@zamboknee As with most pipe manufactures, there are different grades when talking about Dr. Grabow pipes, but in general, IMHO (in my humble opinion) they are a good utility pipe. Most aren't what one would call "collector worthy" (although some may be), but there's nothing wrong with putting a couple in your rotation. Mechanics are close to being everything on a pipe. So if your Grabow has that, you probably have one worth enjoying...
Gotcha. I've been wanting a new pipe that accommodates filters (mine are cheap ones) and have been eyeing a couple Savinelli pipes but can't pull the trigger on a $100 pipe right now so have been looking at the Grabow. Should I just wait til I can get a Savinelli?
@zamboknee Don't laugh when I tell you this, but if your wanting to "jump in", get yourself a good Missouri Meerschaum Cob. They're great starter pipes. You can begin enjoying blends now without breaking the bank. Meanwhile save your money for a more expensive pipe that strikes your fancy. @thebadgerpiper pretty well knows cobs (I only have 2), and he can probably steer you in the right direction. As far as what pipe you eventually settle on, that will have to be a personal decision. Pipes are like cars, different makes, models, sizes, shapes, etc. The pipes you purchase need to right for YOU.
@zamboknee I agree with @KA9FFJ, cobs are cheap workhorses. I'd recommend starting with 4 or 5 in some combination of Prides, Legends or Washingtons in any combination. I'd also recommend reading the Corn Cob Primer on Pipepedia.com. The gist of it is toss the filter, pack looser than you think you should and keep them clean. The pipes will average $5 each and I suggest smoothing the sides of the stem with a fine fingernail file or dremel tool along with the end of the stem to remove the seam.
@zamboknee I have several “Estate” Dr. Grabow pipes that are nice pipes, although most are kinda small and I don’t particularly like the paper filters. I smoke my MM cobs without the filters. I do use balsa and carbon filters occasionally in pipes that accept them. If you are not completely disgusted with “estate” pipes, Savinelli’s of all types are on the EBay or at SmokingPipes.com at greatly reduced prices. All of my Savinelli pipes so far are good smokers, and most are excellent. SmokingPipes.com do a very good job of cleaning...not excellent, but very good. Some EBay pipes are nice and clean inside and out, and some only on the outside to make them “shiny”. You have to take your chances and look them over with a discerning eye, and always be prepared to clean/sterilize them to your satisfaction. I can say, as far as filters go, Savinelli balsa filters work well without muting the tobacco flavors too much...it’s still not the same as without a filter though. Carbon filters work well too, but they mute the flavors even more. Brigham’s “Rock Maple” inserts (not a filter) work well to remove moisture without muting flavors, but their pipe shape selection is limited, and I have a Klondike that smokes hot as hell for some reason, my Mountaineer is ok though...go figure? At least this is my experience with filters.
There are big collector groups for both Dr. Grabow and Kaywoodie pipes. The consensus seems to be that the collectible ones were made before the 1970s. The new pipes are a good value for the money and are good entry level briars.
I agree with @KA9FFJ that cobs are the way to go. You can go the Grabow or Kaywoodie route if you wish, and certainly those pipes have their fans. I've never owned a Dr. Grabow pipe, and while some swear by them, I wouldn't recommend them. Kaywoodies aren't bad, I own two, but they see less action than my other pipes. I find they produce a weird taste to the smoke, which I don't get from my other briars, or even my cobs with the cheap stems. I'd say pick up a Legend, a Twain, or a Country Gentleman and you'll be good.
Do save up for a Savinelli, though, as they'll never let you down. I suggest keeping an eye on ebay foe a good estate. Sure, you might get into a bidding war over some of them, but I can assure you that you can get one at a still cheaper cost than a new Savinelli. All my Savs are estates, and they're worth it.
I started pipe smoking with a Dr Grabow and a pouch of Prince Albert. At present I have eight Dr Grabows in my collection I smoke on a regular basis. Their good reliable pipes that last and give a good smoke. I think they're worth the money and won't break the bank.
I gotta be honest ... I have a wide variety of pipes and spent up to $200.00 for a brand name pipe (don't think I've spent more than that on a single pipe) but I really can't tell the difference between a Doctor Grabow and many of the others. The difference being a hole drilled properly and easy to run a pipe cleaner through with little effort. But as long as the tobacco is good - most pipes smoke just fine. And if you're just getting into the hobby you can't go wrong with an inexpensive Doctor Grabow.
I purchased a set of 4 Free hand Dr. Grabows that were brand new from eBay about 3 years ago for $12. They are the only Grawbows I have and they smoke fine but I think if I had a Grabow and a Cob on the table I would reach for the Cob. Outside of the good deal I got for that set when it comes to dollar and value I would lean toward the Cobs. Especially if I was just getting a taste for the hobby and was uncertain. The dollar just goes further with a Cob and so does the flavor. Just my few cents.
I must say, that my Dr. Grabow pipes all give me a first-rate smoke. Most of them are estate pipes. They clean up well and withstand the test of time! I have about 6 Dr. Grabows and the same number of cobs. These are my daily smokers. I have several Kaywoodies but do not smoke them as often. I buy some of my pipes on eBay (from a small number of certain sellers) and I have found several "No Name" pipes that are attractive, smoke well, and hold up well. For the record, I do own Petersons, Stanwells, Hilsons, etc all fine pipes, but I am not sure I get any more pleasure out of them than I do the cheaper ones
I have quite a few vintage Dr. Grabow pipes, but rarely smoke any. I just don’t like them aesthetically. I will pick up and smoke a vintage Yello-Bole first. Interestingly, even though Yello-Bole are Kaywoodie seconds, I like my Yello-Bole’s better. Maybe it’s because I have more Yello-Bole’s. I admit, I have waaayyy too many pipes, and the first brands I plan to liquidate are my Kaywoodie’s, Dr. Grabow’s, Weber’s, and maybe LH Stern’s, even before some of my lesser known brands.
It was what Dr. Grabow was before they changed the name to Dr. Grabow in the early 1930s. The company was originally M. Linkman & Co., a pipe company that was co-founded by Louis Lineman and August Fisher in 1898. Linkman is credited with coming up with the idea of "pre-smoked pipes" and later asked a friend, Dr. Paul Grabow if he could use his names on the pipes. By the mid-1940s, all the pipes were branded as Dr. Grabow.
I have an old MLC (Mary Linkman Company) “The Nuvo” zulu. It has a single silver colored dot on the stem. It’s still in great shape after all these years too.
The only thing I know is that a product that has withstood the test of time, is still in production, and continues to sell must have something going for it. I seriously doubt that if Dr. Grabow pipes were inferior or troublesome smokers they would have disappeared from the market a long time ago. Dr. Grabow has found their nitch as a reasonably priced pipe for both the novice smoker just getting into the hobby as well as the budget conscious codger.
I have several Dr. Grabow Pipes. They are all good smokers. I really like them, second only to Savinelli. I will admit that some of my Savinelli Pipes are not that great.
Living not far from Sparta, NC...the town where my wife's parents eloped and one we visit frequently for lunch while on our excursions along the Parkway, for all they produce and worldwide recognition of their brand, and myself a satisfied consumer of their brand, I must say that if there ever were a manufacturing opportunity for the Appalachian/Blue Ridge region outside of furniture, something like pipe making would be it--it has certainly withstood the test of time (so far anyway).
I have always found Grabows to be reliable work horse pipes. The only issue I have ever had them has been on deep cleanings with some that were estate pipes. When I am restoring I do a 30 minute soak of the stem in Everclear. I have about 2 a year that the stem will soften so much that the stem becomes unusable. Always assumed it was just irregular vulcanite quality over the decades. 😀
@addamsruspipe Some of those stems are not vulcanite, those would be the ones that alcohol destroys. They are probably Bakelite. Also, just in case you are not aware…do not soak an acrylic stem in alcohol either. Actually, try not to use any alcohol on acrylic. Everclear at 190 proof 95% alcohol will “haze” and soften acrylic and down right melt Bakelite and its’ ilk. I think some Dr. Grabow pipes have other types of stem materials that don’t do well in high proof alcohol.
A few years ago, another pipe forum had their POY (Pipe of the Year) with the pipe being a Dr Grabow. This is not the only Grabow that I own. But there are also other considerations. I am friends with several guys that make pipes. I have purchased multiple pipes from them. This is not just a "I need a cheap pipe". I also want to support the masters and those who are trying to increase their skill.
My very first pipe was a Dr Grabow, given to me as a started by my parents next door neighbor. Over the years in my 20’s and 30’s all my pipes were Dr Grabow, but then I had a few extra dollars and didn’t have to shop at the drug store!
In fact my very first pipe was given to me by a neighbor and it was a dr. I still have it and smoke it from time to time. Always puts me in a nostalgic mood.
Comments
As with most pipe manufactures, there are different grades when talking about Dr. Grabow pipes, but in general, IMHO (in my humble opinion) they are a good utility pipe. Most aren't what one would call "collector worthy" (although some may be), but there's nothing wrong with putting a couple in your rotation.
Mechanics are close to being everything on a pipe. So if your Grabow has that, you probably have one worth enjoying...
Don't laugh when I tell you this, but if your wanting to "jump in", get yourself a good Missouri Meerschaum Cob.
They're great starter pipes.
You can begin enjoying blends now without breaking the bank.
Meanwhile save your money for a more expensive pipe that strikes your fancy.
@thebadgerpiper pretty well knows cobs (I only have 2), and he can probably steer you in the right direction.
As far as what pipe you eventually settle on, that will have to be a personal decision.
Pipes are like cars, different makes, models, sizes, shapes, etc. The pipes you purchase need to right for YOU.
By the way, most MM Cobs are filtered...
I agree with @KA9FFJ, cobs are cheap workhorses. I'd recommend starting with 4 or 5 in some combination of Prides, Legends or Washingtons in any combination. I'd also recommend reading the Corn Cob Primer on Pipepedia.com. The gist of it is toss the filter, pack looser than you think you should and keep them clean. The pipes will average $5 each and I suggest smoothing the sides of the stem with a fine fingernail file or dremel tool along with the end of the stem to remove the seam.
I have several “Estate” Dr. Grabow pipes that are nice pipes, although most are kinda small and I don’t particularly like the paper filters. I smoke my MM cobs without the filters. I do use balsa and carbon filters occasionally in pipes that accept them.
If you are not completely disgusted with “estate” pipes, Savinelli’s of all types are on the EBay or at SmokingPipes.com at greatly reduced prices. All of my Savinelli pipes so far are good smokers, and most are excellent. SmokingPipes.com do a very good job of cleaning...not excellent, but very good. Some EBay pipes are nice and clean inside and out, and some only on the outside to make them “shiny”. You have to take your chances and look them over with a discerning eye, and always be prepared to clean/sterilize them to your satisfaction. I can say, as far as filters go, Savinelli balsa filters work well without muting the tobacco flavors too much...it’s still not the same as without a filter though. Carbon filters work well too, but they mute the flavors even more. Brigham’s “Rock Maple” inserts (not a filter) work well to remove moisture without muting flavors, but their pipe shape selection is limited, and I have a Klondike that smokes hot as hell for some reason, my Mountaineer is ok though...go figure? At least this is my experience with filters.
Do save up for a Savinelli, though, as they'll never let you down. I suggest keeping an eye on ebay foe a good estate. Sure, you might get into a bidding war over some of them, but I can assure you that you can get one at a still cheaper cost than a new Savinelli. All my Savs are estates, and they're worth it.
I couldn't agree more!
It was what Dr. Grabow was before they changed the name to Dr. Grabow in the early 1930s. The company was originally M. Linkman & Co., a pipe company that was co-founded by Louis Lineman and August Fisher in 1898. Linkman is credited with coming up with the idea of "pre-smoked pipes" and later asked a friend, Dr. Paul Grabow if he could use his names on the pipes. By the mid-1940s, all the pipes were branded as Dr. Grabow.
Some of those stems are not vulcanite, those would be the ones that alcohol destroys. They are probably Bakelite. Also, just in case you are not aware…do not soak an acrylic stem in alcohol either. Actually, try not to use any alcohol on acrylic. Everclear at 190 proof 95% alcohol will “haze” and soften acrylic and down right melt Bakelite and its’ ilk. I think some Dr. Grabow pipes have other types of stem materials that don’t do well in high proof alcohol.
I don't think I've ever owned a Grabow that didn't smoke well, they really are great pipes--a blue collar man's pipe.