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Post by IrishCatholicPipeSmoker on Jul 6, 2019 20:32:28 GMT -5
Just wanted to get a few opinions. Lately, I have been only buying Grabow pipes. They seem to smoke well from the start, the drilling is head and shoulders above my Peterson’s, Savinelli, and some other brands. Any thoughts?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2019 21:12:46 GMT -5
Yup, I enjoy smoking all my Grabow Pipes as well. Any issues just give them a call here in NC and your issue will be rectified with excellent customer service. They will also make you a new stem for any Grabow for a nominal fee. Grabow pipes break in fast, great draw....no complaints here👌👍👍
Better drilling then the Pete’s being sold in the past three years.
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Post by smellthehatfirst on Jul 6, 2019 21:16:11 GMT -5
The folks down in Sparta know exactly what they are doing. The drilling is typically very good. The smooth pipes have very few flaws for the price. You're not going to find an obvious mistake on a Grabow.
I don't really like the stems, but that is a matter of taste. I prefer Vulcanite.
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Post by smellthehatfirst on Jul 6, 2019 21:18:26 GMT -5
Yup, I enjoy smoking all my Grabow Pipes as well. Any issues just give them a call here in NC and your issue will be rectified with excellent customer service. They will also make you a new stem for any Grabow for a nominal fee. Grabow pipes break in fast, great draw....no complaints here👌👍👍 Better drilling then the Pete’s being sold in the past three years. Petersons have never been known for good drilling, ever.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2019 21:20:48 GMT -5
Yup, I enjoy smoking all my Grabow Pipes as well. Any issues just give them a call here in NC and your issue will be rectified with excellent customer service. They will also make you a new stem for any Grabow for a nominal fee. Grabow pipes break in fast, great draw....no complaints here👌👍👍 Better drilling then the Pete’s being sold in the past three years. Petersons have never been known for good drilling, ever. From the late 60’s through the 70’s I’ve had no issues with the drilling of the draft hole on any Pete I purchased. Perfectly centered and at the bottom of the chamber was spot on.
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Post by peteguy on Jul 6, 2019 21:41:25 GMT -5
Grabows are the best value in pipes IMO. I have converted a lot of my collection over to them and am very happy. Most of mine are from the 60's and 70's I would guess.
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Post by Legend Lover on Jul 7, 2019 8:21:42 GMT -5
I've no issues with my Dr grabow pipes. In fact, where my petes get wet at the bottom of the bowl, my grabows seem to stay a lot drier.
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Post by roadsdiverged on Jul 7, 2019 20:22:54 GMT -5
My first Briar was a Grabow Freehand, I love it and it gets smoked several times per week. I have a few others that I smoke occasionally and they are great smokers, just not my preferred shape.
In my opinion, whatever that is worth, a Grabow is a fantastic pipe, with a cheap price tag.
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Post by PhantomWolf on Jul 7, 2019 20:31:55 GMT -5
I've been lucky with my Petersons and Savs. Nothing wrong with Grabow though. I have a few Colour Dukes and a Royalton Bulldog. All have provided me with thoughtless smoking bliss from the first bowl.
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captblack
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Post by captblack on Jul 8, 2019 11:11:31 GMT -5
My first Briar was a Grabow Freehand, I love it and it gets smoked several times per week. I have a few others that I smoke occasionally and they are great smokers, just not my preferred shape. In my opinion, whatever that is worth, a Grabow is a fantastic pipe, with a cheap price tag. Yep, agreed, I have both older Grabows and newer Grabows and all are decent smokers. I like the smaller bowl Grabows - they are a great value for a half hour - 45 minute smoke.
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Post by dave g on Jul 8, 2019 12:39:57 GMT -5
My old Grabow’s smoke just as nice as anything out there. Some of them don’t look too shabby either.
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Post by Legend Lover on Jul 8, 2019 13:21:22 GMT -5
My old Grabow’s smoke just as nice as anything out there. Some of them don’t look too shabby either. Certainly not that one. It's a beauty.
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joeman
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Post by joeman on Jul 8, 2019 14:31:43 GMT -5
I have a few Grabows... Actually, I have well over a hundred made by the good doctor. I've toured their operations 5 times over the years...it's an amazing factory. Their quality is very good...and especially for the working man's budget. A wonderful U.S. company! Back in the day, they employed someone in just about every family living in Allegheny County. Regarding vulcanite/rubber stems...only some of their pipes are fit with ABS stems, whereas many are still vulcanite. If you buy direct from the factory (they do mail orders direct), you can easily inquire as to which are vulcanite or ABS. Some of their specialty pipes in the lobby come fit with lucite bits as well. Also...anytime you need a Grabow stem replaced, you'll never find a more affordable source (I think they charge 11 bucks), and you can always request vulcanite. They will also provide the same stemming service for non-Grabow pipes.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2019 15:17:18 GMT -5
My two favorite Grabow Pipes, one is a Freehand circa late 80’s in pristine condition and the second is one that was gifted to me recently with an Eagle etched on the bowl. Both excellent smokers. I have a few more Grabow pipes but these two are definitely top notch lookers and smokers👍👍
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joeman
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First Name: Joe
Favorite Pipe: Grabow Hillcrest
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Post by joeman on Jul 8, 2019 18:56:03 GMT -5
Ted, here's what Tom Douglas said about your eagle pipe: "Made in 1992/93 before Lane bought the factory. Grabow had a laser carver left over from Spartacraft that they used on some pipes."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2019 20:03:39 GMT -5
Ted, here's what Tom Douglas said about your eagle pipe: "Made in 1992/93 before Lane bought the factory. Grabow had a laser carver left over from Spartacraft that they used on some pipes." Joe, greatly appreciate the info, I had no clue. Did you take notice how the name Grabow was XXXXXX out? PS Then technically it’s a rare Pipe.......lol. It’s an excellent smoker.
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Post by Legend Lover on Jul 9, 2019 5:34:31 GMT -5
I have a few Grabows... Actually, I have well over a hundred made by the good doctor. I've toured their operations 5 times over the years...it's an amazing factory. Their quality is very good...and especially for the working man's budget. A wonderful U.S. company! Back in the day, they employed someone in just about every family living in Allegheny County. Regarding vulcanite/rubber stems...only some of their pipes are fit with ABS stems, whereas many are still vulcanite. If you buy direct from the factory (they do mail orders direct), you can easily inquire as to which are vulcanite or ABS. Some of their specialty pipes in the lobby come fit with lucite bits as well. Also...anytime you need a Grabow stem replaced, you'll never find a more affordable source (I think they charge 11 bucks), and you can always request vulcanite. They will also provide the same stemming service for non-Grabow pipes. Wow - look at the grain on those babies!
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Post by IrishCatholicPipeSmoker on Jul 9, 2019 13:25:35 GMT -5
Those are Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2019 15:26:53 GMT -5
The Royalton line from DRG, is the best $100.00 pipe, selling @$40.00 on the market, imo.
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Post by kbareit on Jul 9, 2019 15:40:12 GMT -5
Here is a few of the many Grabows I have. I recently picked up 5 more off of joeman. Great smokers for me after removing the stingers and not using filters in them.
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steveinny
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Post by steveinny on Jul 9, 2019 18:27:13 GMT -5
I enjoy smoking twenty one Dr.Grabow pipes in my rotation. They smoke great from bowl one and only get better. Their longevity and popularity is remarkable.
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Post by dave g on Jul 9, 2019 19:01:11 GMT -5
joemanThe grain on those babies!
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Post by peteguy on Jul 9, 2019 19:17:40 GMT -5
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Post by elric on Jul 9, 2019 20:15:01 GMT -5
I've got two Dr Grabow briars; a bent Duke & a 1/4 bent Riviera. Love both but the Riviera gurgles. It's a real shame because apart from that it's got a good draw & is an attractive shape.
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Post by PhantomWolf on Jul 9, 2019 21:10:11 GMT -5
My old Grabow’s smoke just as nice as anything out there. Some of them don’t look too shabby either. I love that pipe. Sharp looks with attitude. Like a pirate wearing a tuxedo.
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Post by PhantomWolf on Jul 9, 2019 21:11:44 GMT -5
I have a few Grabows... Actually, I have well over a hundred made by the good doctor. I've toured their operations 5 times over the years...it's an amazing factory. Their quality is very good...and especially for the working man's budget. A wonderful U.S. company! Back in the day, they employed someone in just about every family living in Allegheny County. Regarding vulcanite/rubber stems...only some of their pipes are fit with ABS stems, whereas many are still vulcanite. If you buy direct from the factory (they do mail orders direct), you can easily inquire as to which are vulcanite or ABS. Some of their specialty pipes in the lobby come fit with lucite bits as well. Also...anytime you need a Grabow stem replaced, you'll never find a more affordable source (I think they charge 11 bucks), and you can always request vulcanite. They will also provide the same stemming service for non-Grabow pipes. Those are all gorgeous. Are they older? I've never seen Grabows like this.
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joeman
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Post by joeman on Jul 10, 2019 9:22:47 GMT -5
I have a few Grabows... Actually, I have well over a hundred made by the good doctor. I've toured their operations 5 times over the years...it's an amazing factory. Their quality is very good...and especially for the working man's budget. A wonderful U.S. company! Back in the day, they employed someone in just about every family living in Allegheny County. Regarding vulcanite/rubber stems...only some of their pipes are fit with ABS stems, whereas many are still vulcanite. If you buy direct from the factory (they do mail orders direct), you can easily inquire as to which are vulcanite or ABS. Some of their specialty pipes in the lobby come fit with lucite bits as well. Also...anytime you need a Grabow stem replaced, you'll never find a more affordable source (I think they charge 11 bucks), and you can always request vulcanite. They will also provide the same stemming service for non-Grabow pipes. Those are all gorgeous. Are they older? I've never seen Grabows like this. @phantomwolf Justin, yes...the 5 I'm showing are from the 1960's - 1980's. Each of these were estates that I refurbished.
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Post by smellthehatfirst on Jul 10, 2019 14:57:40 GMT -5
I have a few Grabows... Regarding vulcanite/rubber stems...only some of their pipes are fit with ABS stems, whereas many are still vulcanite. If you buy direct from the factory (they do mail orders direct), you can easily inquire as to which are vulcanite or ABS. Some of their specialty pipes in the lobby come fit with lucite bits as well. Also...anytime you need a Grabow stem replaced, you'll never find a more affordable source (I think they charge 11 bucks), and you can always request vulcanite. They will also provide the same stemming service for non-Grabow pipes.
These are valuable tips.
Every now and then I see a nice used Grabow float by on eBay, but I think to myself, what if it comes with the wrong stem?
Knowing that I can send'em to Sparta and have new Vulcanite made considerably enhances the appeal!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2019 15:37:59 GMT -5
Stem replacement has gone up to $13.00 per pipe + $3.00 postage (for up to 4 pipes).
International Pipes & Accessories
1731 US Highway 21 South
Sparta, NC. 28675
* I was not aware this service was provided for Non Grabow pipes ?
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Post by scott28638 on Jul 21, 2019 17:53:37 GMT -5
I've been hankering for a Starfire. There's a few I've been watching
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