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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 8, 2021 23:34:52 GMT -5
Well said Jason, only to add that a carver works a piece of briar for hours and it has a fatal flaw. Underpaid for what is produced. Bad blocks was alluded to, but it is worth emphasizing. Hand craft is a hard way to make a living. That's why I hung it up after my 3rd rifle stock. It's so much better to just buy a Boyd's or Richard's and be done with it. |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Nov 8, 2021 23:42:38 GMT -5
Todd is around $300, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. The most expensive pipe I own was made by him, but it was worth every penny. I'm between $200-$225 +/- right now. Neal Monier is around $175 +/-. It all depends on what you want, and if you trust the maker to create something that not only looks great, but smokes as well as it looks. You also need to keep in mind that a bespoke pipe should be at the very least equal in quality to a higher-end factory/workshop pipe - for which you'd pay over $200 anyway. With a handmade, though, you should be getting attention to things like button shape/size, bite zone thickness, proper stem funneling, proper airway alignment, etc., in addition to proper shaping, no tool marks or sanding lines. I mean, an independent maker is selecting blocks individually, stem material, and adornments for every pipe they make. Plus equipment costs, time, bad blocks, communication with customers, etc. If you quibble about price on a handmade, just keep in mind all that's going into making that pipe. New guys making halfway decent pipes charging $150 are making like $7-$8/hr. Guys who've been doing it a little longer, charging $200+, ain't making much more. And whatever profit anyone makes usually goes back into materials. It's kind of unfair to expect artisan quality pipes on the cheap - unless you're prepared to get what you pay for. I wasn't saying that Todd's pipes weren't worth the money, just that he should be prepared to pay $400 for a really special pipe from him. I know, I guess I came off like I took offense. Not so, I just used that as a jumping off point to relate WHY independent pipe makers ask what they do. It is important to me that people understand the difference between a factory pumping out thousands of fraised pipes, and one lonely maker in his shop turning out one special pipe at a time - knowing their work will be scrutinized (as it should be) to a high degree. I’m passionate!!! :-) |
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 9, 2021 0:02:02 GMT -5
I haven't looked at Todd's pipes in 5 years, but back then they started at $350. I doubt that they got less expensive.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Nov 9, 2021 0:20:16 GMT -5
I haven't looked at Todd's pipes in 5 years, but back then they started at $350. I doubt that they got less expensive. this LC, bruh. Just…   |
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Post by urbino on Nov 9, 2021 0:32:39 GMT -5
That's a big boy. Acres of birdseye. I'm not sure what it has to do with Ron's previous comment, though.
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 9, 2021 0:47:43 GMT -5
I haven't looked at Todd's pipes in 5 years, but back then they started at $350. I doubt that they got less expensive. this LC, bruh. Just… I think that's about the average size of a BST. 😁🤠 I figured Todd had a glandular problem. 😜 |
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 9, 2021 0:48:46 GMT -5
That's a big boy. Acres of birdseye. I'm not sure what it has to do with Ron's previous comment, though. Which comment was that? Don't pay too much attention to me. |
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Post by urbino on Nov 9, 2021 1:04:51 GMT -5
That's a big boy. Acres of birdseye. I'm not sure what it has to do with Ron's previous comment, though. Which comment was that? Don't pay too much attention to me. The one he quoted. He said a BST was around $300, maybe up to $400. You said the entry level was $350 years ago. I thought his comment was going to be "Here's this new, giant pipe with great grain, and it was only $___." |
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 9, 2021 1:12:30 GMT -5
Which comment was that? Don't pay too much attention to me. The one he quoted. He said a BST was around $300, maybe up to $400. You said the entry level was $350 years ago. I thought his comment was going to be "Here's this new, giant pipe with great grain, and it was only $___." Well, I see what you mean. It's a great pipe though. I personally prefer Ron's style, and Cramps are looking great. |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Nov 9, 2021 7:56:59 GMT -5
That's a big boy. Acres of birdseye. I'm not sure what it has to do with Ron's previous comment, though. oh, it was, like, “look at this. It’s ponderous, and done with aplomb. It’s a handmade Dunhill LC, probably made better than the original. So, yeah, I’d pay $350 for that, if I had $350 for a pipe. But, yeah, you are going to pay $350.” You had to guess that’s what I meant though. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 9, 2021 11:45:46 GMT -5
That's a big boy. Acres of birdseye. I'm not sure what it has to do with Ron's previous comment, though. oh, it was, like, “look at this. It’s ponderous, and done with aplomb. It’s a handmade Dunhill LC, probably made better than the original. So, yeah, I’d pay $350 for that, if I had $350 for a pipe. But, yeah, you are going to pay $350.” You had to guess that’s what I meant though. He did get that swan neck perfect, didn't he. 😁👍 |
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Post by Legend Lover on Nov 13, 2021 2:37:49 GMT -5
That's a big boy. Acres of birdseye. I'm not sure what it has to do with Ron's previous comment, though. Which comment was that? Don't pay too much attention to me. We stopped doing that years ago. |
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Post by pepesdad1 on Nov 13, 2021 11:11:01 GMT -5
this LC, bruh. Just… I think that's about the average size of a BST. 😁🤠 I figured Todd had a glandular problem. 😜 That is a beautiful pipe...wish it was mine. |
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