Thread: Pipe Questions

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've got a few of Mr Vesz's pipes. I've even got two "Craft Briar" which were only made the very first year he came to North America. I've spoken with him on the phone years ago and he is a gracious gentleman IME. Makes a heck of a pipe too.

That is good to know from somebody that has first hand experience with his pipes that they are pretty good. I had the pipe in my hand and liked the way the larger bowl fit my big mitts and it was made in Canada as a bonus. I did a little research too and ran across mention of the "Craft Briar" marking. I guessed that it was from his beginning in the trade so now I know for sure. I don't intend, famous last words, to collect pipes so I thought it might be wise to go for one his low end pipes to get a good pipe at "fairly" reasonable cost. Now to see if the deal works out.

Bob

I've bought most of my pipes, as well as razors, from estate sales.
Usually alcohol (vodka) is enough to get the stems clean and sanitized, but be careful not to stain outside finish.
In a case of real dirty ones bleach, sandpaper and polish is ok. If you want to save the stem logos and markings, just cover them with vaseline.
To get rid of the ghosts from the bowl, salt/vodka treatment is usually enough.