A CLUB PIPE?

I have no objection to a Pipe of the Year nor a Tobacco of the Year, in fact I'm especially fond of a Pipe of the Year idea. I've heard this is fairly common thing for pipe clubs and online communities to do.

One thing I would suggest is that if this were to be a thing, we'd take suggestions on shape and maker. When picking shape and maker, it's important to keep in mind who our members are and where they are located. One reasonably priced pipe might be almost double the cost to have sent to somewhere in Europe or vice versa. Once everyone has gotten a chance to give their input, take all that feedback and turn it into a poll. Take the top one or two and look into how much it will cost. Keep in mind that many makers would be willing to give us a group deal (if we ask nicely).

I'd humbly submit that affordability should always be a consideration when doing a POTY for two reasons: 1) you want as many people participating to get the best group deal 2) you want everyone to be able to enjoy the POTY (as much as possible).

I support this idea. I'm thinking maybe a simple billiard to get things started.

On thing I'd also like to point out is that, while I'd be down for doing it this year, this is a relatively new community and getting enough people together for POTY might be challenging. On the flipside, having a POTY can definitely attract new members looking for a community with their own established traditions. A POTY is a rather easy tradition to establish and it's a memorable one.

Both are great ideas but a POTY specifically made for the club will still run in the range of $200-$300 based on my experience. I'm OK with that range but for others it may be a stretch. We have several pipe makers here so I hope they can speak to the topic.

In another pipe club I recently joined, they're doing their POTY for about $40/pipe and I believe it's an author. That said, they're a well-established group with lots of connections and back channels through which they can negotiate prices. 

One thing I would suggest is to take an informal poll of the the top three shapes favored by the community and the top three makers favored by the community that make those shapes. Put all that together to get a top three shape and maker suggestions from the community and contact each of the three makers to see if they're willing to do a club pipe and at what price. If none of the top three can provide us with a reasonably-priced pipe, we try again by taking suggestions.

Ok I am glad that we have some traffic going on this!

You aren't going to find any maker (maybe a factory) to engrave anything on the stem.  It's super hard unless you have a laser and it's a great place for oxidation to happen.  NOT a good idea.  Again, unless the maker has a laser engraver putting all that text on the briar is going to be a huge pain and a custom stamp starts at $85 and goes up from there.  My suggestions would be to abbreviate it to "BP 2016"....nice and easy to stamp with the single letter stamps most makers have in a drawer somewhere!

As to shape, stick with something classic that has a huge appeal and can be easily and quickly made.  A billiard, rhodesian, brandy, ect.  Either bent or straight.  NO diamond shanks and no adornments as these add time and money to the pipe.  Also, a sandblast finish is going to be cheaper for a club pipe.  Finishing a smooth involves a lot more time to finish and will make the pipe more expensive.  

Mark Tinsky is a good choice.  The boys over at Smoker's Haven have a great price on an author going right now.  I'm sure Premal would entertain the idea of extending it for this POTY.(can't hurt to ask)  There are American Pipemakers that will make the pipe you want for right at or just under $200.  But DO NOT string them along.  Go to them with what you want and how many you think will be ordered.

Just my 2 cents.

For the stamp? Yes, that's where most makers will put it. But adding "The Briar Patch Pipe 2016 Year One" to a shank isn't as easy as it sounds. That's why I suggested "BP 2016" be used instead. Club pipes become a real pain for a maker to stamp. Not only are they putting their nomenclature in the usual spot they are adding whatever the club stamp is (most pipe clubs have a stamp they send to whatever maker it is that year).

Perfect! something well priced and a good start to a hopefully long tradition!

I realize people want a good price but remember pipe makers are not among the 1% and ten, twenty or thirty pipes is ten, twenty or thirty times the effort. Anyone here want to work 40 and get paid for 30? I didn't think so.

I searched the internet for twenty minutes looking for a picture of a caveman using his club as a pipe to post here, but turned up nothing.

Ok, guys and gals I like the idea of having a club pipe. But, the discussion of the price it knocks me out of the buy.
Think about this option, many clubs has a club pipe why not look at about her route. Why, not consider a unique bowl for either a Falcon or a Viking. If I could find a Falcon bowl made from Osage that would be awesome.
If the above doesn't appeal to you guys why not a crafted Tamp?
Just a couple of thoughts. No harm no foul.

Like all good plans there are high hopes and a few realities. Someone should be assigned the task of the "doing" and take a lead role. Someone should help support. Others should have good ideas with no personal buy in to any of them being actually implemented and everyone give their money when due.

I for one tentatively support this idea!

j/B