Dr Grabow or Mr Brog

[mikeal]

I'm dipping my toe into pipe smoking. I'd like to add a more traditional pipe to compliment my current MM corn cob. I don't have a lot of money to spend, thanks partly to a recently straight razor addiction, so I was looking for something on the lower end. Basically a beginners pipe other than the corn. I'm leaning to either a Dr Grabow or a Mr Brog, based on what I've read. Any suggestions as to which might be a better choice, since prices are about the same? Or other suggestions?

 

[MixedMotives]

whats the price range?

 

[Paul L.]

I've had a good experience with the Mr. Brog #27. My sample size of one is 100% awesome.

 

[mikeal]

Right around $30.

 

[WithTheGrain]

Can't comment on either, but you can find some really nice estates in that range as well. Nothing high grade, but quality vintage.

 

[mikeal]

Is eBay the best place to look for estate pipes? I'm leery . . . Afraid I don't know enough to get something worthwhile.

 

[Commander Quan]

I would would avoid going the estate route for for now. Once you know more what to look for, and you have a pipe or two you can use in the mean time you can look for something to restore.

Either a Grabow or Brog would be a fine first pipe. Grabow's can be found locally most places so that's a plus for them, but I'd go with whichever you prefer the aesthetics of.

 

[WithTheGrain]

To clarify- I wouldn't suggest an estate that needs work either. However, there are cheap estates from a few dealers that gave already been cleaned up. We aren't talking Dunhills, more like Edwards house pipes.

 

[mattdenicola]

I went through the same decision process when I first started dabbling a while back. I bought a Mr. Brog. Some opinions:

- The Mr. Brog is a perfectly smokeable pipe. I still have it in my rotation.

- The Mr. Brog is an absolutely no frills pipe. If design, aesthetic, or craftsmanship aren't particular important things, then grab a Mr. Brog and don't blink. You can get one that comes with a little stand, a tamper/poker tool, and the pipe, all for $25 shipped. Not bad, especially if you're just starting.

- The Mr. Brog is a decided step up from your typical "cheap" pipes you can buy for $10 at a liquor store or small tobacconist. It isn't two steps up. But it is one step up.

On the one hand - it's a nice pipe, and you'll always be happy you have it. On the other hand, there is nothing special about it, and if you like attaching sentimental or some other type of idiosyncratic value to things, it is hard to find something unique to enjoy about Mr. Brogs.

Just my two cents.

 

[Shave_Rat]

I went through the same decision process when I first started dabbling a while back. I bought a Mr. Brog. Some opinions:

- The Mr. Brog is a perfectly smokeable pipe. I still have it in my rotation.

- The Mr. Brog is an absolutely no frills pipe. If design, aesthetic, or craftsmanship aren't particular important things, then grab a Mr. Brog and don't blink. You can get one that comes with a little stand, a tamper/poker tool, and the pipe, all for $25 shipped. Not bad, especially if you're just starting.

- The Mr. Brog is a decided step up from your typical "cheap" pipes you can buy for $10 at a liquor store or small tobacconist. It isn't two steps up. But it is one step up.

On the one hand - it's a nice pipe, and you'll always be happy you have it. On the other hand, there is nothing special about it, and if you like attaching sentimental or some other type of idiosyncratic value to things, it is hard to find something unique to enjoy about Mr. Brogs.

Just my two cents.

I mostly agree with this on the Mr Brog pipes, minus the craftsmanship part. They are made with a pretty good degree of craftsmanship, which is the reason they are a step up from most other pipes available in that price range. Aesthetics are a bit subjective, his pipes have some nice looks, but pretty basic pipe designs, nothing fancy. Just about the perfect combination of things if you want wood and not cob, but also don't want to feel worried about tossing it into a backpack as you head out camping, or if you want a pipe while mowing the yard, etc..

 

[the_edski]

I would would avoid going the estate route for for now. Once you know more what to look for, and you have a pipe or two you can use in the mean time you can look for something to restore.

Either a Grabow or Brog would be a fine first pipe. Grabow's can be found locally most places so that's a plus for them, but I'd go with whichever you prefer the aesthetics of.

The perfect answer. Can't go wrong with either.