Briar vs Meerschaum?

[indigosmoke]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the great information and advice.

[pipemike]

From what I read on these forums sounds like Clay pipe may be the way to go.

[indigosmoke]

Do you mean something like this LePeltier Fleur-des-Lys? I think they are very nice.

[Crazycoonass]

Ive yet to try a clay pipe, if u get one let me know how u like it.

[MarkC]

I tried a clay pipe back during my first go 'round with pipes back in the seventies, though it looked nothing like that. It was all clay, a churchwarden that annoyed me because I couldn't figure out how to clean the darn thing. It was too long for a pipe cleaner. Plus it burned so hot. Fortunately, or unfortunately, all-clay pipes are pretty fragile, and my inner klutz took care of the problem within a couple of weeks...

[dmkerr]

The Lepeltier's are nice smokers. They use a little cork insert to attach vulcanite stem to clay pipe. I have noticed that they need to be cleaned with boiling water periodically. I have two and the one that I've never cleaned is heavier due to the buildup of tars between the two walls (the Lepeltiers are double walled clay, which is different than the clay pipes of yore). These pipes smoke "hot" but that heat doesn't transfer to the smoke so much. What I mean is they feel hot as you smoke 'em. They are clay, after all, and clay does what it's supposed to do when you stoke a fire in it... it heats up. Tobacco tastes like tobacco in these pipes. Great for when you're trying a new blend. Highly recommended, but I do prefer my briars overall.

Originally Posted by indigosmoke

Do you mean something like this LePeltier Fleur-des-Lys? I think they are very nice.

[dmkerr]

Originally Posted by MarkC

I tried a clay pipe back during my first go 'round with pipes back in the seventies, though it looked nothing like that. It was all clay, a churchwarden that annoyed me because I couldn't figure out how to clean the darn thing. It was too long for a pipe cleaner. Plus it burned so hot. Fortunately, or unfortunately, all-clay pipes are pretty fragile, and my inner klutz took care of the problem within a couple of weeks...

If you have a fireplace, these clays clean up nice by being placed near the fire (not in the fire itself!). For some reason, the fire cleans 'em up just like new!

[IKMeerschaum]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Buy from 1000's of Cigars, Lighters, Tobacco Pipes & Pipe Tobacco has a nice selection of meer block; altinok is also reliable.

Thanks for the plug Mister Moo.

I'm obviously a meer guy but I do have a few briars personally that I smoke as well. I'm rather fond of the Savinellis (was just sitting out back with my Quandale reading "Warlords" yesterday) but would have to say outside of my meers, the pipe I smoke the most is a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipe...

[wharfrathoss]

Originally Posted by indigosmoke

Anyone ever order from a place called The Gray Fox Online? They've got a Stanwell Colonial Billiard for 49.99 with free shipping whereas Cup o' Joe has it for 79.99 + 8.95 shipping. The Gray Fox Online only has a few models as opposed to Joe's which has several. However, I was leaning towards the billiard anyway, so this seems like a pretty good deal. Any thoughts?

i've ordered from GFO b4, no problems, good prices, free shipping. i'd highly recommend them. nice to support one of the smaller guys too.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by IKMeerschaum

...outside of my meers, the pipe I smoke the most is a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipe...

Which makes perfect sense but, particularly so for a new-to-pipes guy. A few cobs cover the virginias, burley and aromatics while a meer or two are great with english and orientals. Or so it seems to me. If you want to know the tobacco, smoke it in a meer.

[indigosmoke]

Originally Posted by drastic_quench

If you're in the market for a larger meer, I suggest checking out the IMP brand at smokingpipes. They're known for larger sizes, more shapes, and their push style mortise and tenon - not screw in, which can wear down over time.

I just thought I'd update this thread for those who might come across it in the future looking for similar advice. My SMS meerschaum is already wearing down and no longer aligns properly when the stem is screwed in. I only paid $49.00 for it, but only have been smoking the pipe for less than two weeks. Just thought I'd pass this hoping it my help someone.

[MarkC]

Thanks; I appreciate that update! I don't have a meerschaum this go 'round yet, so I'm keeping my eyes open; I'll make sure to look the other way when SMS comes by...

[MarkC]

Is anyone familiar with the Atkas meerschaums that pipesandcigars.com carries?

[NeverBend]

Hi Folks,

I’m a briar guy - all the way. A good briar pipe adds color and dimension to the smoke that I've never gotten from any other material. Some basics points that might make a briar purchase more enjoyable.

Weight
Light is generally better, especially if you hold the pipe in your mouth. It can indicate that the wood is older and more porous. Obviously judge weight by the size of the pipe.

Bore
The entrance of the bore into the bowl should seat flush to the bottom, not below (bad) and not above (or barely so). This is more of a problem on bent pipes.

Mortise and tenon
The tenon (stem) fits into the pipe (mortise) and they should be about the same length / depth. If the tenon is too short you'll have draw problems.

Bit
Make sure that the airway is clean and unobstructed. Thicker bits make you salivate more and give you less control over the pipe in your mouth. The best stems are fashioned from solid acrylic or vulcanite (rod).

Shape
Some of the wildest (and by personal taste best looking) pipes may be a bear to smoke. My preferences are straight billiards, canadians, lovats, etc. Walls of the bowl should be even in thickness.

Grain
Mainly a cost and cosmetic issue and can’t be considered important in the quality of the smoke.

Finish
True sandblasts (not carved) smoke cool and dry. Smooth pipes tend to be sweeter than sandblasted or carved. Cheap lacquer on a pipe inhibits breathing resulting in hotter, wetter smokes.


Hope this helps.


Good smoking,


Pete