Amazing: the difference a pipe can make

[KinnScience]

I received a Cavicchi from Joe Coffey, and I just put some PS LTF in and am puffing as I type. Now this VA is probably my favorite straight VA flake, and I have smoked it out of my Randy Wiley, Dansk, and a few others. After only a few puffs from this Cavicchi I am amazed at the difference a pipe can make when smoking your favorite tobaccos. I ended up switching the Wiley to a VA/Per because I was not thrilled with the results smoking LTF. I am at a loss to explain it, but this Cavicchi has turned an already wonderful tobacco into a delicious sweet/nutty dream come true.

I have noted this phenomena with a few others as well. One other thing I've noticed. I have a few higher end pipes, and I have a few mid/lower end pipes. While I would not insult anyone by saying higher end pipes are not worth the $$ (cuz they are), I will say that I have noted some great smokes from even a generic/low priced pipe. Got something called a "CLP" golden eagle bulldog off ebay for a couple bucks .. and I can see the pink fills, it can't be any better than a Grabow/Medico; it has become one of my favorite Burley pipes. Go figure.

[dmkerr]

Originally Posted by KinnScience

I received a Cavicchi from Joe Coffey, and I just put some PS LTF in and am puffing as I type. Now this VA is probably my favorite straight VA flake, and I have smoked it out of my Randy Wiley, Dansk, and a few others. After only a few puffs from this Cavicchi I am amazed at the difference a pipe can make when smoking your favorite tobaccos. I ended up switching the Wiley to a VA/Per because I was not thrilled with the results smoking LTF. I am at a loss to explain it, but this Cavicchi has turned an already wonderful tobacco into a delicious sweet/nutty dream come true.

I have noted this phenomena with a few others as well. One other thing I've noticed. I have a few higher end pipes, and I have a few mid/lower end pipes. While I would not insult anyone by saying higher end pipes are not worth the $$ (cuz they are), I will say that I have noted some great smokes from even a generic/low priced pipe. Got something called a "CLP" golden eagle bulldog off ebay for a couple bucks .. and I can see the pink fills, it can't be any better than a Grabow/Medico; it has become one of my favorite Burley pipes. Go figure.

Check out this link for Fred Hanna's take on different tobaccos in different pipes. I found it interesting. Experimentation might be a good idea.

www.greatnorthernpipeclub.org/Myth.htm

[Mad Hatter]

I knew you'd like that little Cavicchi Brian. I can't remember how many times I smoked it but as I thought about it, how many times I smoke a pipe when I first get it, I'd have to guess maybe 15 bowls (Exhausted Rooster and Dark Twist). I can't say for the guy I got it from because if a pipe is well cared for that's a hard call to make especially when you don't know if he's a 1 pipe a day or 7 pipe a day man. Originally I'd thought not much but I do remember when that pipe was listed at theitalianpipe because that was when I bought my Cavicchi bulldog which was last June.

Anyway, as a pipe is smoked it absorbs oils and other elements from the tobacco and becomes "seasoned". You'll notice the wood doesn't leech heat from your tobacco, the finish may begin to darken a bit and it might feel a little heavier than you remember it being. Personally I think pre-carbonization interferes considerably with that process. Also this is a reason I prefer a good estate pipe. Too bad I didn't learn that lesson earlier. I think I'll go remove some precarb now. Happy puffing Brian.

[AcworthAl]

I have several Danbarks, Petersons, and Savinellis. I would consider them all good smokers. However, I have a Peterson Boyne River that is the best smoker I have. What I find truly amazing is that I have several “basket pipes” all of them are H.I.S. (Cheap Italian pipes). All but one are GREAT smokers. Go figure.

[cp478]

i too have discovered this. although i have no high end pipes i have gone from grabows and an estate amphora pipe to brebbias and hopefully today my two estate petersons will arrive.
but the difference in the brebbia and the dr grabows is just astounding, i picked up pipe smoking from my father and he just wont listen. he says theres no difference and im crazy just wasting money.

there is definitely a difference and if you dont mind estates and a little bit of cleaning you can move up relatively cheap.

[cp478]

the petes are here and after some serious cleaning they smoke great, but the brebbia still outsmokes them.

on a side note though i have a linkmans grabow that smokes circles around them all.

[IHT]

cavicchi's are excellent smokers, for sure.