Peterson quality slipping?

[ctr]

My first two Peterson pipes were perfect. No problems with the bowl, hole, or finish. I'm 0 for 2 now with the Killarney pipe, the 87 apple. I've just ordered my third - frustrating.

The first had an off center hole I didn't catch until it had been smoked. Shame on me. The second arrived today with pit marks on the outside of the bowl and stem. It will be sent back.

I have ordered for the third time hoping this one is of good quality. Very frustrating experience.

Is this normal for Peterson, or is this an issue due to the ramp up of holiday demand?

 

[Whiskey Badger]

I've heard that because of production and over harvesting that Peterson's (and some other companies) are having issues with briar quality making need for fills and issues when drilling. I haven't seen anything to substantiate or negate it. I have two Petersons that are 2013 productions and they seem fine to me, but maybe I just got lucky?

 

[Commander Quan]

Pits, and their resulting fills are a way of life. The Killarney line is a mid priced line of pipes and a fill or two is to be expected especially from an operation that puts out as many pipes as Peterson does.

I've been female dog[ing] about their drilling for quite a few years. The problem is that the pipes are designed to be able accept a 9mm filter and when drilling the draft hole there's a ton of open space around the end of the mortise.

 

[ctr]

Fills may be acceptable in this price range. But not pits that were poorly filled and then finished over.

 

[ctr]

Received the third one today and it is nearly perfect.

 

[Hirsute]

Received the third one today and it is nearly perfect.

Glad to hear it. Persistence pays off!

 

[Whiskey Badger]

Received the third one today and it is nearly perfect.

Third time is a charm? Glad you finally got a good one!