The 2013 Dr. Grabow Patriot (Smooth/Straight): A Review

Maker: Dr.Grabow
Model: Patriot
Style: Straight/Smooth
Price: $31.50

I should preface by saying that I had more fun just buying this pipe than I have had with a purchase in a LONG time! The Patriot model pipes are only available through mail-order from the factory in Sparta, NC. I received a copy of the order form via an email after signing up for communications on the Dr. Grabow website. I can’t remember the last time I ordered something by mail with an order form, check, and all The nostalgia it invoked was quite enjoyable, as was the wait to be surprised since there wasn’t any tracking involved. Much to my delight, it was a turnaround of only 5 days between when I dropped the form in the mailbox and when my pipe arrived (I should mention I only live about 150 miles from Sparta). It arrived in a nice, gray pipe sock.

The pipe itself is very attractive, with a brass band which extends into a brass tenon, rather than the typical acrylic or aluminum variety on most of today’s Dr. Gs. The stem has the classic spade emblem, and the bit is of a medium width (I don’t care for bits that are exceedingly wide because I use bite guards on all my pipes). The bowl is a decent size (~21mm in diameter and ~39mm deep), and the walls are nice and stout (6mm). It came with the modern version of the carbon pre-coating that Dr. Grabow made famous decades ago. The draft hole is located well, and a cleaner passes all the way through the pipe without resistance.

As for how it smokes…quite well indeed The bowl remains cool (thanks in part to its uncommon thickness for a Dr. G), and I’ve yet to experience any gurgling. It generally provides me with an hour’s worth of smoking enjoyment with every pack. So far this pipe has been dedicated to McClelland’s Drama Reserve. While the last thing I need is another pipe, if circumstance calls for buying a couple more, these are at the top of my list. At less than $35 a pop, made in America, and part of a long legacy of practical quality compared to expensive artisanship, these are hard to beat!

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