Dear Pipe Doctor: Why do pipers like it rough?

[IHT]

nice pipes i nthos photos, dub.
i fixed your tags on the last one, which is the same as the above post...

i do love a great deep sandblast.

i like straiht grain and birdseye as well, but you've got to pay a premium for that it seems.

[Joan]

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

Great look. Better grip. Lower maintenance. They're in sync with my lifestyle

[askance, giggle] You sound like my KLR!


Wow! Thank you SO MUCH, everyone. I really appreciate the thoughtful feedback! You are giving me a much clearer picture of the rough finish thang.

That one line statement from JoelS, about there being no perfectly smooth briar pipes, only those with undiscovered inclusions. Oh! OW! I felt my smoothie elitism draining right out of me!

While I don't appreciate them completely yet, I actually do WANT to appreciate the rough ones now...sigh.



[fanning self] Is it hot in here or is that just my PAD?

[DubintheDam]

[/quote]

While I don't appreciate them completely yet, I actually do WANT to appreciate the rough ones now...sigh.


I think the great thing about pipes is that your taste can change in so many directions, I'm really beginning to appreciate full bent pipes of late, a couple need to be add to the collection me thinks.

[Bruce]

Want to see some great Blast?:
Here's a couple:

http://www.roushpipes.com/ProductDet...?productID=748

http://www.roushpipes.com/ProductDet...?productID=747

http://www.roushpipes.com/ProductDet...?productID=644

Larry doesn't rusticate or blast his pipes to cover up imperfections. As someone said previously, you have to have good wood with good graining to make a good rusticated/blasted pipe.

[JAK]

When I started smoking pipes, I only liked a smooth finish. It is still my favorite in some ways, but I also appriciate rusticated and sandblasted pipes and own pipes with each finish. I guess I just like variety.

[Infin1ty]

Originally Posted by Joan

Since starting the search for chubbies online, I find lots and lots of beautifully proportioned briars and meers alike that someone has _ruined_ by roughing them up. Of course I realize this is *my humble opinion* only.

Now, I DID buy a sandblasted spare Kirsten bowl, but only because it was the biggest inside diameter Mariner bowl that day in the retail shop. And the only reason it's still in the rotation is because it's easy for my pinkies to fish it out of the depths of the pipe bag from the other pipes without looking.

So... what's the big deal about rustication, sandblasting, pitting, etc?


Signed me,
Smooth Chubbies All Day Every Day

First pipe I bought is a "rusticated" pipe. Got it off of e-bay for like $10. Mainly got it because it was the best looking out of the cheap pipes I could find. I love smooth pipes though. I think the rusitcation can also make the bowl look bigger, but I'm not too sure on that.

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by JAK

When I started smoking pipes, I only liked a smooth finish. It is still my favorite in some ways, but I also appriciate rusticated and sandblasted pipes and own pipes with each finish. I guess I just like variety.

Same with me.....hated rusticated/blasted pipes. Thought to myself I will never own one of those pipes.
Now they are a part of my collection. As a matter of fact, one of the rarest pipes in my collection is a 'blast.

[icculus1946]

My absolute dream pipe is one of those Roush rusticated blasts. When I get my PhD, hopefully in Dec., that is what I will treat myself to!

[hyper_dermic]

all comes down to personal pref.
I LOVE sandblasted pipes just as much as i do a perfect smooth straight grain.
Blasted pipes have a great look and feel to them.

I've only seen one really beautiful rusticated pipe that was at a pipe show.. they guy's technique for rustication was totally unique.. it was the 1st table i visited and i didnt want to spend half my budget on the 1st pipe i saw..
now i regret not having the guy set it aside for me, because when i came back it was gone

And dont think that just because a pipe is blasted, that its from inferior briar. Ive got a blasted ashton, and you can see the AMAZING straight grain and beautiful ring grain. Ashton makes my fav sandblasted pipes. This pipe could have easily have been a smooth pipe, but his sandblasting technique is just fantastic.
So not ALL sandblasted pipes are of lesser quality briar. Sure some people use it as a way to salvage lesser briar, but not all pipemakers do.

-hyp

[billhud]

I prefer blasted and rusticated pipes. A pipe either smokes good, or it doesn't, and that's always #1 with me (which is why I'm unbothered by those who look askance at my cobs. I just keep in mind that they really just don't know any better).

[nic]

Originally Posted by Joan

So... what's the big deal about rustication, sandblasting, pitting, etc?

I was the same way when I started smoking pipes. Now I prefer rusticated pipes. I think there more art in them.

But then you've seen my collection, so you already knew my opinion.

[nic]

Originally Posted by DubintheDam

Beautiful! WANT!

[Joan]

Originally Posted by nic

I was the same way when I started smoking pipes. Now I prefer rusticated pipes. I think there more art in them.

But then you've seen my collection, so you already knew my opinion.

Well yes, if I'd fondled your Hodula half and half (smooth/rustic) before starting this thread, I might have been halfway there. Might. In fact, one of those may just have to be my 'transition' pipe.

Argh! Where are my PAD pilz??