What to look for(or look out for) in a used pipe?

[tlag77]

Hello,
I have been thinking of picking up a pipe, looking on the bay i see quite a bit of used pipes, I don't want to buy a bunk pipe. So I was wondering what I should stay away from in the used pipe department. Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

 

[john parker]

Clear airway from stem to draw hole in bottom of bowl. Unless very high degree of bend, pipe cleaner should run through.

Draw hole even to bottom of bowl and centered.

Good fit between stem and strummel (tenon and mortise).

No cracks in bowl or strummel.

Condition of stem (oxidation, teeth marks, holes).

All I can think of at the moment. Think there was a prior post about this, as well.

 

[Toirtis]

Agreed....and be aware that oxidation on the stem is easily dealt with, so do not let that set you off a good pipe.

There are plenty of decent brands to look for: Savinelli, Chacom, Butz Chocin, Peterson, Nording, Vauen, Bari, Jobey....far to many to list, but if you are in doubt, feel free to ask.

 

[Commander Quan]

If I were you, I would look at the estate pipes listed on different vendors websites. SmokingPipes.com regularly has pipes that start around $35 and go up from there. These are professionally cleaned, and you'll know you'll be getting a good pipe to start out with. Even some of the "restored" pipe on ebay are a crap shoot.

 

[Hunter]

+1 for Smoking Pipes, I have picked up two estates from them and they are two of my favourites!

 

[tlag77]

Thank you gentlemen for all responses, I will look at smoking pipes, take a look see. I am afraid I will have another hobby for the wife to shake her head at. Thank you for that too.

 

[Hunter]

Thank you gentlemen for all responses, I will look at smoking pipes, take a look see. I am afraid I will have another hobby for the wife to shake her head at. Thank you for that too.

Well what is a hobby or three to make the wife shake her head? Have you spent and time in the Nib by chance?

 

[Commander Quan]

Make sure you check SP tomorrow. They update the site Monday and Thursday around 4pm eastern. Thursday's update always has twice as many estates as Mondays.

 

[tlag77]

Well what is a hobby or three to make the wife shake her head? Have you spent and time in the Nib by chance?

Don't get me started! I won't do it!.......Well I could just take a peek......

 

[tlag77]

Make sure you check SP tomorrow. They update the site Monday and Thursday around 4pm eastern. Thursday's update always has twice as many estates as Mondays.

+1 Thank you, will do!

 

[tlag77]

What do you guys think about a cheapo from a local smoke shop for a starter pipe?

 

[the_edski]

What do you guys think about a cheapo from a local smoke shop for a starter pipe?

If it's a corncob pipe or a briar pipe, then by all means. Personally, I'd go with a corncob. If the shop doesn't have one, you can get a Missouri Meerschaum for under $10 bucks online. If it's any other variety of wood, I'd steer away from it.

 

[tlag77]

If it's a corncob pipe or a briar pipe, then by all means. Personally, I'd go with a corncob. If the shop doesn't have one, you can get a Missouri Meerschaum for under $10 bucks online. If it's any other variety of wood, I'd steer away from it.

Why the corncob?

 

[the_edski]

Why the corncob?

Cheap, low maintenance, if you get the MM you know it's quality, no worries about a misrepresented estate pipe. Would this be your first pipe?

 

[tlag77]

Cheap, low maintenance, if you get the MM you know it's quality, no worries about a misrepresented estate pipe. Would this be your first pipe?

Yessir it would be my first, I appreciate the advice on the corncob, I most def need something low maintenance. Easy to care for.

 

[the_edski]

Yessir it would be my first, I appreciate the advice on the corncob, I most def need something low maintenance. Easy to care for.

Check out this thread: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/332339-Recommendation-list-for-those-just-starting-out
Specifically post #4, you will be well on your way after that.

 

[tlag77]

Check out this thread: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/332339-Recommendation-list-for-those-just-starting-out
Specifically post #4, you will be well on your way after that.

Thank you very much Ed for all your help, I'll be ordering up one of those corn pipes by the weekend, need something to smoke besides cigs all the time.

 

[conroygc]

Thank you very much Ed for all your help, I'll be ordering up one of those corn pipes by the weekend, need something to smoke besides cigs all the time.

Now you get to pick your first tobacco! If you thought picking a pipe was hard...

 

[tlag77]

Now you get to pick your first tobacco! If you thought picking a pipe was hard...

Any thoughts on a first baccy? I am a cig smoker too, not sure if I'll need training wheels or not.

 

[brother cavefish]

Thick walls and a straight/centered through vent hole to bowl