The Rat Pipes

Topaz75

We have a number of threads on this forum dedicated to showcasing some really nice pipes.  Many are truly objects of beauty and we can't help but admire the folks who construct, restore, or maintain them.

Here, I'd like to give a shout out to the old, reliable, workhorse pipes.  Those that may not look that good anymore, but still manage to always deliver a first-rate smoke.  

Early this morning, I was relaxing and thoroughly enjoying a bowl of Dunhill Standard Mixture.  As I looked at my pipe, I noticed that it was a ratty old Peterson that I've been smoking for at least 40 years.  It's dented, worn away, and probably hasn't been polished since the Carter administration.  It's traveled with me on motorcycle tours, and on camping trips to the Adirondacks and the Smoky Mountains.  It's never let me down.

My point is that a good pipe is in many ways like a good book.  The spine may be broken, and the pages may be tattered and torn on your copy of an old Herman Melville novel, but it's still going to be a great read.  Form really does follow function.  In the end, it's more important for a pipe to smoke good than to look good.

Corey562

Now that is the truth I will take a good smoking beat up pipe over a new shinny one that just doesnt get the job done anyday of the week. I got a few GBD and Digbys that are not all that to look at but when your looking for a fine smoke they are my go to. They are the ones I usually bring to the job.

PappyJoe

That's why almost 3/4 of my collection are pipes I rescued from junk shops and fleamarkets posing as antique shops. After some tender loving care and cleaning, they all smoke just as good as the expensive ones I've bought.

Londy3

@Topaz75, how about sharing a picture if that old beast? Mine are all new. I have no idea what happened to the one I had 16 years ago. Ugh, I used to love burning that thing. Well, I'm back so that's all that matters I suppose.

motie2

I feel blessed that I kept three pipes from my first pipe life. late 1960's to mid 1980's. 
No idea why I kept them. Still my best smokers.

Woodsman

My old Medico "Boot" Pipe that I whittled on and "Decorated" in the Army still is in the rotation.

KA9FFJ

I agree with @PappyJoe concerning the old used pipes. I have over 50 pipes and only 6 were purchased new. The rest are what I call "rescue pipes". These are pipes that, for the most part, would be discarded by the general public. Like PappyJoe, I take great delight bringing those old seemingly worn out pipes back to life. And I would guess that 4 out of 5 turn out to be great smokers...

Topaz75

Awhile back, @Londy3 asked about a photo of my somewhat long in the tooth Peterson.