Nice video. With the higher-end pipes, you're also paying for aesthetics, including the design and the grain. The aesthetics (in terms of shape) are important to me, and honestly, I cannot imagine paying a lot of money for a textbook standard shape, but I will pay more for unique designs. I prefer the Italian school, which often start with a standard shape and then put a twist on it. A nice straight-grain can be stunningly beautiful, but this, too, is a matter of aesthetics; a straight-grain does not smoke any better than a flame grain or any other pattern. The only stipulation is that you need a pipe that is totally covered in grain; if there are any bald spots, it will eventually burn through or crack. Or so I'm told. These usually ended up in baskets. (In the days when going to a pipe shop meant going to your local shopping mall, they'd often have baskets of pipes, with the better grade pipes behind the counter or under glass.) As you said, some pipe makers will put sterling silver or gold on the stem or shank, but these were special pipes, often straight-grains, to begin with.
really interesting video, and it got me thinking that it is funny how the nicer looking briar, are made in to pipe of less demand. Rustication makes a pipe transfer far less heat to the hand AND significantly increase the surface area so better cooling, and looking around a few sites, I noticed that first to go are rusticated pipes. 2nd As a beginner I want to try 1-2 Dunhill pipes mainly to the name tradition and stories of 100 year old Dunhill pipes, but I always come back to the same "Am I going to enjoy it?". With a cheap 50-70$ pipe, I take it outside I put it down with no care at all, but with 5-600$ pipe, that will introduce something to worry about, in an activity that should make me relax and have no worry at all.
Just to give everyone my story without them having to actually live it to reap the benefits. I've been smoking a pipe for 25 years now, started with Grabows and Estate cheapies and i was happier than hell for 5 or so years, then i discovered 4 hole / 4 digit Kaywoodies from the 30's and those along with Missouri Meerschaum was all i smoked up until i found the great guys on the pipe forums and they taught me about high end Savinelli's, Stanwell, Peterson Etc. One year in 2008 i went to the Las Vegas pipe show and met the Charatan Collectors and learned about their history and great wood and great smoke, so i bought a ton of Expensive Charatan's and still love them, lastly in the past 5 years i was having commissions done in the neighborhood of $300 - $500 max to get exactly what i wanted looks wise, shape and color from Tinsky, Boswell, Ruthernberg, Cooke etc. In 2015 i won a Vermont Freehand Billiard and it forever changed my life, Pro pipe carver owns a company that supplies the high end carvers with blocks of briar, stems, tools, you name it he's got it. (Steve Norse) I love this Dark Smooth Billiard like nothing i have ever owned. Stems that are so comfortable made out of Acrylic that never tarnishes (i use a softee bit so it doesn't matter to me if its not vulcanite) High Contrast stains and finally a carver that makes pipes i dont have to use a dremel to open up the stems, i love a real open pipe, think Corn cob openess. These are made by Briarworks using Steve's briar or Morta , stems and design all for under $150!!! Now all i smoke is VF pipes, Briarworks pipes or Moonshine pipes. Their all American , provide me with simple English shapes and smoke better than those $500 i was buying. So in short, a $100 Savinelli / Peterson will smoke better than a Grabow, an old Dunhill, Charatan ,GBD should have older & better wood than the Sav and Pete and anything above say $200 IMHO you are paying for looks and or provenance. Reason i posted this is it took me 20 years and thousands of dollars to realize vintage Algerian briar in a correctly drilled OPEN pipe for $150 will hands down outperform anything i own worth 5 times that, try one of those three companies, i still have my Charatan's bc i like the LOOKS and of course my Custom pipes for the beauty, but to smoke i want a modern, open draw pipe that looks great for the least amount of money possible and these three American companies offer that now. :-)
Thanks for the information. It is an overview of the knowledge I have found in research- but I like it all encapsulated in one video. Thanks for doing this.
Man, I wish I saw this 7 yrs ago when you made this. All I can say is FANTASTIC VIDEO!! I learned a lot and you put it in such simple and easy terms. Great job my friend 👍🏽. You know what? I just got through browsing the videos on your channel. Awesome topics. You earned yourself a new subscriber. I’ll be sharing this channel with the many other pipe smoking friends I have who would benefit. Thanks again!
Have been smoking over 30 years and I agree with you 100%. Savinelli also makes Rossi they are the same pipe. Just acquired a Bones pipe that is just as good a smoker as my Petersons or Savinelli.
If you can feel the pipe before you buy it, get the lightest one possible, the lighter the briar, the higher the quality.. I have a Rinaldo, that you would think is heavy and your floored, when you feel how light it is, one of the best pipes I've ever smoked and you can't get it hot, unbelievable high-end Briar, got it used of eBay for 120 bucks, lol, can't beat that.
Great info! I follow Eric as well...he's the person who turned me on to Tobacco pipes and now I'm off.of cigarettes after 18 years!! I have a local coffee / tobacco store that is not your typical cheap cigarette and glass pipe shop. Don's Humidor, here in Waco Texas , is more of an upscale store that has an amazing humidor, Coffee Bean selection and pipe tobacco selection. So far, I've tried about three or four tobacco Blends and I think my favorites are Virginians and Burleys of different mixtures...
I'm actually an avid basket diver. I quite enjoy rummaging through baskets, searching for the one to catch my eye. They are charming, working horses of my humble collection. Sure, I do have a mid grade Savinelli and a top quality calabash-like condenser pipe, but I smoke them as much as my baskets. I have one natural (non painted, but slightly oiled) basket with a really nice smooth grain, alas it was probably discarded because of a few cracks around the outer bowl. I grew to like them though, these certainly add some character and not at all interfere with smoking, just a visual defect. My only gripe is slightly off-centered drilling, still a good smoker though. With some care they can be as good smokers as you want them to be. I've invested in one of my basket billiards, got it polished and shined and slapped a wonderful acrylic stem. One my my favorite briars, and a really sharp looker. It does look like a mid-grade 100$ pipe! So what it is I'm trying to say here? Well, with proper care, and with a right pipe, even a basket can become a wonderful companion for the years to come. But, that is my opinion.
Great video. Great advice. I might add that Lucite is actually a lot more durable than simple acrylic. I worked with plastics years ago and had to learn some of the differences between the various plastics/acrylics. Thanks again for putting some good info out there!
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge even though this was 2015 I just watched it now and the same info still applies today I'm sure. I started with my basket pipe and will eventually buy one of the middle priced pipes like a Savinelli. Great info, thank you.
Made my own pipe 2010 still use it beautiful olive wood clean it with alcohol season with honey. Oh and for the newb builders use briar. pre drill the internal chambers. Know where u drilled use probes. Put tape on your bit so u dont drill too far. Then work on the outside. Make shure it works! Dont spend hours or days on the outside just to make a mistake on the internal parts also make a plan draw it out 3d internals.
I'm sixty-five and have been smoking a pipe since I was fifteen. I've had cobs and none were that good. I have basket pipes, some of which are over thirty years old and incredibly good smokers. I have Savinelli's, Peterson's, Stanwell's, Charatan's, and Dunhills ... I have purchased pipes from independent carvers (some of which are absolute works of art). The absolute best smokers are my Charatan's followed by my Dunhill's. Although, none of my Dunhill's are post nineteen seventies, so I cannot make any comment on today's Dunhill's; the same could be said of my Charatan's, as they're all Lane era. Again, I cannot direct a comment towards today's Dunhill's or Charatan's. However, if they're of the same quality NOTHING smokes as well. I'm not fond of Peterson's, as I've yet to find any of them good smokers. For a relatively inexpensive/moderately priced pipe .. Although, they're machine made, the Stanwell's that I have are excellent pipes. I can address their newer pipes, as I have some that were recently purchased. If you buy a filtered pipe ... toss out the filter and they're almost up there with my Charatan's. You can pick them up, online, for forty to fifty bucks. For a machine made pipe (at least those that I own), they're simply an incredible smoker. The handcarved Stanwell's cost significantly more. I don't know anything about them, as I'm so fond of their regular offerings, I haven't felt the need to spend the money. Have to edit. I forgot about my GBD pipes. I place them right after the Charatan and Dunhill's. They're GREAT pipes. Sorry, but you can keep you Peterson's and cobs ...
You get what u pay for. One day I'll have a dunhill. I managed to score a lane era Charatan's for cheap of some mug who didn't know its value, it smokes superb but the bowl is to large for my liking. Enjoy your pipes Mr.
That is the best explanation for what you should get. Outstanding video. I came over from SmokeRingsPipeDreams , Kel sent me over for some great content. well done. Nice choice on the cigars you sent him.
Wonderful video, albeit I believe that usually acrylic stems are cheaper than good vulcanite ones. (with my apologies to Castello) Love my corns, love my Dunhills, love my African meerchaums. In the pipe realm there is place for all sorts. Merry Christians and a Happy New Year!
Well put it this way corn cob pipes have stood the test of time , wealthy people have smoked them for over a hundred years , and you have told us why ..They give a good smoke to anyone’s favourite tobacco..Now a thing of beauty made by an artisan is a great thing to own and they smoke well , but many of us just want an inexpensive pipe that smokes well ...That’s why most of my pipes are corn cobs , you just can’t go wrong and if you lose your pipe somewhere what does it matter ..I much prefer my corn cobs .
Useful insight about what you are paying for. I am sometimes surprised how nice a pipe you can get for $30-50, like with Dr. Grabow or Capitello for example. I see the finesse and superior finish though with those handmade $200 plus pipes, its true.
Good video. You are correct. I add that good ol' Dr Grabows and Kaywwodies are great somokers and very inexpensive. Sometimes beautiful grain can be had in either.
I know I'm coming to your video late, but I had a conversation a few years back similar to what you mentioned with a local pipe shop owner. He stated anything over $300 you're paying for name and/or artistry. I don't think I've paid over $300 for any pipe but come close.
Best video I’ve seen what you see is what you get ......... a pipe is a pipe ..... and it’s for smoking not to admire on a mantle piece this is my opinion respect to all pipe smokers 👍
I've bought Missouri meerschaum that smoke great. Prefer a forever stem. $20 basket pipes that are wonderful. Some unfinished pipes that are great. Usually, I smoke a Savinelli or Peterson in the 90 - 150 range. These are wonderful pipes! You know what you are getting with these. I like my hand carved pipes, many smoke similarly to the Savinelli or Peterson. I like the hand crafted ones a lot but they don't smoke a lot better necessarily. There are makers though that there is a jump. A Von Erck at the $1500+ range smoke better than just about anything. Main difference: quality of the Briar and the Artistic aspacts.
I'd suggest the best pipe you can afford that makes you feel good. I'd wager if I could magically have a cheap pipe that was owned by my Great Grandfather I love it so much more than a $1000.00 pipe of fame. Buy what makes you happy.
this was a good video ive had many pipes over 20 years to many to mention it is my opinion that no pipe is better than a real corn cob pipe and not the more money ones im talking about the cheap Missouri pride un finished $5.00 don't even waste your money if your a beginner go out and buy the cob //
Very nice video thank you. I have been smoking nice briar hand mades but I will probably try some corn cob soon. We call thin basket pipes hand burners. Vulcanite let's your teeth win and that's a good thing, so I don't like lucite ruining my teeth.
In case any new pipe smokers stumble upon this vid, I just want to say that I own a few pipes, hand carved by some of the top pipe makers here in Poland (I'm Polish) and I still enjoy the cob from MM the most. Don't put down the corn cob, just because it looks like a farmers cheap pipe, it's and amazing smoke. Get one. Cheers.
I don't think I have ever paid more than $160 for a pipe (to smoke regularly out of)and have been very happy with the quality of the smoke, which is all that really matters. after all, it's a piece of wood that you are putting stuff in and setting it on FIRE! LOL
Pipes with Natural Woods Bowl and Stem from Horn is about $ 5 Up in My Country. Tobbacco natural without brand $ 5 for 40 gram Virginia Chavendish with a same flavour and taste with Dunhill Brand
Good video thanks, So what would be the value to buy a hand carved rusticated pipe? I rather get a high end briar machine made, my conclusion is rather pay for smooth pipe the best you can afford, provides you like rusticated and smooth finishes.
I've deduced most of what you've said through research and asking questions, but never, and I mean NEVER have I heard it presented so clearly and understandable. Really this was brilliant. I do have a question though if you don't mind, there's not a lot of talk of the pipes in between the $30 briar and the $100. Talking strictly function/smokability, what's the difference between a $70 savinelli and a $100 one? Or what about some of those brands that offer pipes in the $50-100 range? I realize this may be too vague or open ended, but I really am curious.
JB's_Beard Basically it's the quality of the briar used to make the pipe, the material used to make the stem, and the drilling of the pipe. In low end pipes, which would be that $30 range, you usually get briar that is full of sand pits and has been filled with putty. The stems are always cheap vulcanite and most of the time the pipe is drilled off center which effects the smoke. When you step up to a more expensive pipe in the $100 range, All that usually goes away and you get much better materials and craftsmanship. Hope that helps!
Smokin' Briar Thank you, it does. But above the dirt cheap pipes, is there a difference in smokeability/ function between a $70 savinelli or a $100 one?
I would say no. The main issue with pipes in this price range is the inconsistency you may find. One can be drilled perfectly while another can be way off the mark. That can change the function of the pipe. Passing a pipe cleaner all the way through the bowl may be possible in one and not the other. You may find flaws in the briar in one, and not the other. It really comes down to looking at each pipe on a case by case basis and spotting any flaws that concern you. Most online stores will allow you to return a pipe if you don't like it, so it really depends on what the pipe looks like when you actually have it in your hands.
What is your take on buying Estate pipes? I picked one up at a brick and mortar, that had been cleaned up and restemmed for $45. It's the best pipe I have, better than my midgrade Savinelli. It's a no name pipe, just stamped Italy. Wish I could find out more about it.
Ive spent 15 years buying estate's off Ebay and until i smoked a Vermont Freehand or Briarworks pipe, the best for me was anything marked Algerian Briar (except for my high end Charatan's). Needs to be a straight pipe so i could use my dremel and open it way up (for me i need an open draw like a corn cob without the filter) I buy $10-$15 Wilke, Scott, Wally Frank, Bertram's , again as long as it's Algerian i know the wood will be super absorbent and light. If the stem is brown i soak it in OXY clean warm water for 12 hours and use a magic erasure to get it black again. now i spend $100 or so for the above mentioned and know ill get the best smoke no matter what.. but still do buy estate's when i like the shape.
One thing I forgot to ask is regarding freehand pipes. Aren't all freehand pipes handmade. I have quite a few Danish pipes in the $60 - $70 (Stanwell's) range that state they are handmade on the bottom of the bowl. If these are not machine made, but handmade, how can the price be so low on these? I wouldn't even know where to start with machining a freehand pipe. There are too many jagged edges and corners to machine something like these. I'm not questioning your statement on the last pipe being expensive because it's handmade. I'm just trying to figure out how a handmade pipe can cost so much less than another if it were indeed handmade. Is this something pipe makers are stamping on their product to make sales? Thanks and keep the videos coming.
Many pipe makers say their pipes are "Hand Made" because they hold the pipe in their hand while putting on the stain lol!! Freehand pipes are made with machines all the time. Look at Nording pipes for example. He once showed up at a pipe shop in Alabama carrying a HUGE bad of pipes over his shoulder. Most were freehands, which he does a bunch of. He shapes them on machines and then sands them down so he still calls them Hand made because he sanded them by hand. It's a fine line. Now a true handmade pipe would be like a Moretti pipe. He uses only hand tools. Even to drill the holes in the stems and briar. Thanks for watching!
Well, I agree with you in almost everything but there are a lot of benefits that are connected to the "name". IMO the names mean quality control, finish and demand/production. Sure that a high end pipe carver could do as good of job as Dunhill but, can he make 5k of those a month? No. The names mean that no matter where in the world you are, if you buy that product, you will receive good quality. What happens when a pipe carver makes amazing work and gets "famous"? They become Balkovec's and Case's, they are awesome, beautiful, great smokers but do not meet the demand for the buyers! So, you get on a enormous list and when your name gets called (that could take more than a year) you then maybe ending up having to pay at least half of the price PRIOR to seen the finish product! If you want a pipe just as good, you go to a pipe store, swipe you credit card for a shit load of money and you get out with a Dunhill type of thing. Are these famous companies flawless? Hell no, but they do a great job at producing strong products that are shipped all over the world and provide satisfaction. Another extremely important factory is the artistic value the product have. Some of those 1k and up pipes are just unbelievable works of art and craftsmanship and you can be sure that you will pay for that. Those are usually one of a kind, decorated and hand made items! That also makes them extremely collectable, and that kind of uniqueness costs a lot of freaking money. Bottom line, if you just want to smoke and to hell with finish, I agree 100%, get a corn cob and be happy! But we all know what a hobby is about! Collecting, making friends, experiences, having fun, relaxing, learning... thats why 99% of the YTPC have waaaaay more pipes than they need. If all the hobby was about productivity, NO ONE would need more than 3 corn cob pipes and half a dozen of tobaccos. For me, the pleasure is in MANY different places!
Inbloco Quarteto Collecting pipes is a great hobby! But like you said, I'm speaking more in the line of just buying a pipe and smoking it everyday. There will always be a waiting line for pipes from the best carvers. But, if you're in a hurry to have a pipe today, you can do as you said and just find one online and spend too much money LOL! Thanks for your input and advice, and for watching!
Smokin' Briar Absolutely! I DO believe that a lot of new pipe smokers watch the YTPC or go to the forums and feel a type of "pressure", better say "itch" to buy a ridiculous 500$ (and up) high and piece of briar. You got a excellent point when you say that you don't NEED a pipe that expensive, and if you end up buying it, you are not going to get that price in smoke quality. By buying that expensive pipe, you are paying for those other factors: artistic value, demand, finish, collective value, uniqueness, availability...
Peterson quality control the last few years has gone way down hill, were getting ready to do a video on it and you wont believe what they said in a email.
So my take IMHO from this video, you need to spend 80+ on a pipe and not spend money on the lower grade. Thnks for input. But IMHO the lower quality pipes depending on brand can be and most likely could be better than the 50 dollar + pipes.
Herbal smoking use to interest me, as did herbal vaping, but the reality is that the taste is toxic and smell is obnoxious, regardless of the form, rolled in paper, leaves rolled-up portable pipes and stationery pipes (hookahs and bongs), branding and merchandising aside
I collect wathces. Same deal. Rolex is expensive because of the name. I say, if it smokes good, who cares, smoke it. If your trying to impress people go ahead and spend the money.
I wanna be a average pipe smoker don't talk so much just smoke but sorry to say i live in a rental apartmen and if i light my pipe ever five year all hell is breaking loose besides we dont have my own blend or davidoff blue mixture so i can only dream of smoking a pipe plus a friend ruined my ratos pipe i had even named it Jonatan i could smoke outside but thats not really relaxing is it smoking amongst people
Most of what you present here reaffirms my belief that one should never trust much of anything they hear on RU-vid. Any pipe buying discussion that does not even mention estate pipes is pointless.
