First pipe (Peterson) and I think it's a lemon. Help!

I agree, I think that it is more appropriate for them to offer a discount if they choose to do so, and if not they will definitely offer a full refund. Asking for a 50% discount (I think) probably makes a seller wonder if the buyer is trying to “game” the system.

I am in no way suggesting you did, but as an EBay/ offer up seller, my wife gets a lot of people that look for the slightes imperfection on used items, to try and haggle for some sort of refund.... even though my wife goes to great lengths to accurately describe the condition.

I would give a look at the Savinelli Spigot Natural 122

Savinellis are great pipes and the Spigot 104 is a beautiful piece of art, you can't go wrong with that choice.

I have been watching this thread for a little bit and what I ascertain is that you are very upset and with good reason, I would be very unhappy with the pipe they sent you. After all $200. is more than just a few scheckels, Hell it's a whole bunch of scheckels. Now, Most of the guys on this forum myself included have done business with Smoking Pipes in the past with tremendous success, those of us who have had a less than a favorable experience just contacted Smoking Pipes and explained the problem SP has taken good care of the problem at hand. My advice is two part, send the Peterson back and have them credit your account then have them send you the Savinelli Spigot 104. Easy peasy lemon squeezie. Here is part two, You are taking this way too personal and allowing it to stress you out way to much. Pipe smoking is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable and it has been neither for you as you haven't even got to smoke your new pipe yet. Your stress is only effecting you and your health so relax. Don't give up on this hobby (it's really a lifestyle) just over one bad experience, give it time and it will come to you. You seem to be a pretty cool guy so stick around for a while and get to know the fellas. The guys on this forum are the finest kind of people that you would want to know and I'm sure you will fit right in!



Respectfully, Pete11 

Thanks Pete, I really appreciate the kind words.

I'm rather OCD, so I can find myself stressed at times for these type of decisions. That's why I want to get into pipe smoking, to let off stress!

I've narrowed it down to two Savinellis (swearing off Peterson sadly, I loved their designs). The first is the 104 here, and the second is the 106 version here.

The 106 "feels right" to me, and I really want that one, but it's out of stock. Through searching over the past few days, it seems that there isn't a consistent supply of lots of pipe models, and that you instead have to just jump on availability when you can or it's forever lost. Is that a fair assessment? I'm trying to decide if I should wait for the "perfect" 106 or settle for the "104", however similar they will be. I plan on only purchasing one pipe to keep for (hopefully) forever.

The keyword is "plan." That's what I said a few months ago. 10 pipes and many pounds of tobacco later. I gave up on that plan and embrace my new hobby/lifestyle.

I wouldn't give up over 1 bad experience. Smoking a pipe has seriously slowed my life down and gives me time to sit, think, and enjoy things a lot more.

I have 2 Pete's and both are everything I expected. I'm yet to have a Sav, but it's on my wishlist

lucidillusion, I wrote a rude comment earlier. Not sure if you saw it, but if so, I'd like to apologise. I deleted it. I felt it was unbecoming of my character, and I don't even know you yet. Besides, this place doesn't deserve that level of snark.

Are you just starting out? Do you have a pipe already, or was this going to be the only pipe you intended to own?

I'm going to assume you haven't even started yet:

I can understand your discontent with the pipe you received. I would've probably been a bit upset about the scratches. Especially for $200. I own one Peterson, and it's the most expensive one in my small stable. It's a great smoker. That said, from what I've been learning, even cheaper/older/used pipes can smoke just as well as the more expensive ones. I bought my Pete for the same reason as you, though knowing it wasn't going to be my "one pipe to rule them all". I really wanted a spigot 03, but couldn't justify the expense.

If I were in your shoes, buying my first good quality pipe, I'd wait until I could get the pipe I really want. If I was just starting, I'd get something cheaper in the meantime to start learning the ins and outs of how to smoke, and find tobaccos I liked. It might sound counterintuitive, but corn cob pipes really/truly/honestly hold their own against some of the best briars. They might not be the prettiest, but they sure do smoke well, as.many members here can attest.

20 years ago if we read something on Peterson, it was no doubt positive. Today that is a different story. The next year or so will tell a tale. Does Laudisi restore Peterson to past glory? Or will they become a basket pipe.

SP has such a huge selection of pipes that they often (if not always) don't have more than 1 for sale immediately on their site. Give them a few days and they'll probably stock it back in. Or better, tell them thats what you want, and they will likely order it for you. SP is a good company, so don't write them off just yet.

Also, find a good tobacconist in your area and frequent there. Tell the proprietor that you are new to pipe smoking, and let him guide you a bit. You can find good local blends that way that are not available online. They often have good deals on pipes. I am close with several local tobacconists, trust me, they need your business. A lot of big brick and mortar tobacconists have shut their doors just in the last year, sadly. They'll be happy to help.

Another thing worthy of mention here is that Peterson is a legendary pipe company. In the last 20 years they've been having a bit of difficulty with QC (I have not had a problem with this, I guess out of pure luck, or maybe the lines I've bought have been less problematic.) Peterson just went through a change of ownership (SP actually just bought them) and I think you will be seeing big changes in the QC department towards the end of this year and the beginning of next.

And another reason to start off with lowcosting pipes is most of us smoke out of more than one pipe.

If you smoke out of the same pipe again and again, you will start having problems with that pipe. Too much heat/vigorous cleaning, and pipes wear down. That is why most of us have at least six pipes that we rotate though, though the day. This is called our "rotation". I have some Grabows in my rotation, actually.

I agree completely!

Were those other pipes you've smoked the last couple of years filtered or non-filtered?
I don't know if it's been brought up, but the Savinelli you are looking at is filtered. The Peterson you purchased was not filtered.
If I were limiting myself to one pipe for the rest of my life, looks would take a backseat to function.
Each of the pipes (Sav vs Peterson) will perform differently despite looking similar.

I’ve been smoking a pipe for, let’s see, it’ll be 59 years in September, and I’ve purchased a few pipes in that time. First of all—you’ve seen the level of service that SP offers. It’s truly tops. Second, all who have commented on this thread are right. Third—I’ve never managed to buy a Peterson that didn’t have some kind of defect. You’d think that after 150 years in the business they’d get it right, but there you have it. That said, I’m in love with all my Petersons, warts and all they give a great smoke. Worst of all are the ones that won’t pass a pipe cleaner. Trust the man who said that in a week or so you’ll add your own bangs and dents to it. Just don’t give up on the hobby bafter nearly six decades I can tell you it’s great fun. Return the pipe if you so desire, but by all means get another, fill it with tobacco, light it and relax, thinking of all the wonderful years of pleasure ahead of you.
Warmest regards,
Eric

The way that Peterson System pipes are nade, I don't believe that your average pipe smoker would hurt it at all smoking it 3 times a day for 40 years. I have restored 3 that most people would have not bothered with, and they are great smokers.

What ballpark price wise were they back then, Dave?