advice please

[cardsfan28]

So Ive been smoking a pipe for a bit now and its very enjoyable I even managed to cut way back on smoking . Ive got two two cobs one burnt out no biggy their 5 bucks. I did notice after a lot of use the stems get weaker and don't fit as tight does this this happen to high end pipes as well? Ive done alot of research on finding the right pipe for me and im so confused I know what I want in a pipe. But I want quality as well so if any one has advice its Very welcomed

my price range is 155

 

[oc_in_fw]

A nice Peterson or Nording can be had for less than that price. Myself, I have been lusting over a Nording Freehand in natural finish- supposedly it colors as it ages. I would put a link, but I am on a work computer- pipesandcigars.com has them, though.

 

[Commander Quan]

$155 will buy you a pretty dang nice pipe, you may even want to consider using those funds to buy 2 pipes instead of one that kills your budget.

Even though cobs can be great smokers you really are getting what you may for most of the time. A good briar, and by good I mean non basket, non second, should not have any stem issues.

 

[cardsfan28]

I was thinking two wood be good I just have to find two good pipes for the right price.

 

[Commander Quan]

If you're not opposed to used pipes, Smoking Pipes estate pipes are fantastic, I've bought a couple, and other than some slight darkening around the rim they were flawless.

 

[cardsfan28]

Ive been looking on e bay alot but not sure what to look for

 

[Commander Quan]

Honestly I would skip ebay initially. Even pipes that have been cleaned can have issues, and you don't want issues with you're first briar pipe.

 

[cardsfan28]

where should I look ? for a nice used pipe or two?

 

[jiminyshiznit]

In the meantime, fold a pipe cleaner in half enough times that it fits snug into the shank (stem removed). Soak the pipe-cleaner plug in water (not dripping, but wet), put it in the shank and leave it for a few hours.. the stem will be a tight fit again.

 

[nortac]

where should I look ? for a nice used pipe or two?

As Commander Quan suggested, I'd look at Smokingpipes.com estate section for used pipes. Many of the online merchants that sell new pipes have estate pipes for sale. Hard to go wrong as these are professionally cleaned and/or restored.

 

[Tannhauser]

I'll also add a vote for SmokingPipes.com
I pretty much buy all my pipes there now. The pictures are of the actual pipe you're buying, not some stock photos. The estate pipes can be a great place to look. If you see something you want there, though, you gotta jump on it. Like I said, what you see is the actual product, and someone else might beat you to it if you decide to come back later. This is especially important regarding more unique pipes like freehands. For a good pipe less than $150, I would recommend Nording and Peterson.