what is your latest pipe purchase

[NeverBend]

This is the first pipe of note I've bought.



A friend was proxying this for an older gentleman. It appeared unsmoked.



The light makes it appear to have a long flaw on the front quarter panel, but I assure you it is a trick of the light. It is smooth as a baby's bottom.



I really wanted some plateau briar showing and this pipe delivers, along with a cavernous bowl.



I love the freehand style and crazy grain... is it a flame grain? I'm still learning the lexicon, but I know what I like, and this pipe spoke to me the moment I saw it. I'm almost certain this is the last nice pipe I'll ever buy, other than that sweet Neerup Bent Apple I have my eye on. Oh, and those two Savinelli Authors I've got dibs on. And then THATS IT!
Thanks for looking.

Beautiful pipe Jim. I loved your comment that it may be a freehand but that doesn't mean hands free!

The term straight grain is always subjective to the smoker and maker. Companies do mark their pipes as 'straight grain' but that's their opinion and sometimes their opinion is well, prejuduced . In a general sense, straight grains should be pipes where the grain flows from rim to heel in parallel straight lines. Flame grain usually connotes that the grain flows similarly but may be angled one way or another or both ways.

No two straight grains are the same and they vary in quality with the ideal being the tightest (least room between the grain) and straightest.

Your pipe was cut from plateaux briar (that's the burl exterior on the top of your pipe) that's usually the source of the best grain and it's often the most expensive cut of briar. The shape of the pipe affects the quality and amount of straight grain that can be expressed on the pipe. Your pipe was handmade to follow the contour of the grain. Had your block of wood been made into a billiard it would necessarily have had mixed grain around part of the bowl. You'll sometimes see the term, 360 degree straight grain that simply means that the owner feels that the straight grain goes all around the pipe.

Pete

[Alligator Gar]

Beautiful pipe Jim. I loved your comment that it may be a freehand but that doesn't mean hands free!

The term straight grain is always subjective to the smoker and maker. Companies do mark their pipes as 'straight grain' but that's their opinion and sometimes their opinion is well, prejuduced . In a general sense, straight grains should be pipes where the grain flows from rim to heel in parallel straight lines. Flame grain usually connotes that the grain flows similarly but may be angled one way or another or both ways.

No two straight grains are the same and they vary in quality with the ideal being the tightest (least room between the grain) and straightest.

Your pipe was cut from plateaux briar (that's the burl exterior on the top of your pipe) that's usually the source of the best grain and it's often the most expensive cut of briar. The shape of the pipe affects the quality and amount of straight grain that can be expressed on the pipe. Your pipe was handmade to follow the contour of the grain. Had your block of wood been made into a billiard it would necessarily have had mixed grain around part of the bowl. You'll sometimes see the term, 360 degree straight grain that simply means that the owner feels that the straight grain goes all around the pipe.

Pete

Great knowledge drop, Pete. This is why I love you guys.

I think the reason I like that freehand is because the maker honored the grain. I've tried going against the grain when turning wood and the results are not as moving. There's something nicely organic about letting the wood dictate the final form.

[Tgs679]

A 8 oz bag of Margate and a 3.5 oz tin of Dark Star.

[Lynn]

2703 069.jpg

Ive decided to buy a pipe this is what I like...any thoughts?

[El Whedo]

Harvey, if you like that pipe, that is all that matters.

Pipe tobacco is MUCH cheaper than cigars, and easier to smoke on and off all day with out blowing out yer palate. If that pipe is briar it will be good for probably twoish bowls per day before getting swampy. Pick up a corn cob pipe, or two, the next time yer at Walmart or Walgreens. Corn cob pipes can be smoked over and over and over and over with out any problems.

Yer gonna be surprised at the array of flavors available with pipe tobacco, how easy it is to store (small mason jars), and how inexpensive it is.

[Lynn]

It's briar hand made an carved with inlays, an has been charred. stem has air cooling an filter. I will probably only smoke it in the evenings, one or two bowels...Ive been lookin for something that said Lynn when I saw it, an this one does, even she say's it is me...looked in my turning woods an found a piece of aged cherry so when I have time Im going to make one of cherry.

[GWBowman]

2703 069.jpg

Ive decided to buy a pipe this is what I like...any thoughts?

That's mighty fine looking. Welcome to yet another steep, slippery slope.

[Lynn]

Harvey, if you like that pipe, that is all that matters.

Pipe tobacco is MUCH cheaper than cigars, and easier to smoke on and off all day with out blowing out yer palate. If that pipe is briar it will be good for probably twoish bowls per day before getting swampy. Pick up a corn cob pipe, or two, the next time yer at Walmart or Walgreens. Corn cob pipes can be smoked over and over and over and over with out any problems.

Yer gonna be surprised at the array of flavors available with pipe tobacco, how easy it is to store (small mason jars), and how inexpensive it is.

what you mean swampy??

[Branzig]

what you mean swampy??

Pipes need to dry out. Especially briar. Otherwise they stay moist and start to smoke real wet and impart a nasty taste to your tobacco.

They literally smoke "swampy" if not allowed to dry out.

That's why we all have a bunch of pipes...it's not PAD...really it isn't....honestly...Every pipe I buy is justified...quit judging me A-holes!

[Pugsley]

No idea what they are, but at less than $20 each, I couldn't resist.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/estate-tobac...vip=true&rt=nc