Cool damp Sunday afternoon, perfect for a pipe! John Aylesbury English Mixture in a Briary branded, natural finish counter pipe. This pipe is a perfect example of what to look for in a counter or basket pipe; no obvious flaws, and while the hole is very slightly off center, it is dead on the bottom. I’ve neglected this pipe for a while, need to smoke it more to turn the color and get the sheen on it. No Latakia in this blend, by the way. For those still fairly new to pipe smoking, an English blend means simply the total absence of any flavoring. A lot of people think that means Latakia, and is true in many instances, but not all.
I'm still trying to figure out what to get, but I was wondering. Do re-usable filters work ok? I know disposable ones are cheap, but some pipes come with re-usable ones. Also, and I may be regretting asking this, but are any of the cheaper pipes coming out of Asia any good?
I'd advise against Asia. Who knows what's in the varnish and such. Most of us use no filter. Honestly, go get a Grabow from a drug store. I smoke one every other week or so. Very consistent pipes, paper filters. Helpful? Let's talk.
I don’t have any filter pipes, but if I did it would be the balsam type, not paper. I highly recommend a straight or very slight bend for beginning pipe smokers. They’re easier to smoke without smoking “wet,” since the draft hole in the shank and stem will almost always properly align and the draft hole is easier to drill at the bottom of the bowl. I believe one of the best bargains in pipes are Chacom, particularly the Ariane line. Very good quality, simple design (that can be a good thing) and they won’t break the bank when you can catch them on sale. Shown here from Pipes and Cigars for $70, although it appears their inventory of this line is down. You could check elsewhere for more selection. Four of them reside at my house, and I love them. https://www.pipesandcigars.com/p/chacom-ariane-pipes-pipes/1508466/ Hers’s the Cassette line of Chacom; I especially like the Lovat #2. In fact, I may order one myself! https://www.pipesandcigars.com/p/chacom-cassette-pipes-pipes/1473733/
After some research I decided to go with this Gardesana H.I.S. bent pipe. As I like cigars that are medium-full in strength, and conversing with @Bama Samurai, I went with this as I really don't need a filter, and it was more than 50% off list at $25.00. And I do like rough finishes and bent stems. I was going to go used until I saw this and figured it would be a good one to go back on pipes. Granted it's been years since I used one, and now I need to find some good tobacco to smoke.
A sandblast or rusticated finish feels good in the hand, at least to me. H.I.S. pipes are a good starting point, nothing wrong with that choice. I have one that is my favorite lawn tractor pipe; it is a bent, and is easily clenched while I’m cutting grass.
Good deal. I have a Gardesana and a couple HIS that all smoke great. You should be very happy with that.
I just did some research on the Gardesana H.I.S. pipes, and they are made out of Briar wood. (Hugo International Series)
Nightcap in a Butz Choquin Origine, one of the original designs by BC back in the 1800's, it was originally made with an albatross wing bone back in the day, now it's delrin.
PS Dutch Natural Cavendish & a pinch of Perique in the Old-Vic at dusk. Had to turn on the AC today. Low 80s but the breeze was nice.
Twenty years of pipe acquisition disorder. A lot for a guy on a shaving forum, not a lot in perspective of pipe collecting in general. I thought you guys might like to see.
