Is it worth it

Russell

I have been looking at new pipes and can't wrap my mind around the prices of some of these pipes is it worth it to spend 100$ and up on a pipe I have yellow bikes and dr grabows and a couple old medicos and some cobs all of which seem to be a good smoking pipe am I just a poor ol sole that has no clue what I'm missing 

PappyJoe

That's about the same as asking whether you drive a used 10 year old Ford or a brand new Rolls Royce. It depends on how much you can spend and what you are satisfied with.

I have pipes I've paid $3 for at antique street fairs and I have pipes that retailed for $500 when I acquired them (Won both at long smoke competitions). If the pipe is properly drilled and the pipe isn't defective in some way, they all smoke the same in my opinion.

Londy3

Pipes can become a very personal thing and also a cool accessory.  It's like trying on a good pair of gloves, they don't all feel the same in your hand. Then there is the smoke ability of the pipe and it's craftsmanship, materials and finish that you like. I do think there is a big difference in the $100+ pipe verses a lower end over the counter by pipe. I would spend some time on the YouTube pipe community to learn more. It's a great community and I have learned a lot. The folks on this forum are awesome resources as well. Enjoy the ride.

Yes, It's Worth It.

motie2

@Russell -- eBay is the answer

Topaz75

I have no problem spending $100 for a good pipe because I know, if I care for it, it will be with me for a long time. I have some Petersons that I’ve been smoking for 30 years or more. Seems like a reasonably sound investment.

Charles

Peterson pipes, as @Topaz75 stated, are a sound investment.  I have many Peterson pipes and have no complaints.  Stanwell and Rossi pipes are also good pipes and are not terribly  expensive.  Like many folks, I find that for the price, Dr. Grabow has some nice smokers that are reasonably priced and are great starters.  Although I have some nearly forty years old, I still smoke my Dr. Grabows from time to time.   Most of the pipers tend to agree that choosing a pipe is a personal thing.  Whether it is color, shape, style, or price point, as long as it is drilled properly and smokes well, you'll have a winner.  Choosing a pipe and trying different tobacco is part of the experience.  I would recommend having  a pipe for aromatics and on for English blends if you intend to smoke both.  Or just use a corn cob to try the tobacco for the first few smokes.             

Woodsman

It's always nice to have a good looking pipe but, it is important to have a good smoking pipe. Check to see if the Draft Hole is centered and low enough in the bowl, if the tenon is too loose or tight and if the wall of the bowl is too thin. All of these things can effect the smoking qualtity. 

PhilosoPiper

I am in a similar boat as @PappyJoe. I most of my pipes are ones that I have paid $5-$45 for at flea markets/antique shops/estate sales. The catch is all of these pipes retail for $300+. I am a cheap bastard when it comes to buying almost anything, and pipes are no exception. I have found some of the most bang for your buck pipes around the $100-$200 dollar range are Briarworks pipes. These are exceptional pipes and smoke just as good as some of the higher end Dunhills that I have been able to acquire. 

@Charles Mentioned Peterson, as of late their pipes have really improved, one of the big drivers behind this is that a large number of these are being produced via Briarworks.

That being said you get what you pay for with pipes. It is the little things that are important, drilling, stem work, etc. that can make the biggest difference in the quality of a pipe.

Topaz75

I guess that’s one of the great things about estate pipes:  You get the quality that someone else paid for.

stevenyc

I've smoked many kinds of pipes over 50 years. I now smoke mainly corncobs. They smoke as well as any pipe I ever smoked. If you take care of them they last for many years.

pipeman83

Most of the pipes that I own are estates from eBay and some are new from the pipe show, if it is well made and maintained it will smoke well for many years, I have had estates that have smoked better than new ones, a high price doesn’t necessarily mean a great pipe.

Russell

I'm smoking pipes that my uncle smoked in the 60's and 70's and they still smoke like a champ and I guess you can say they are the low end they are dr. Grabows and medicos and yellow boles I just don't want to spend out a crap load of money to find out high dollar pipes are the same as what I got I have bought estate pipes of eBay any second hand markets and the smoke just as good after they are cleaned up 

motie2

@PhilosoPiper -- Hey! I'm known to SWMBO and our friends as a cheap bastard, too!

buflosab

My self, I wouldn't pay over $ 50.00 for a pipe. I guess it's like any hobby,you can go as high as you like, that's not to say their aren't many pipes I wouldn't mind having,,but the pipes I have in the $40 t0 $50 dollar range are fine with me.

Pipefreak2383

@motie2
 
how on ebay do u get pipes?

thebadgerpiper

Every piper is different with their tastes. Some people have no qualms dropping $500 for the latest artisan blowfish to add to their collection. Others smoke only cobs and swear it's the best investment they've ever made. Only you can make that decision on what a pipe is worth to you.

For me, I usually buy new pipes around the $100 range. I got into pipe smoking because I was fascinated by briar pipes, especially Petersons. I have at least 8 in my collection, and I won't hesitate to add more to my rack.

I would say start with Stanwell pipes. You can find a good Stanwell for under $70 on P&C's site, and I've never had a problem with mine. Morgan Pipes also has a line called Bones pipes. They're great pipes without any staining on them, and you can get them for around $40.

Russell

Tasters choice then maybe someday I can add a pricier pipe to the collection thank you all who have responded 

motie2

Pipefreak2383 -- Put something like "Estate Pipes" into the eBay search box. Some are for auction, some are Buy It Now. 

There are two main categories of pipes offered for sale on eBay: new and estate. New pipes are just that: un-smoked and never sold before. On the other hand, estate pipes are pre-owned and offer a great opportunity to get a very good pipe for half or less of the normal price at retail. These estate pipes can be smoked or un-smoked. Pre-smoked pipes offer the greatest chance at an excellent bargain and, when properly cleaned and sterilized with any potable alcohol, can be truly marvelous acquisitions.  

Often you can find exquisite handcrafted pipes made by some of the finest pipe makers in the world at a small fraction of the price on eBay. The standard rule of thumb is that if you have no issues with using restaurant silver and glassware, you should have no problem smoking an estate pipe once it has been properly cleaned and sterilized with alcohol.

The internet is a great boon to the pipe smoking enthusiast hoping to purchase an excellent pipe or locate some rare tobacco. At any given time, there are literally tens of thousands of items under “pipes” on eBay. However, a huge percentage of them are, if not junk, then at least not to be recommended. Purchasing pipes or anything on eBay can be fun, and the possibilities of finding a bargain on a jewel are frequent, but such purchases are best made with strategy and wisdom.

Here some tips to purchasing pipes on eBay:

1. There are no great pipes for a dollar or two. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I've never paid more than $20.00 but there are pipes for much more.

2. Most of the Made-in-China pipes that say “quality” are pure junk. 

3. If it has a metal bowl or is made of plastic move on. 

4. Stick with reputable pipe makers if you’re not pipe-savvy. Brands like Savinelli, Peterson, Dunhill, Stanwell and Davidoff will always offer you a great smoking experience if it’s authentic and the pipe is in good condition. Even less expensive brands like Dr. Grabow offer a good introduction to pipe smoking. 5. Look for pipes made from Briar and Meerschaum only. 

6. Before buying or bidding, research the pipe on various pipe forums and Facebook groups to see reviews and information. 

7. There is such thing as counterfeit pipes so be sure you examine the photographs, read the description and determine whether the seller is reputable. 

8. When in doubt, ask someone here on TPL. Most are happy to help and will even vet the listing for you in some cases.

Hawkeyeted

I choose to pay no more than $100-$150 for a brand new pipe.  IMO, when you start reaching north of $250, it starts to become an investment rather than a tool.

xDutchx

Russell, I would say that the answer to your question, is that it all comes down to personal satisfaction. One pipe smoker may pride himself on keeping his pipe smoking expenditures as low as possible, while another may appreciate the artistry that some pipe carvers demonstrate in their pipes.

I can tell you that a well engineered pipe won't soil your pipe cleaner when you run it through the pipe, while a pipe that is not well engineered will have lots of turbulence, as the smoke travels down the stem. If it is severe enough, the pipe may gurgle. These type scenarios lead to a higher likelihood of tongue bite.

Sadly, there are some pipe carvers today asking ridiculous prices for their pipes, and then there are some pipe carvers who I feel deserve to be paid the prices they are asking.

If you want a pipe that is close to artisan grade, without paying artisan grade prices, check out some of the old Lane Era Charatans or Pre Transition Barlings. They are fantastic smokers, and the briar they are carved from is superior to most briar being used to carve new pipes IMO.

Woodsman

Estate pipes such as Edwards, Wally Frank, Kaywoodie,  Carey and I'm sure our fellow pipers can name many more that can be found on "vintage pipes in tobacciana" on Ebay that are toward the low end of prices. I have Dr. Grabows and Medicos in my collection that are good smokers as well as some high end pipes as well. Read up on how to clean/sanitize a pipe on the site and feel free to ask anything of us.

PappyJoe

Over half of my pipe collection are pipes I rescued from flea markets, or junk shops posing as antique/collectible shops. When I first started looking in the shops, I really had no clue what to look for but have since spent a lot of times researching pipes and how to clean them. I learned that if it's a Kaywoodie with a 2 or 4 digit number stamped on it then it's older than ones with 3 digits. I leaned that the one Linkman Hollycourt Special was made before the company changed its name to Dr. Grabow. I paid $3 for a Savinelli Giubileo de Oro that according to Savinelli was made in the early 70s and retailed starting at $600 at the time. I also have a Savinelli Oom Paul made in the 70s that I paid $10 for. For every 15 or 20 grunched out Kaywoodie, Dr. Grabow or Medico pipe you see in the shops, you will maybe find one gem.

Beware though. Since the show American Pickers appeared on the History Channel, prices have gotten ridiculous. A lot of the shops I've been into are basically consignment shops where they rent space to different people who all believe if its old or it looks old, it must be worth a lot of money. I've irritated people trying to sell me a Kaywoodie from the 1980s for 5 times more than I can buy a new Italian briar. Meerschaum pipes are normally overpriced as well in these shops. I've seen beat to crap Meerschaum pipes with broken stems priced as high as $250. 

Don't get me wrong, there are some good bargains to be found. You just have to look for them.

One more thing. If you are interested in a good estate pipe, don't forget to check local pipe shops and/or on-line retailers like smokingpipes.com. 

Corey562

I my self dont feel the urge to spend more than 150 on a nice pipe I have aquired a few real nice pipes for a good price from my smoking buddy who as luck would have it is a collector and owns an antique shop but I do have some that cost me no more than 40 that are great smokers.

ghostsofpompeii

@Corey562 I can't imagine why you'd ever buy a pipe. If I could make a pipe like the ones I've seen you create there wouldn't be any reason for spending a dime more than the price of a block of briar.

KA9FFJ

I have a humble collection of a little over 60 pipes. Seven were purchased new, the rest are estate pipes I have restored. Out of all those pipes, I've only encountered four that really disappointed me as a smoker. The rest have made me proud that I brought them back to life...

Corey562

@ghostsofpompeii this is true I have not bought a pipe in a while the last being a p grade James upshall silver spigot.

dbh1950

Russell, most of my Pipes are under the $ 100 price point, a number at half the cost. Since beginning pipe smoking over four decades ago, I have concluded, that pipe smoking is about the tobacco more than what it is smoked in. There are some exceptions no doubt, but for the most part, a good tobacco is generally good whatever it is smoked in. 

motie2

pipesmagazine.com/python/pipe-tobacco/pipes-or-tobacco-–-what’s-your-passion/

Pipes and Tobacco. Tobacco and Pipes. You can’t really have one without the other to enjoy all of the pleasures that pipe smoking has to offer. There are some exceptions when it comes to pipes though, as I know of people who don’t really smoke their pipes and just buy them for the art that they are and the collect-ability factor. There is nothing wrong with this, but I don’t consider these people as pipe smokers, I consider them pure collectors.

Pipes are wonderful and I enjoy them immensely. I love looking at them and, like most of you I presume, some of them just call out to me. Some of them are pure works of art that demand attention and respect for the carvers’ abilities. But for as much as I enjoy pipes, I can’t say that they are my passion.

Although I enjoy looking at them, buying them, and smoking them, I never get really passionate or obsessed with them. I don’t pour over the pipe inspecting the grain, the stem, the symmetry, and other things that the people who are really passionate about the actual pipes do. I more or less look at the pipe as a whole and the overall look and feel of the pipe. If I like it, I like it. If I don’t, I don’t.

Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate all of the aspects of a fine pipe; from the grain pattern, all the way down to the bit of the stem. I just don’t get really passionate about them the way that some others do. I appreciate the works of art that some of the artisan pipes are, the classic shapes, and all aspects of a well made pipe; especially the internal engineering that makes a pipe smoke well. I really appreciate all of the work that goes into making a pipe and the skills that are required by a carver to do so.

I do love pipes, but I REALLY love tobacco. My true passion in this hobby is the tobacco. I can spend hours and hours reading about different blends, different tobacco varietals, and basically all things tobacco. I love the massive variety of blends that are available. I love to read the tin descriptions, look at the tin art, and imagine what the blend is going to taste like. I get really excited about tobacco. When I get a new blend that I have never smoked before, I feel like a kid at Christmas time being full of anticipation waiting for the chance to smoke it.

I love how all tobacco varietals taste different. I also love the way that even the same kind of tobacco, or blend, can taste different depending on how it is prepared. Take for example a Virginia flake. There are changes in the flavor depending on how you prepare it for smoking. Rubbed out, cubed cut, and fold and stuff all offer different flavor profiles even though it is the same blend. Sometimes the change in flavor is very subtle and sometimes it really hits you in the face with the difference.

I love how one difference in the type of tobacco can change the entire flavor profile of a blend. There are many genres of tobacco blends out there, and there are endless ways to create great tasting tobacco blends. There are tons of different flavor combinations that can be made. In my opinion, tobacco blenders are like chefs. They take a lot of different individual flavors and combine them to make unique, extraordinary, and endless varieties of flavors. There are good ones and there are great ones, and to be honest there are some not-so-good ones.

I am so passionate about tobacco that I even enjoy smoking blends that the majority of smokers have written off as absolutely horrible. I am curious to see if the blend is really that bad, and if it is, to find out why the blend may have turned out that way. I am a true believer that there are really no horrible tobacco blends, just different tastes for different people.

Take Mixture 79 for example. A lot of people absolutely hate it, but there are also a lot of people that enjoy it. I have smoked it myself, and while I wouldn’t call it a great blend, I certainly wouldn’t call it the worst blend that I have ever smoked. They have been selling it for decades, so there must be a lot of people smoking it. If people weren’t buying it, they would have stopped making it.

Are there bad blends out there? Well, that is a tough question to answer. I would have to say that it depends on who you ask. Everyone is going to have an opinion about what blends that they think are bad. But those same blends may be the favorites of others. I have smoked blends that I absolutely can not stand and did not like at all, but some of them are very popular blends amongst the general pipe smoking populace. This is just one more thing that I love about tobacco; the fact that tastes are subjective.

One of the main differences between pipes and tobacco for me, and the main reason why I really love, and am much more passionate about, tobacco is this; No matter how great a pipe carver is, they are always going to be limited by the piece of briar or wood that they are working on. Don’t get me wrong, some carvers can do amazing things with a piece of briar, but they are always going to be limited by it in some way, shape, or form.

Tobacco blenders are only limited by their own imagination. There are so many different flavor combinations out there, that if a blender has a good imagination and can grasp the concept of the different flavors that can be made, there are no limits for them. They can add more of a certain leaf, remove some of a leaf, tweak this, tweak that, etc. Everything can and will change the way that a blend tastes.

Earlier I said that tobacco blenders are like chefs, but I think that a better analogy would be that tobacco blenders are actually more like winemakers. Tobacco resembles grapes in so many ways that I find it simply amazing. Just like grapes, there are numerous varietals of tobacco. The growing region, soil, and environmental factors (among other things) from year to year all have an affect on how that crop will turn out in both grapes (wine) and tobacco in a particular year. And all of the different factors will also have an affect on the flavor of the tobacco from year to year.

If you stop and really think about, with all of the different factors that have different affects on each years crop, it is amazing that blenders can put out perennial blends that have a consistent flavor year after year. Heck, you even store tobacco the same way that you store bottles of wine.

KA9FFJ

@motie2 I tend to be really passionate about pipes, their shape, their grain pattern(s), the stem design, the construction of the pipe, etc. I think it's because one of my hobbies is pipe refinishing/refurbishing, and because of that, I seem to look at a pipe from that point of view. I can take a pipe and look, inspect and feel it for a longer time than most. I hope that doesn't make me weird...

Tobaccos varieties are something new in my considerations. I mainly was a Dark/Black Cavendish man until I joined TPL. Now you guys have given me the curiosity and opened me up to sampling new blends. And for that, I thank you and all the TPL family... As usual, I always enjoy your input(s) along with @Lond3 @Corey562 @Woodsman @ghostsofpompeii @PappyJoe etc. Please forgive me to those whom I failed to mentioned, but the list is too long...

motie2

@KA9FFJ -- It does not make you weird amongst TPL'ers; that's my job.