Just wanted to start a churchwarden appreciation thread. Who else on BandB prefer churchwardens...am I alone? (not including Gandalf)
Churchwarden Appreciation Thread
- Thread starter JM
- Start date
Not sure I prefer them but I do have 2 very nice churchwardens in my rotation. Both great pipes and great smokes.
A James Upshall and a Stanwell Hans Christian Andersen
A James Upshall and a Stanwell Hans Christian Andersen
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I have given some thought to getting a churchwarden. The closest I have now is a Clarke's Favorite Savinelli, while longer than a regular pipe, is no CW. I think I'll first get a CW stem for one of my MM cobs from Walker Briar Works before I invest in a nice CW. I'm sure I'll like it and eventually spring for a nice one.
I also really want a Churchwarden but I'm waiting until after the holidays to let my PAD go a bit. Though I haven't found one I really like yet either. I'm sure when the time comes my local tobacconists will have exactly what I want.
I have a Mr Brog #16 churchwarden and a Stanwell Hans Christian Andersen II in sandblast.
I have to admit that the Brog isnt a favorite of mine; the finish on the stem is VERY coarse and the pipe's shape makes it uncomfortable to clench for more than a few moments. I have only run two bowls through it, because of the finish and balance - but the low price tempers the disappointment. It is nice to look and and I havent decided whether to work on the finish or send it packing
The HCA II is a joy. Great balance, finish is top notch and it draws effortlessly. I can clench or cradle the pipe with equal ease and the long stem does give a nice cool smoke. It is one of my favorites
I have to admit that the Brog isnt a favorite of mine; the finish on the stem is VERY coarse and the pipe's shape makes it uncomfortable to clench for more than a few moments. I have only run two bowls through it, because of the finish and balance - but the low price tempers the disappointment. It is nice to look and and I havent decided whether to work on the finish or send it packing
The HCA II is a joy. Great balance, finish is top notch and it draws effortlessly. I can clench or cradle the pipe with equal ease and the long stem does give a nice cool smoke. It is one of my favorites
- Thread starter
- #7
I would say my Bent Albert from Mr. Brog is a great pipe for the money. The fit and finish is awesome. I don't clinch the warden so I haven't noticed any problems. I tend to sit in a chair with arms so I can rest my arm and smoke.
My first pipe was a churchwarden. It was very cheap, and it showed. One day I'll buy a decent one. I love the look and feel of one....
Commander Quan
Commander Yellow Pantyhose
This is my Boswell. I have 2 stems for it one a traditional, one a churchwarden. I hardly ever use the churchwarden stem but I am glad I had it made for the pipe.
I'm a huge fan of churchwardens. They are perfect for sitting on the porch and enjoying a good book. I've been looking into getting another one as my last (and only) one was destroyed in the move from the states to Okinawa. It was an estate that I picked up at a tag sale, but smoked great. I was never able to figure out the brand name when I had it, but as I recall, the hallmark looked something like a "B" intertwined with a "J." Eventually, I'll get another one and add it to my rotation. Those HCA Stanwells look pretty tempting to me.
Commander Quan
Commander Yellow Pantyhose
Probably a Bjarne
Perhaps Santa will be bringing me a Churchwarden for being such a good boy this year. DO. WANT.
I very nearly bought a beauty of a rusticated churchwarden for $99 today, but I'm going to wait for after christmas, not so much for Gentlemanly restraint but because I'm going to be flying in a few days and I don't trust the airlines or my fellow passengers not to bang up my carry on luggage... oh I hope it is still there when I get back though... or maybe a better one!
Nobody? Really? Everyone's far too grown-up around here. I read that and giggled like a little girl.
I laughed in the real world.
I have two churchwardens...both by Canadian carvers and love them both.
A pot by Stephen Downie out on the west coast:
...and one by a local boy Michael Parks. Wanted an Asian themed pipe!
Both are excellent smokers.
A pot by Stephen Downie out on the west coast:
...and one by a local boy Michael Parks. Wanted an Asian themed pipe!
Both are excellent smokers.
Stephen Downie, I will have to remember that name I would love to support BC craftsmen!
He's quite the artist and fun to deal with...very creative:
http://www.downiepipes.com/commissions.html
http://www.downiepipes.com/commissions.html
I see, awesome stuff, though I seem to like the simpler designs right now... I'm sure my tastes will change and I'll want my own Cthulhu haha
I have two churchwardens...both by Canadian carvers and love them both.
A pot by Stephen Downie out on the west coast:
...and one by a local boy Michael Parks. Wanted an Asian themed pipe!
Both are excellent smokers.
You're giving your location away with "local boy Michael Parks." I can't believe I missed him at my local tobacconist's (you must know it if you're from here) Pipe Night a couple months back. Apparently he gave an interesting presentation on his acquisition of briar from Italy or somewhere overseas. I'm a big fan of his work. Unfortunately his pieces of art are out of my price range. Great pipes, BTW. Ever looking to trade some 'baccy, just give me a holler.
