It depends. Some days I smoke several bowls. Most of those from a chinese big ben knock off I have; just because if I damage that, it's not a massive loss. I have like 3 pipes, not including the Macqueen Mini seafarer which is a nice pipe, but the bowl is just wayyyyyy too small (my only gripe with it).
Hmmmm, all this discussion ha me thinking, as a topic in general; what is everones favorite shape(s) and finish for pipes? My tastes seem to ever change, but by the by my favorites are Dublin and Bulldogs. Both bent preferably, as I much prefer not staring at the bowl when clenching, lol. And my favorite finishes are sandblast and rusticated; though oddly enough I don't have any of those. Although I have seen some pipes made by Jeantet and Molina that used to be sold through Thompson Cigar Co. that we're colored so beautifully they were amazing. I'll have to see if I can find some pics.
I have never tried a 9mm. Only Grabow/medico type. I have a Kaywwodie that I smoke when working outside during the day. I like the stinger system/drink less system. It saves pipe cleaners. I have smoked pipe off and on since 1994, and actually wish Grabow was more readily available these days. And Kaywoodie may be gone basically.
The shape I smoke and buy most often are straight, billiard, pot or similar. Rusticated and sandblast, in dark colors.
Kaywoodie is still around. But they're the higher end of the lines made by S.M. Frank and Co. Medico would be there cheapest with some only being about $20 or even less maybe, at some shops if ya can find em. But the cheaper ones are made of Brylon, which I know very little about, especially in regards to how it works in pipe form. And Yello-Bole is kind of along the same lines as the medico really.
I've never tried one of the drinkless systems, but I plan to in the future, even though I've seen some considerable disfavor for them. Russ Oulette says they're the least effective filter system in his opinion; but ymmv, so I may like it. I do love 9mm filters as they absorb a lot of moisture, giving a great dry smoke, and they seem to last a bit longer than paper filters. I would like to try some non filtered pipes when I have the opportunity though. My one gripe with filters really is that they make it impossible to readily run a cleaner through if need be without taking the pipe apart.
Tonight, some C&D Exhausted Rooster. It has been a while, and while I've always gotten a burley vibe from it and still do, it's actually a Virginia and dark fired blend with just a touch of perique. Whatever, it is a nice, strong blend that burns cool. If you are sensation to nicotine, stay away! Even if you aren't so much, go at this with a full stomach. Anyhow, the dark fired is forward on this giving it the burley feel, and the Virginia are adding a nice fermented plum note. The perique is just barely perceptable. Loving it! Using the Nording signature again. Warning, this pipe will pick up dirt and such more quickly than meerschaum bu far! It is already darkening and is actually darker than the picture. You can notice the bit of dirt on the angle and a little spot I picked up somewhere. To me, it adds character, because as pretty as they are, pipes are tools, and I love a pipe that looks like it's been enjoyed. If you need your pipes to be spotless, however, stay away. If you don't mind character and like a good smoker, this is one great smoking pipe!
What prompted my comment about Kaywoodie was the last shipment at P&C did not use the inserts. The brand seems to be redesigning.
I know they do still make them with the drinkless sysetms, at least some models. They may not sell as well though maybe? You can also buy the drinkless stingers from some stores and on ebay.
I agree, I love pipes that look like they have been loved. The warning was aimed at those who can't stand a dirty pipe, and the signature isn't for them for sure!
Probably not...but you may now understand that pipe stuff is more fun for me than RAD. Though I am not knocking RAD either!
Hmm...Let me see? Ah; I just can't seem to choose from "Me Beauties!" Ah; and their 'getting-a-tad, 'DUSTY!" That'll be me NEXT-PROJECT!
