same old on some pipe and just gotten crummy results. Sorry, keep telling yourself what you need to tell yourself, but me and the Sultan will do this our way. | ||
| Aleš Member Username: Pipeclubsi Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2009 |
It's the buyer that makes the final choice, Ian. And we all have our experience. My experience is: a $60 Big Ben is good enough for a good smoke, most of other stuff is just a brand myth. But the pure myth is what makes some people collect. Nothing wrong with that, of course. | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 35 Registered: 03-2008 |
Tell yourself the same story long enough and you believe it Ales. I understand. Truth is I have much experience with both sides of the argument, and I know better. I'm sorry, but I've got to call shenanigans... If you can find such satisfaction from a $50 pipe god bless- but I've smoked em- and know what I prefer. There are few exceptions, I own MANY and will continue to buy the Stanwells from the 60's as I enjoy the old briar and the vulcanite stems. I find them to be more suitable to my requirements for a pipe than their newer counterparts. But by and large- cheap pipes equate to problems and frustration that no amount of technique can minimize or remedy. | ||
| Aleš Member Username: Pipeclubsi Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2009 |
I had no problems and no frustrations at all, so I have to believe myself. I wonder what extra 'requirements' do you have in mind? A simple preference is one thing, but a difference in smoking is what would make a real true difference. But we still don't know what you mean. Is smoke cooler, is there less condense...? Or is it all just a cool feeling, a very individual, subjective thing after all? | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 36 Registered: 03-2008 |
Well one big difference is that things aren't a hot gurgley mess... | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 37 Registered: 03-2008 |
Oh yeah Ales, and I forgot to ask... Please cite your obvious broad experience with high grade pipes... You know- how it is that you're justifying your comparison. Thanks in advance. | ||
| Aleš Member Username: Pipeclubsi Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2009 |
I don't compare at all. I just say I love and enjoy the non-expensive pipes. As I haven't experienced any 'hot gurgley mess' or similar with it I have to say that I'm more than satisfied with my pipes. Let me try to explain it through cars. I drive the same Volkswagen mini-van for 12 years with no problem. It's perfect! I don't need a Bentley to get from place A to place B. And luxury high quality leather or wood interior, more HP or any other thing doesn't mean nothing to me. My ride is perfect. An acquaintance of mine with a Ferrari dropped his jaw when I told him I have more luggage space and better fuel efficiency and better comfort than him. He agreed. And we had a good laugh. No hard feelings Ian, I just have my opinion on extra luxury that I consider mostly unneeded, perhaps because I was raised to be shall we say 'modest' person and have certain different values. Maybe it's the socialistic mentality. I was born in ex-Yugoslavia. | ||
| P.J.O. Member Username: Phil Post Number: 11 Registered: 09-2007 |
Is it me or did this thread take somewhat of a belligerent turn? All this "tell yourself what you need to" sounds like snobbery to me. If you need >$1500 pipe to avoid a "hot gurgley mess" technique may well be a consideration. To the original post: Life is short; smoke em if you got em. | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 38 Registered: 03-2008 |
You're putting words in my mouth and calling me wrong for it. Thanks. | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 39 Registered: 03-2008 |
"If you need >$1500 pipe to avoid a "hot gurgley mess" technique may well be a consideration. " It is a widely held fact among individuals far more intelligent than myself that the requirements for a well made pipe equate to materials and skill on behalf of the carver, and unarguably briar is one of the most important factors. Consider this- briar is bought in bulk, and at a hefty price, and the average amount of blocks that a given carver will burn through to complete a pipe runs to 2 to 3 per pipe. This equals out to at least $100 per pipe just on briar, not taking into consideration the what- 5 to 10 years of warehousing costs required by most pipe makers. Add in costs for Ebonite, Horn, Ivory, tools, electricity and anything else you can think of and tell me--- how much is a pipe makers time worth when he puts an average of 20 to 30 plus hours into a pipe? This is where the money goes on a pipe- most pipes- that don't come out of a factory. Do you think that $50 is going to get you any of this???? I never mentioned $1,500 and truth is it is absurd to think you have to spend that kind of dough to get a smoke that doesn't gurgle. But I'll tell you what I know is a fact- there was a time in my life where because of my financial state I was a $20 to $50 pipe smoker. And the briar was crummy, the pipes smoked wet by and large, and no amount of technique made it any better. A hot steamy cauldron no matter how slow I smoked. My recommendations to people is that they experiment- Castello's use some fantastic wood and can be very affordable. They require some tinkering in my opinion at the button area and often the stems are quite thick, but as for affordability they are spot on. Mastro's aren't too bad either- I've had a close friend tell me they are hit or miss sometimes as far as wood keeping hot-- which is a big no no for me. Snobbery? No. Just somebody who has allot of experience. I have smoked ALLOT of pipes and I know what works. As I previously stated, there are exceptions with the under $100 price range. Those old Stanwells are great smokes. I smoke them every day on the way to work and home from work in the cold or wet weather. | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 40 Registered: 03-2008 |
Ales there are certainly no hard feelings here, I appreciate and respect your opinion. I've just had different experiences with pipes in that price range. If you enjoy them and have that special knack to keep em cool and dry like the other side of the pillow god bless. My hat's off to you | ||
| Gerard Carroll Member Username: Nogbad Post Number: 41 Registered: 06-2008 |
At the end of the day, a pipe is a piece of material with a big hole to shove tobacco in and a small hole to suck on. Provided the material stands the heat, and the holes' sizes and relationship is within the bounds of some pretty wide parameters, anything else to do with a pipe is vanity if all you want to do is smoke. However, a pipe is other things too. Like our choice of clothes, cars etc. it can be a statement of our preferences, lifestyle, status whatever; I like the look and feel of a nice pipe as much as the next man. But as a smoking tool, look no further than the humble cob - cheap, disposable and capable of great smoking performance, even though for reasons of vanity I would not be seen dead using one! | ||
| Robert Bittner Member Username: Rmbittner Post Number: 246 Registered: 01-2005 |
I've got pipes that cost $300+ and pipes that cost less than $50. In fact, one of my favorites is a 1980 Tinder Box "no name" pipe that cost me $7.95 but doesn't have a single putty fill or sand pit. I've got to say, while my $200-$400 pipes smoke great, they don't necessarily smoke any better than my $65 pipes. Personally, I've never found price to be a good indicator of smoking quality. You'll likely get older, better-quality/better-cured wood, more handwork (if not entirely handmade), and a more attractive grain if you spend more money. But I think that technique and what you actually put into your pipe is a more reliable indicator of the satisfaction you'll glean from it. (And I'm a former tobacconist who has been smoking pipes for almost 30 years.) | ||
| burro Member Username: Burro Post Number: 60 Registered: 02-2008 |
"But as a smoking tool, look no further than the humble cob - cheap, disposable and capable of great smoking performance..." exactly. dollar for dollar there is no better value than a corn cob pipe. | ||
| Harvey Click Member Username: Fafhrd Post Number: 1370 Registered: 03-2006 |
--"Harvey- I've read many of your posts and value your opinion. I'm curious as to how you decided to smoke Petersons exclusively. That may be too obvious a question, you like them. But I'm wondering what specific characteristics make them your favorites." George, I apologize that I didn't notice your question until now. I've been collecting Petersons for quite a while and in fact for the last several years all the pipes I've bought have been Petes. I believe I was originally attracted to the silver bands (though I have many with nickel bands as well), the traditional but nevertheless distinctive shapes, and the value. Though at least half the Petes I own have ordinary stem fittings, I especially like the stem fittings found in army mounts and spigots, and also like the tapered protruding stems found in the Deluxe Systems. These seem so wonderfully practical because they can be safely pulled when the pipe is hot and because I never need to worry that they will become too tight or too loose. I prefer large, sturdy pipes to the slim, more elegant styles, and Peterson makes plenty of big, chunky pipes that are built like tanks. | ||
| Aleš Member Username: Pipeclubsi Post Number: 6 Registered: 01-2009 |
I agree with Gerard. Good explanation and a well made point. Whenever I get too picky with pipes, I remember some primitive indigenous people from around the world that smoke very simple and unsophisticated pipes (some hardly deserve that name). What a low cost briar pipe is to us, might be a super luxury to them. It's all so relative, isn't it? However I appreciate Ian's interesting views. It still makes nice reading to find out about different experiences. | ||
| P.J.O. Member Username: Phil Post Number: 12 Registered: 09-2007 |
Ian, you are right; I pulled the >$1500 figure from the air, sorry if it seemed like I was trying to attribute it to you; I really wasn’t. I believe you do have a great deal of experience in pipe smoking and therefore valuable knowledge. When I read your, “keep telling yourself what you need to tell yourself” and “Tell yourself the same story long enough and you believe it,” it struck me as you viewing/proclaiming someone else’s opinion more as their self-delusion than opinion. Perhaps I read it wrong and it therefore seemed to me like someone looking down the rim of their ODA at a fellow smoker. If I misunderstood I hope there are no hard feelings. Take care, Phil | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 41 Registered: 03-2008 |
Honestly P.J.O. my tonality was rude, you were right to call me out on it. From experience I used to say the same thing to myself- and when I was able to start affording more expensive pipes a light went off. I must remind myself of two things in this world (and I thank you for doing my job for me there), #1. My opinion is my own and it is not my responsibility to convince the world of anything; and #2. Varying opinions make variety- and that's the spice of life | ||
| P.J.O. Member Username: Phil Post Number: 13 Registered: 09-2007 |
Ian, I have been there myself, over music(and a few Scotches), and came to very similar realizations to the ones you listed. I don't think I reached the level of candor you did in your last post as quickly. Its a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to your future posts. Take good care Phil | ||
| Mark Combs Member Username: Jazzmoose Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2009 |
I could very easily see myself buying a pipe that I considered too nice to smoke, if I had the money for it, that is. But something tells me I'd end up smoking it anyway... | ||
| Massimo Aiello Member Username: Thebloozboy Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2009 |
I Agree with many of you that a pipe is to smoke, as it has been constructed to have this function: otherwise, if your need is a form of art, go for a sculpture ……..you probably do a better investment ! I smoke every single pipe of my collection. May be I take care of smocking it only once a month if we are talking about a 70’s Charatan Selected for example, but I smoke them all, even the most valuable: some years ago I had the chance to find on an old shop that was closing down an old and unsmoked Dunhill that was datable to 1956 ………..I kept it stored accurately for some time looking for a special occasion to start smoking it, even after 10 years now, every time I smoke that pipe it will remember me of that special event !! I thing that many of you are wrong saying that all the pipes are the same and that a good pipe is a good pipe and it doesn't have to be expensive !! Keep in mind that, up to a certain level, the price and the quality are growing proportionally, but after that level you will have to pay much more for same increase in quality: a 300/400 dollars pipe is always (no way to demonstrate that this is untrue) better that a 50 dollar one, but it is quite hard (for the most of us) to understand difference between the same 300/400 dollars pipe and a 10,000 dollars one. It is a low of economy that the more the quality is growing, the more you need to spend to buy a very little difference in quality. To go back to cars example: every one could easily understand that a Mercedes is better than a Tata (Indian car manufacturer for anyone not knowing it) and probably he will accept to pay more to own a Mercedes…….…….but it’s much more harder a) to have the capabilities to understand analytically in which ways a Ferrari is better than a Mercedes and b) at same time having the chance to afford one !!! I think ……. to be very direct on it ………that many people would buy the Ferrari because of point 2) SO THAT IT BECOMES ONLY A STATUS DEMONSTRATION FOR OTHERS !! (hope that none at Ferrari is reading it guys !!!) I think that if you look at substance, and not mainly at aesthetical matters, there are a lot of producers that offer a very good compromise between quality and costs, offering you a quality hand made pipe at an acceptable price (I mean Castello or Caminetto/Ascorti just to quote an example). That products always better than a industrial made pipe with a lower lever of labour involved in production (like Savinelli or Brebbia just to talk about Italian pipes). If you wish to have a better buy, I think you should keep in mind that you have to focus on quality first and not on lower prices: for example a pipe of the same producer could be affordable if you look for a rusticated pipe instead of fancy bird's eye pipe. I can ensure you guys that I own Castello’s Great like collection KKKK and that doesn’t smoke at all better than a Castello’s Sea Rock. And may be the Sea Rock is cheaper buy than a Savinelli ! An other suggestion if you have a strict budget for a purchase of a pipe is to look to second hand pipes, that are much more cheaper than new ones and offer the same quality. | ||
| W. A. Lanman Member Username: Blenheimbard Post Number: 128 Registered: 01-2009 |
Sometimes we forget that there are multiple qualities that enter the price equation, and the smoking quality is only one of several. I have seen several sets of statistics about the number of "acceptable " and "perfect" bowls that come out of all the blocks that are carved into pipes. As you might guess the higher the standards set by the manufacturer for his brand, the more bowls that get "rejected". So most of the high end brands "own" lesser brands,and a Dunhill bowl may end up as a Parker or a Hardcastle, or even a no name pipe. And if a lesser brand turns out a perfect bowl, that may sell up to a brand that can get the price it deserves. How much are these (usually) comsmetic features worth? That's impossible to say, but the scarcity will mean that the fewer there are to meet the demand. If the demand for a visually perfect pipe is high and the volume of pipes to meet that demand is low, then the price will reflect that. Is the desire to have a unique item of beauty "rational"? Maybe, maybe not, but it is certainly common enough, and can be seen in the collectiong of all sorts of items not just pipes, whether art, cars, jewels, or a raft of other collectibles. | ||
| Massimo Aiello Member Username: Thebloozboy Post Number: 7 Registered: 06-2009 |
Interesting point the theme of scarcity determining the price, but be aware that generating scarcity of a specific good is only a few times a reflection a state existing in nature (like the amount of certain row material) but determined by humans as a result of a specific marketing strategy. There are pipemakers that create 20 or 30 pipes a year, sold at 5000 dollars, even supposing that you want to keep perfection .......production could be increased !! don’t you think so ? | ||
| Ian Minton Member Username: Ian_minton Post Number: 50 Registered: 03-2008 |
People do what they're comfortable with and what is right for them and bless them for it... My own experience tells me that I like Danish High Grades... Why? Bit-work, fit and finish, balance, , quality of materials, and beauty. It's as simple as that. To get this type of pipe that meets my standards of what comprises a quality pipe you've got to pony up the dough for it... That's just me. Somebody else might not agree with what I think is important in a pipe- maybe they look for something else to get out of a pipe... Therefore they're standards are higher or lower. I've found over the years that the best bang for your buck is an unsmoked 30 year old Stanwell if you can find them. GREAT value for what you're getting- I have many of them- but my shrinking collection of between 40 and 50 or so high grades consists almost exclusively of pipes carved by Tonni Nielsen and FORMER as I feel that they're the best carvers from Denmark for what I look for in a pipe. That's just me... | ||
| Melvin S. Schwartz Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 4333 Registered: 02-2002 |
The discussion here is not comparing expensive to inexpensive pipes and what brands one prefers. I suggest people look at the post that started this thread and reply accordingly. For those who download messages and are too lazy to log in and read the first post, I am quoting it here in its entirety: "Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to pipes and am really getting interested quickly in not only smoking but collecting. There are so many great pipes out there that seem almost too beautiful and expensive to smoke. Undeniably there are many that are not only pipes but works of art. Where would you draw the line on a price/artist whose pipes you would merely buy to collect?" | ||
| Melvin S. Schwartz Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 4334 Registered: 02-2002 |
I would not buy any pipe just for the sake of collecting. I only buy pipes to be smoked, not to gather dust.  | ||
| Nathan Clements Member Username: Bierstadt Post Number: 110 Registered: 10-2004 |
There is no way that I would ever buy a pipe and not smoke it. When I buy any pipe, high grade or not, it is only a matter of minutes before I have smouldering baccy in it. Pipes are for smoking in my book. |