Thread: Pipe of the Day

Brick and Mortar. A real local tobacco shop.

Originally Posted by apipeguy

Brick and Mortar. A real local tobacco shop.

Seems like it's all web page tobacco shops anymore...

I remember going into a Five & Dime or any small town Drug Store and there it was in all it's glory... Pipes, Pipe Tobacco, Cigars and some Smokeless Tobacco (Leaf & Plug)...

Oh... The good OLD days...

Truth is shops just can't compete with online mega stores. The only thing your missing is the tactile experience of buying something. And maybe if its a good shop the guidance and expertise of the salesman at the counter. Prices are usually much higher at the shops and if its a famous big city shop like a Davidoff or Nat Sherman you can pay more than double for anything. So dont feel to bad about it.

There's a decent B&M shop not too far from me, but it's expensive. They do online as well, but their website's not great. I reckon if they got it sorted out their business would last a lot longer. I know of a place in the UK that doesn't have a great selection, but is really old school. They weigh out loose tobacco on what must be an antique scale and have shelves of big old jars like a sweet shop. It kind of reminds me of olivander's in the Harry Potter films.

Incidentally, here's my new falcon at last. It's really easy to smoke and the moisture catching system is great. The draw tends to be a bit loose, but that just means you don't have to take any care over filling or tamping. Definitely the most forgiving pipe I have. Kind of a bit cold and clinical though, doesn't have the same coziness factor that brier has.

Nice Falcon I like the twist. I think if you make a dry ring yourself out of a fluffier pipe cleaner I bet it will choke down the draw. Or just pack it tighter maybe.
Yes I understand what you mean about being not so cozy. It does lack that organic feel like sitting in a chromium chair opposed to a nice leather and wood one. But what I do like is the clean smoking qualities. Makes a good tasting pipe very little off flavors if cleaned well.

Originally Posted by Razorfaust

Nice Falcon I like the twist. I think if you make a dry ring yourself out of a fluffier pipe cleaner I bet it will choke down the draw. Or just pack it tighter maybe.

I've tried packing tighter. It helps a bit but not much. It's like it's designed to combat any mistake anyone might make, like packing too tight. I like your idea of making my own dry ring to choke it off a bit, I'll try that at the weekend. it's not problem loose, like it's not going out or anything, but I prefer it to have a little more resistance.

The twist was what sold it to me. I quite liked the look of the non-twisted ones on the internet, but when i saw one in person I wasn't so convinced. They call this type a shillelagh.

Originally Posted by Razorfaust

Truth is shops just can't compete with online mega stores. The only thing your missing is the tactile experience of buying something. And maybe if its a good shop the guidance and expertise of the salesman at the counter. Prices are usually much higher at the shops and if its a famous big city shop like a Davidoff or Nat Sherman you can pay more than double for anything. So dont feel to bad about it.

I have no problem paying B&M prices, I understand that the "Storefront" guys have to pay the rent... But at the same time, they should offer a selection at a fair price...

One thing that I have seen/noticed at B&M's, a lot of the "jarred" tobacco is just a rename for another manufactured blend... So if that's the case, I'll buy bulk from online... (this has already been hashed out here also)

Originally Posted by NoseWarmer

I have no problem paying B&M prices, I understand that the "Storefront" guys have to pay the rent... But at the same time, they should offer a selection at a fair price...

One thing that I have seen/noticed at B&M's, a lot of the "jarred" tobacco is just a rename for another manufactured blend... So if that's the case, I'll buy bulk from online... (this has already been hashed out here also)

I have been to the store near Steph's house and I It was a pleasant experience. [ Along with meeting Steph.]

I shop a local store whenever possible. I know I would have a little more in my bank account if I didn't but the in person experience is worth very much to me. Just now I had the thought that it may be in a way like a tip for good service, Not an excess cost.

My mother owned a small town store when I was younger and I remember that he wholesale cost on many things was the same or close to the retail price of the large town 20 miles away. For example gasoline. Many years later I still will not take a bag for my purchase unless I truly need one because I remember how all those little costs add up.

Another night with the Rattray and Dunhill Elizabethan mix. I tried it with a 9 mm Castleford filter for a change. Having a fantastic smoke everything working perfectly . No gurgling and flavor doesn't seem to be compromised. The blend is hitting the spot. I think this will be my Vaper pipe from now on. Good night all.

That's a nice Peterson. Nice thick rim.
I've always liked their classic, but timeless, shapes.

And for Falcon, I really love them. They're very forgiving pipes. Get e few bowls and you have several pipe syou can use in one day, without packing too much.
And they just smoke good.
Personally I don't mind their looks. Indeed not very 'cosy', but they still maintain a classic feel.

Ps. I like the twisted stem you have.