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Post by Silver on Jan 6, 2022 20:21:17 GMT -5
Got my package from SmokingPipes late this evening. Quality control on the Missouri Meerschaum Morganton Caroler LE 2021 Christmas cob (Patriot with a long green acrylic stem) was fairly shoddy. I will have to take a rotary tool to the inside of the bowl to smooth down a huge overhanging lip and the stem is crooked. The block of ebauchon with vulcanite stem I got for carving is entirely filled with holes and pits in the bowl and looks like a piece of trash. Fun times! I bought a block of plateau from SP a while back. I don't think they get the cream of the briar crop (definitely not from Mimmo). My beef was with the crappy soft plastic stem. Junk material, comparable to MM plastic stems, with flashing on the mold seams. They also counterbored the stem hole so deep and large that I won't be able to have any plateau at the shank/stem interface. Definitely a practice block. Make a pipe and throw it away. I know, I'll still keep it. Just need to belly ache to someone. And they had the nerve to still stamp their logo with pride on the side of it. Next time, I'll try Vermont Freehand. |
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Post by Silver on Jan 6, 2022 20:24:02 GMT -5
It's all fixable, but for a $30 special Christmas cob that didn't release until after Christmas, they certainly rushed these things through. I Dremel the shank inside the bowls of all my cobs. Not as annoying on a $10 cob. But, still... |
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,359
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
Location:
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Post by Zach on Jan 6, 2022 20:28:51 GMT -5
Yeah Pete, the stem is still all covered in the seaming but this is how you get rough vulcanite from the likes of Vermont Freehand as well. I got the vulcanite stem, I thought they only have acrylic and vulcanite? The rest of the block's outer appearance is fine but it's just that all along the bottom heel and wall of the chamber drilling towards the bottom is really filled with pits and chunks/holes missing which I'll have to sand down and see how she turns out. I suppose it's alright, as this is my very first and so it's likely to end up a bit rough and some light smoking of the first few bowls and I'll be able to get some heelcake built up. I may even go for a couple more of these from SmokingPipes before I order a big sack of briar from Mimmo.
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Post by Silver on Jan 6, 2022 20:33:35 GMT -5
My stem doesn't feel like vulcanite. I'll still work with it. It'll have a nice plateau rim, and it'll be huge. I'll have to chant the names of the Danish master carvers over this thing while i work.  |
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,359
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
Location:
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Post by Zach on Jan 6, 2022 20:45:04 GMT -5
Here's how they always look from Vermont Freehand depending on the model too of course. You'll know for sure once you start the series of sanding.
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Post by Gandalf on Jan 7, 2022 14:27:21 GMT -5
Got a bunch of stuff in the mail today - to make an improvement to a Glock. New/better sights - Tritium/fiber optic sights, a "sight pusher" to install the rear sight, a special screwdriver to remove/install the front sight and a Glock sight "setter" that I can throw in the range bag for fine adjustments at the range.  |
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Post by Gandalf on Jan 7, 2022 15:51:37 GMT -5
I've got some tins of Plum Pudding Bourbon Barrel Aged coming. And a tin of Peterson Nightcap. And a sample of Russ' Tastykake. Post your thoughts on that last one, please. I've started to pick some up several times, but never quite did it. According to Pipes & Cigars: "A few years ago, when Russ was still pressing tobaccos himself, he made a new blend based off 10 to Midnight, but with some Perique and black Cavendish added to it. He had made up a large batch, but for some reason, it never wound up being put on the website. When we rediscovered it, samples were passed around the office and we knew that we had to make it available. In fact, Eric enjoyed it so much, he said we should name it Tastykake. There's a limited amount made, so you'll want to get some right away if you love Latakia."
They list it as an English and say it contains Black Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental, Perique, and Virginia. I tried this last night in a Missouri Meerschaum "Emerald" Billiard. I liked it very much. It's very flavorful in a rich, smoky, musty sort of way, and is fairly sweet to begin with. There was some spiciness and almost hidden dark fruit. It reminds me of Frog Morton's Cellar and Bourbon Barrel Aged Plum Pudding - not exact in taste, but in the sweet smoky, musty flavor profile - which is what I've been looking for. It's only missing the bourbon - which I might add myself (or rum). So, I highly recommend this - BUT, I'm not sure it's available anymore. The write up about it on the website says Russ Ouellette made a large batch of this and forgot about it. It was "rediscovered" and made available for sale, and they state "There's a limited amount made, so you'll want to get some right away if you love Latakia."
It now shows that it's out of stock, so that may be the end of it. Now I wish I'd have purchased more than a sample. I've sent an email asking them if there's going to be more. |
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Post by urbino on Jan 7, 2022 18:26:31 GMT -5
Ah. Well, that may be the end of that, then.
Arrived: some Earl Grey, and some Rooibos and Atomic Gold herbal teas from Artful Tea in Santa Fe. Also arrived: a teapot.
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Post by johnlawitzke on Jan 7, 2022 19:38:10 GMT -5
Post your thoughts on that last one, please. I've started to pick some up several times, but never quite did it. According to Pipes & Cigars: "A few years ago, when Russ was still pressing tobaccos himself, he made a new blend based off 10 to Midnight, but with some Perique and black Cavendish added to it. He had made up a large batch, but for some reason, it never wound up being put on the website. When we rediscovered it, samples were passed around the office and we knew that we had to make it available. In fact, Eric enjoyed it so much, he said we should name it Tastykake. There's a limited amount made, so you'll want to get some right away if you love Latakia."
They list it as an English and say it contains Black Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental, Perique, and Virginia. I tried this last night in a Missouri Meerschaum "Emerald" Billiard. I liked it very much. It's very flavorful in a rich, smoky, musty sort of way, and is fairly sweet to begin with. There was some spiciness and almost hidden dark fruit. It reminds me of Frog Morton's Cellar and Bourbon Barrel Aged Plum Pudding - not exact in taste, but in the sweet smoky, musty flavor profile - which is what I've been looking for. It's only missing the bourbon - which I might add myself (or rum). So, I highly recommend this - BUT, I'm not sure it's available anymore. The write up about it on the website says Russ Ouellette made a large batch of this and forgot about it. It was "rediscovered" and made available for sale, and they state "There's a limited amount made, so you'll want to get some right away if you love Latakia."
It now shows that it's out of stock, so that may be the end of it. Now I wish I'd have purchased more than a sample. I've sent an email asking them if there's going to be more. On P&C, "out of stock" means they won’t have it again. "Backordered" means it’s out but they plan on getting more. |
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msokeefe
Junior Member
Posts: 464
First Name: Mark
Favorite Pipe: Petersen Red 03 bent apple spigot, Savinelli 310 KS
Favorite Tobacco: Father Dempsey, Presbyterian, Wilke’s Crystal Palace, Westminster, Black House
Location:
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Post by msokeefe on Jan 7, 2022 21:39:56 GMT -5
. Can't sleep for some reason tonight so I'm currently shopping at The Country Squire (first time) They have some good blends. I’m a fan of 50th Anniversary, Green Dragon, Shepherd's Pie, Cornishman, and Angry Cornishman. Angry Cornishman is Cornishman with extra Lat. For my taste, I prefer it in between the two and mix Cornishman and Angry Cornishman one to one to make what I called Annoyed Cornishman. . Add some Lane 1Q and you will have Woke Cornishman. |
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Post by Silver on Jan 7, 2022 23:01:04 GMT -5
So, got my shipment of four blends from Peretti today. Came in a mailer. I knew there was a problem before I even picked the package up off the porch. I'd ordered 4 oz. of four different blends. The mailer contained 1 oz. of each blend! Sent them an e-mail explaining things. I got a response from them within a couple hours, admitting they'd made a mistake on my order, apologizing profusely, and explained they'd send the rest of the order right away. They followed up with a phone call to me, further apologizing for the mistake and explained that the rest of my order was sent out this afternoon. They also threw in a sample of another blend, to make up for things! This is what customer service is like when you care about your business and customers. They've got a loyal customer for life here! Just wanted to share.
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Post by Gypo on Jan 8, 2022 14:12:16 GMT -5
So, got my shipment of four blends from Peretti today. Came in a mailer. I knew there was a problem before I even picked the package up off the porch. I'd ordered 4 oz. of four different blends. The mailer contained 1 oz. of each blend! Sent them an e-mail explaining things. I got a response from them within a couple hours, admitting they'd made a mistake on my order, apologizing profusely, and explained they'd send the rest of the order right away. They followed up with a phone call to me, further apologizing for the mistake and explained that the rest of my order was sent out this afternoon. They also threw in a sample of another blend, to make up for things! This is what customer service is like when you care about your business and customers. They've got a loyal customer for life here! Just wanted to share. A lot of times the irritation does not come from the mistake but how it was handled.I am very similar. It is how people admit to and their actions and etiquette to correct it. |
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Post by urbino on Jan 8, 2022 15:24:26 GMT -5
So, got my shipment of four blends from Peretti today. Came in a mailer. I knew there was a problem before I even picked the package up off the porch. I'd ordered 4 oz. of four different blends. The mailer contained 1 oz. of each blend! Sent them an e-mail explaining things. I got a response from them within a couple hours, admitting they'd made a mistake on my order, apologizing profusely, and explained they'd send the rest of the order right away. They followed up with a phone call to me, further apologizing for the mistake and explained that the rest of my order was sent out this afternoon. They also threw in a sample of another blend, to make up for things! This is what customer service is like when you care about your business and customers. They've got a loyal customer for life here! Just wanted to share. A lot of times the irritation does not come from the mistake but how it was handled.I am very similar. It is how people admit to and their actions and etiquette to correct it. Yeppers. If somebody's trying to make it right, I can be a very, very patient man. If they're just making excuses or, even worse, simply refuse to engage at all, my temper gets shorter. There's a popular online tobacconist that I no longer use because of this. They make a couple blends I'd like to try, but dang it, I just won't reward them for poor service. |
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Post by Gypo on Jan 10, 2022 16:35:10 GMT -5
A Santa box from my adopted uncle. Tin of Smokers Haven OBB, Germain's Brown Flake, Old Ironsides, SG Squadron Leader, HH ODF, Dunhill Dunbar, Esoterica Pembroke, Hearth&Home Magnum Ops, Orlick Dark Strong Kentucky and Balkan Sobranie. I am truly blessed.
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Post by Silver on Jan 10, 2022 16:38:17 GMT -5
A Santa box from my adopted uncle. Tin of Smokers Haven OBB, Germain's Brown Flake, Old Ironsides, SG Squadron Leader, HH ODF, Dunhill Dunbar, Esoterica Pembroke, Hearth&Home Magnum Ops, Orlick Dark Strong Kentucky and Balkan Sobranie. I am truly blessed. Wow! Your "adopted uncle" sure knows his tobacco! |
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Post by Gypo on Jan 10, 2022 17:02:28 GMT -5
A Santa box from my adopted uncle. Tin of Smokers Haven OBB, Germain's Brown Flake, Old Ironsides, SG Squadron Leader, HH ODF, Dunhill Dunbar, Esoterica Pembroke, Hearth&Home Magnum Ops, Orlick Dark Strong Kentucky and Balkan Sobranie. I am truly blessed. Wow! Your "adopted uncle" sure knows his tobacco! This is part of what makes me want to share blends that I have with others. Trying to pay if forward but can not keep up. There are so many connections and great members here. |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Jan 11, 2022 3:22:01 GMT -5
A Santa box from my adopted uncle. Tin of Smokers Haven OBB, Germain's Brown Flake, Old Ironsides, SG Squadron Leader, HH ODF, Dunhill Dunbar, Esoterica Pembroke, Hearth&Home Magnum Ops, Orlick Dark Strong Kentucky and Balkan Sobranie. I am truly blessed. I truly hope you enjoy em all. |
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Post by Gypo on Jan 11, 2022 7:57:08 GMT -5
My Haebar shipment got here yesterday evening. I left the gate open for UPS and they left my package at the gate. All jared up labeled and in the cellar which is the bottom of my smallish hutch. It is a good day hope all enjoy it.
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Post by Ronv69 on Jan 11, 2022 12:06:47 GMT -5
Y'all make me feel jealous. I have no excuse to ever buy another pipe or tobacco as I have no more storage for either. I would bury it in the back yard except for all the rocks.
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Post by urbino on Jan 11, 2022 23:51:22 GMT -5
Arrived: a box of goodies from @zach, including Commonwealth Mixture, St. James Flake, Yorktown, LTF, and some OGS, all of them with some nice age on them. Thanks, Zach!
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,359
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
Location:
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Post by Zach on Jan 12, 2022 12:03:16 GMT -5
Glad they finally arrived, urbino and hopefully some you don't already have and can enjoy. |
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Rattlesnake Daddy
Full Member
Posts: 630
Favorite Pipe: Always changing
Favorite Tobacco: G&H Dark Birds Eye, Bayou Night.
Location:
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Post by Rattlesnake Daddy on Jan 12, 2022 17:42:07 GMT -5
Just received these two beauties in the mail. A Kirsten 1/4 bent Vagabond and a Sportsman.  |
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,359
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
Location:
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Post by Zach on Jan 13, 2022 0:12:35 GMT -5
Those are sweet!
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,909 
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 Jan 13, 2022 2:13:21 GMT -5
I made the horrible discovery that you can commission pipes from IMP.  |
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Rattlesnake Daddy
Full Member
Posts: 630
Favorite Pipe: Always changing
Favorite Tobacco: G&H Dark Birds Eye, Bayou Night.
Location:
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Post by Rattlesnake Daddy on Jan 13, 2022 10:13:54 GMT -5
I made the horrible discovery that you can commission pipes from IMP.
Thank you Zach. I have been eyeing Kirstens for a bit. Decided to pull the trigger on these two.
Chasingembers,
Nice looking pipe. It is cool that they take commissions. What was the turn around time?
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,909
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 Jan 13, 2022 13:39:00 GMT -5
I made the horrible discovery that you can commission pipes from IMP.
Thank you Zach. I have been eyeing Kirstens for a bit. Decided to pull the trigger on these two.
Chasingembers,
Nice looking pipe. It is cool that they take commissions. What was the turn around time?
Called the request in Monday and they contacted me with it Wednesday. They went completely out of their way and made two with different types of orange stems to make sure I got what I wanted. That's amazing service! |
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Post by Ronv69 on Jan 13, 2022 14:50:14 GMT -5
Thank you Zach. I have been eyeing Kirstens for a bit. Decided to pull the trigger on these two.
Chasingembers,
Nice looking pipe. It is cool that they take commissions. What was the turn around time?
Called the request in Monday and they contacted me with it Wednesday. They went completely out of their way and made two with different types of orange stems to make sure I got what I wanted. That's amazing service! It sure is! How does it smoke? |
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,909
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 Jan 13, 2022 16:00:08 GMT -5
Called the request in Monday and they contacted me with it Wednesday. They went completely out of their way and made two with different types of orange stems to make sure I got what I wanted. That's amazing service! It sure is! How does it smoke? Just got the completion and shipping notification yesterday. Should be here Saturday or Monday. |
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,359
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
Location:
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Post by Zach on Jan 13, 2022 18:15:31 GMT -5
That is a blazing fast commission! They had the pipe made to your requests in 2 days? Is that a reverse calabash system?
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Post by username on Jan 13, 2022 20:15:54 GMT -5
Tumblin' Dice Special Cube Cut Pipetobacco x1 250gram
Salty Dogs Traditional Navy Style Plug Pipe x5
HU-tobacco AL Fayyum Pipe tobacco x1 100 gram
First Estervals order. Fingers crossed it gets here fast.
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