What Did You Smoke Today? (Pipe Edition)

[NeverBend]

Yes, I finally loaded a bowl. Seems the bowl has an odd taper inside (can't get my little finger in far enough to touch the bottom) and looks like the hole comes into the bowl a little high. After dumping it out, the bottom of the bowl looks wet, but it never gurgled. Haven't seen much about Hilson. The stem is a cheap plastic and there are no markings. Does that sound like a knockoff?

Morning George,

Does it say HILSON (and possibly/probably Bolero) on the pipe?

Hilson was the first company to introduce this style of pipe (1960s I believe) and there were knockoffs but most were well made and passed for the Bolero without closer inspection. Hilson made some well respected mid-range pipes.

High draught hole won't gurgle by itself but it prevents burning all of the tobacco. I wrote somewhere else that most gurgle is caused by a partial obstruction of the draught hole with a wet piece of tobacco that flaps on and off the hole.

Tapered bowls are intentional (some manufacturers) and the merschaum insert was obviously made this way. Different schools of thought on whether this is a beneficial or not. If the hole is too high, so that it interferes with a good smoke, you could try some pipe mud to raise the bottom but if it smokes well, I'd not bother.

So, how does it smoke?

Pete

2015 Blood Meridian in a 1970s Caminetto Business #104 saddle billiard. Last of this mixture (not quite a whole bowl). Dr. Brown's diet Black Cherry on ice.

[GWBowman]

Morning George,

Does it say HILSON (and possibly/probably Bolero) on the pipe?

Hilson was the first company to introduce this style of pipe (1960s I believe) and there were knockoffs but most were well made and passed for the Bolero without closer inspection. Hilson made some well respected mid-range pipes.

High draught hole won't gurgle by itself but it prevents burning all of the tobacco. I wrote somewhere else that most gurgle is caused by a partial obstruction of the draught hole with a wet piece of tobacco that flaps on and off the hole.

Tapered bowls are intentional (some manufacturers) and the merschaum insert was obviously made this way. Different schools of thought on whether this is a beneficial or not. If the hole is too high, so that it interferes with a good smoke, you could try some pipe mud to raise the bottom but if it smokes well, I'd not bother.

So, how does it smoke?

Pete

Pete,

Unfortunately there are no marking anywhere. I'm don't consider myself someone to rate a pipe, but I'm the only one here, so, Lots of smoke and a easy draw, and about the same number of relights that I generally encounter. The smoke was good but seemed hot. Bowl was noticeably hot but not alarming. Quite a bit of tobacco left in the bottom. I'll definitely smoke a few more bowls over time, and wouldn't be surprised if it finds a regular spot. Thanks for all your info/help.

George

[JimInks]

Peacehaven in a 2014 smooth quarter bend Basil Meadows horn with a cumberland stem and p-lip.

[NeverBend]

Pete,

Unfortunately there are no marking anywhere. I'm don't consider myself someone to rate a pipe, but I'm the only one here, so, Lots of smoke and a easy draw, and about the same number of relights that I generally encounter. The smoke was good but seemed hot. Bowl was noticeably hot but not alarming. Quite a bit of tobacco left in the bottom. I'll definitely smoke a few more bowls over time, and wouldn't be surprised if it finds a regular spot. Thanks for all your info/help.

George

Sounds like a good Bolero knock off and all of them (including the Hilson) could get hot. I don't know (or remember) what material is used for the outside of the bowl but they're similar in smoking to most meerschaum lined pipes.

Sounds like you're doing everything right.

Will soon smoke the remainder of the
2015 Thomas Hariot (pressed) in a 1950s Barling's Make, Ye Old Wood Fossil (sandblast) #252 saddle billiard. This is the last of this sample.

[JimInks]

Almost finished smoking Stonehaven in a 1998 smooth medium bend Peterson Limerick 69 with a nickel band. Got half an ounce from a good friend today. And another friend gifted me some Rich Dark Flake along with other stuff from England. Just a great day for "hate" mail!!!

[JimInks]

P&W Dummerston in my old reliable 1986 smooth Peterson Kildare 999 Rhodesian.

[Lostmason]

PS Lux Navy Flake in a DG Savoy

[JimInks]

P&W #515 in a 1980s black sandblasted slight bend Savory’s Argyll 281 Cherrywood.

[BryGuySC]

Just popped a jar of McClelland 2015 that has been sitting up since February. Great stuff.

[JimInks]

MacBaren Symphony in a very ugly reddish color 1980 medium bend Lorenzo Leganza Sigma 8635 etched rough top.