stone
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Post by stone on Apr 15, 2019 13:49:02 GMT -5
I've often wondered what makes an expensive pipe worth it? Nearly every pipe I see is beautiful! I obviously can appreciate a grain that is mesmerizing but looking at a Kaywoodie or Dr. Grabow versus an expensive pipe ($400 - $500) I am curious what makes it worth it? I know there are a lot of people who believe the bigger the price the better the product but those people are often easily fooled.
So what makes an awesome pipe awesome?
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Post by Dramatwist on Apr 15, 2019 14:20:22 GMT -5
In practical terms, the labor.
A factory-made pipe is one thing... thing two is a pipe made by hand. Throw into that mix an exceptional hunk of briar and a good eye and you're up into the expensive pipes.
Think of it this way... the difference between a paint-by-numbers picture of whatever... and a Monet or Picasso.
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Post by sperrytops on Apr 15, 2019 14:34:10 GMT -5
Good comparison, dramatwist. Also think of pipes from a collector's point of view. If you collect anything, what are the factors you apply when judging whether to acquire something as a collector's piece. Quality materials, precision craftsmanship, wok done by a renowned artisan, uniqueness (one of a kind), limited quantity, demand by other collectors.
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Post by slowroll on Apr 15, 2019 14:42:03 GMT -5
In practical terms, the labor. A factory-made pipe is one thing... thing two is a pipe made by hand. Throw into that mix an exceptional hunk of briar and a good eye and you're up into the expensive pipes. Think of it this way... the difference between a paint-by-numbers picture of whatever... and a Monet or Picasso. Weeeellll, a Monet, yes. But a Picasso?  |
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Post by puffy on Apr 15, 2019 16:30:53 GMT -5
Almost any activity you can name had a wide range in the price of the equipment you can use.Including pipe smoking..Pipes,Tobacco,And Lighters..General rule says,,Smoke the best you can afford.If a pipe is well balanced and smokes cool it's good enough for me..My pipes start at about a Hundred bucks and go up to about 6 hundred with most being in the 3 hundred range..I bought them back when I was working and could afford to..A last note,,I have a Bjarne that I paid 30 bucks for about 30 years ago.It smokes as well as almost any pipe I have,so it's not always price that's the crucial factor.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 15, 2019 16:48:36 GMT -5
Carvers take their time getting the mechanics just right, and getting the most they can out of a piece of briar. Hand cut stems, and one-off pipes. Even if a maker makes the same kind of pipe, they're never EXACTLY the same in the way that a factory pipe is. If you want a Pete 303, you get a Pete 303. If you ask a carver for a bent bulldog, you get his/her unique flavor if that shape. Ikea furniture can look great, but get a cabinet maker to make your stuff, and you're on another level - and it shows.
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stone
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Post by stone on Apr 15, 2019 17:02:53 GMT -5
In practical terms, the labor. A factory-made pipe is one thing... thing two is a pipe made by hand. Throw into that mix an exceptional hunk of briar and a good eye and you're up into the expensive pipes. Think of it this way... the difference between a paint-by-numbers picture of whatever... and a Monet or Picasso. That made me laugh  Thanks! |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2019 17:26:30 GMT -5
Carvers take their time getting the mechanics just right, and getting the most they can out of a piece of briar. Hand cut stems, and one-off pipes. Even if a maker makes the same kind of pipe, they're never EXACTLY the same in the way that a factory pipe is. If you want a Pete 303, you get a Pete 303. If you ask a carver for a bent bulldog, you get his/her unique flavor if that shape. Ikea furniture can look great, but get a cabinet maker to make your stuff, and you're on another level - and it shows. This. |
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Post by slowroll on Apr 15, 2019 17:52:07 GMT -5
Not to mention the hours it takes to make a pipe by hand properly. I figure I get a bit better than minimum wage for a pipe.
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Mac
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Post by Mac on Apr 15, 2019 18:31:56 GMT -5
All of the above, but it's the free market that sets the price.
As far as drawing smoke through an airway, with a decent quality briar and reasonable drilling, once seasoned in, there's no difference in the smoke itself. Beauty, feel, name, weight, grain, scarcity are all great big factors that make the difference between the "value" my stick drawings and a Tintoretto (besides the size!).
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 15, 2019 18:33:09 GMT -5
Not to mention the hours it takes to make a pipe by hand properly. I figure I get a bit better than minimum wage for a pipe. I'm still at busboy level. Haha. |
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stone
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Post by stone on Apr 16, 2019 12:21:25 GMT -5
Not to mention the hours it takes to make a pipe by hand properly. I figure I get a bit better than minimum wage for a pipe. I can certainly appreciate that as I am the type of guy who will spend two hours fixing something that could be replaced for $3 and a 15 minute trip to the store. I just like to do things with my hands and then look at what I've done |
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chasingembers
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First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
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Post by chasingembers on Apr 16, 2019 12:50:54 GMT -5
The person smoking it.
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stone
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Post by stone on Apr 16, 2019 13:33:42 GMT -5
Wow! I made my way to awesome that fast?  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2019 13:47:37 GMT -5
Definitely besides the person smoking the pipe I’d say overall craftsmanship and the perfect mechanics it takes to create that perfect smoking pipe. Properly cured and well aged briar plays a big role in “ that perfect pipe “ . Not necessarily the price, I own a number of pipes that cost me under $40.00 and smoke better than one of my $600.00 pipes. Which proves it’s not the cost of the pipe that makes it a superb smoker.
Good luck in your search for a few inexpensive smoking pipes. A perfect example of well crafted pipes that have been well thought out with design and craftsmanship and the cost is definitely under $250.00 is an RDPpipes...once Ron is set up and ready to go once again. Our very own Jason aka Cramptholomew......my Stacked Nosewarmer Jason crafted for me is one of my top 5 best smokers already along with my Ron Powell Devil Anse. Although I don’t own one, from everything I read you can not go wrong with a Robert Paerkins Pipe. All I have read about Roberts pipes were extremely positive and well worth the price👍👍👍
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Post by Dramatwist on Apr 16, 2019 14:53:46 GMT -5
Not to mention the hours it takes to make a pipe by hand properly. I figure I get a bit better than minimum wage for a pipe. I'm still at busboy level. Haha. ...no, you're not... you're ready for the big-time, my friend... your creations are second to none... |
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Post by sperrytops on Apr 16, 2019 14:57:41 GMT -5
I'm still at busboy level. Haha. ...no, you're not... you're ready for the big-time, my friend... Cramps, every pipe of yours I've seen pictures of here on the Patch has been extraordinary. As Dramatwist says, you are ready for the big time and you are a fine pipe artisan in your own right. |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 16, 2019 15:13:57 GMT -5
Dramatwist and sperrytopsI have a long way to go. I'm keeping my pipes at very affordable prices, because: A) Not to get full of myself, even though I don't think that will happen. I'm too much a self critic. B) I want to get them into hands, and keeping my pipes at a price that correlates to my experience level is the way I can do that. Besides, it's fair. C) I'm still experimenting, and that's what I love to do. The "busboy" reference was about how much time I put into a pipe, versus my ROI. And I'm AOK with that. I need to put in the hard work. If I can make good quality pipes that people enjoy, and keep myself in supplies, it's a win for me. I thank you both, and everyone else, for your supportive accolades. It means a lot to me. I also thank slowroll and Robert Perkins for all the advice they gave me at the very start. And, to rdpipes who was gracious enough to take a look at what I was doing, and give me some hard truths. You all are great folks.
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Post by qmechanics on Apr 16, 2019 16:22:25 GMT -5
It is all due to water fluoridation.
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Post by sperrytops on Apr 16, 2019 16:29:07 GMT -5
Dr Strangelove. One of my favorite Cold War era movies.
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Mac
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Post by Mac on Apr 16, 2019 17:51:51 GMT -5
Dr. SL! Yes! Important reminders from the General: don't let them take your precious bodily fluids! That means, no drooling down the stem as well as guarding against the loss of other precious bodily fluids. Commie women can be tricky!
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chasingembers
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Posts: 1,912
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
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Post by chasingembers on Apr 17, 2019 0:42:32 GMT -5
Wow! I made my way to awesome that fast?  With proper packing, lighting, and cadence, you can make most pipes sing. It's more technique than equipment. |
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Post by trailboss on Apr 17, 2019 1:03:18 GMT -5
I've often wondered what makes an expensive pipe worth it? Nearly every pipe I see is beautiful! I obviously can appreciate a grain that is mesmerizing but looking at a Kaywoodie or Dr. Grabow versus an expensive pipe ($400 - $500) I am curious what makes it worth it? I know there are a lot of people who believe the bigger the price the better the product but those people are often easily fooled.
So what makes an awesome pipe awesome?
My experience is informed by being at the right time and the right place as far as estates go...you need to find a seller that doesn't know what he has got... (No I am not talking about the widow of a pipe smoker....if that was the case, I would definitely not try to score as I did on these)
thebriarpatchforum.com/thread/4475/diamonds-rough-time-tellthebriarpatchforum.com/thread/1845/latest-haulAdmittedly...not all the pipes are dream pipes, but the Brakners, Dunhills, Saseini, Bertram, BBB, are all major league pipes purchased for a fraction of what is on the usual sites...mine away, and nuggets drop in your lap. |
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stone
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Post by stone on Apr 17, 2019 11:10:55 GMT -5
Wow! I made my way to awesome that fast? With proper packing, lighting, and cadence, you can make most pipes sing. It's more technique than equipment. Now if you tell me how to make it dance my man cave will be complete  |
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Post by Legend Lover on Apr 17, 2019 16:22:02 GMT -5
I can't wait until the day when I can buy a Cramptholomew pipe. At this rate it'll be an estate pipe on ebay... but I think, having known some of the awesome pipe makers here, that's what makes an awesome pipe awesome...knowing the artist behind the creation of the pipe. |
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Post by peteguy on Apr 17, 2019 17:08:02 GMT -5
Wow - i did not see this question coming as the ultimate beginner question. I was thinking it would be Captain Black regular, gold or royal?
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Post by pepesdad1 on Apr 17, 2019 17:10:32 GMT -5
Not to mention the hours it takes to make a pipe by hand properly. I figure I get a bit better than minimum wage for a pipe. I'm still at busboy level. Haha. No, Cramps...you are not at the busboy level, you have an eye for style and lines...once you get the stem work the way you want it...smooth and clean and a good airflow, thin enough to make it feel like a piece of paper in your mouth (like the old Comoy line)...then you will have made it. IMHO. |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 17, 2019 17:50:24 GMT -5
I'm still at busboy level. Haha. No, Cramps...you are not at the busboy level, you have an eye for style and lines...once you get the stem work the way you want it...smooth and clean and a good airflow, thin enough to make it feel like a piece of paper in your mouth (like the old Comoy line)...then you will have made it. IMHO. you don't want it too thin. I aim for between 3.8mm-4mm. you don't want the possibility of bite-through. My buttons are pretty comfy, I think, but they ARE the hardest part. I like to round out the lip of the slot, which is much more comfortable for the tongue, and adds a little finish to it. |
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,912
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
Location:
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Post by chasingembers on Apr 20, 2019 23:04:31 GMT -5
With proper packing, lighting, and cadence, you can make most pipes sing. It's more technique than equipment. Now if you tell me how to make it dance my man cave will be complete Pack the bowl with firecrackers and light it? |
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Thanks!
