Puff Cigar Discussion Forums

JohnnyFlake · 09-15-2009, 08:25 PM

Mister Moo, you have come up with a very interesting and most difficult question. Personally, I do not believe there is a correct overall answer. With this question, I believe the only correct answer, is each individuals answer fitting his or her personal needs.

For me, the correct answer, after over 35 years of pipe smoking, is 10 Briar Pipes, 5 quality Meerschaums and 18 Corn Cobb Pipes!!!

Crazycoonass · 09-15-2009, 09:15 PM

Ive got about 8 briars and 2 Meers right now and Im looking for more, Ive been practicing restoration since Im known for being a notoriously cheap b**tard so I keep an eye out for Ebay pipes that look dead, I just won a savinelli for 15 and theres a Stanwell Im watching, Ill post pics if my efforts bear fruit.
So I guess my awnser would be you cant have enough, but thats just me.

Mad Hatter · 09-15-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

That may be true of the cheapo, pressed Meerschaum pipes, however, I doubt that it applies to the well made block Meerschaums whether from the big name brands or the semi-hand made customs.

Actually it is true, or so hearsay says it is. Its been discussed over on SF on different occasions and its also stated clearly on Fikri Baki's website that he uses an open draw unlike many of his contemporaries.

dmkerr · 09-15-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

Actually it is true, or so hearsay says it is. Its been discussed over on SF on different occasions and its also stated clearly on Fikri Baki's website that he uses an open draw unlike many of his contemporaries.

Sadly, my experience mirrors the hearsay. I've owned probably 15-20 meers over my pipesmoking career and still have about 8. The best draw I experienced is on an IMP and even it is not ideal for me. I still have a meer that Ismet Bekler carved specifically for me (when he was visiting local pipe shops) and it cost me $300 in 1986 money. It doesn't draw as well as the cheapest briar.

indigosmoke · 09-15-2009, 10:19 PM

I don't know about any other brand but the SMS I have has been a big disappointment. I have been very disappointed with the quality of the pipe. I've treated it very gently and already where the stem screws in to the shank is completely falling apart. The plastic piece that is mounted in the stem is falling out and it no longer screws tightly into the shank. I've had this pipe for less than three weeks. I realize that SMS may not be the best brand out there, but it is a name brand and claims to be made of block. If I get another meer, I think I'll go with IMP from what I've learned here, but it's going to be at least a few more briars for me first. By the way, I treat this pipe much like it was made of briar, smoking it only once or twice a day at most and letting it dry and cool completely between smokes so I can't have smoked more than 30 or 35 bowls in it.

Mad Hatter · 09-15-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indigosmoke

I don't know about any other brand but the SMS I have has been a big disappointment. I have been very disappointed with the quality of the pipe. I've treated it very gently and already where the stem screws in to the shank is completely falling apart. The plastic piece that is mounted in the stem is falling out and it no longer screws tightly into the shank. I've had this pipe for less than three weeks. I realize that SMS may not be the best brand out there, but it is a name brand and claims to be made of block. If I get another meer, I think I'll go with IMP from what I've learned here, but it's going to be at least a few more briars for me first. By the way, I treat this pipe much like it was made of briar, smoking it only once or twice a day at most and letting it dry and cool completely between smokes so I can't have smoked more than 30 or 35 bowls in it.

I would definitely be sending an email to the manufacturer about that

You'll know how good they are by whether or not they stand behind their product.

indigosmoke · 09-15-2009, 10:36 PM

Good advice MH. I contact them and send a few pics and see what they have to say. Maybe my pipe is an exception rather than the rule.

dmkerr · 09-16-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indigosmoke

I don't know about any other brand but the SMS I have has been a big disappointment. I have been very disappointed with the quality of the pipe. I've treated it very gently and already where the stem screws in to the shank is completely falling apart. The plastic piece that is mounted in the stem is falling out and it no longer screws tightly into the shank. I've had this pipe for less than three weeks. I realize that SMS may not be the best brand out there, but it is a name brand and claims to be made of block. If I get another meer, I think I'll go with IMP from what I've learned here, but it's going to be at least a few more briars for me first. By the way, I treat this pipe much like it was made of briar, smoking it only once or twice a day at most and letting it dry and cool completely between smokes so I can't have smoked more than 30 or 35 bowls in it.

SMS actually is a high quality meer. I think you'll find they will stand behind this pipe.

indigosmoke · 09-16-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmkerr

SMS actually is a high quality meer. I think you'll find they will stand behind this pipe.

That's good to know. I thought it was when I bought it. I suppose every manufacturer produces a dud once in a while. Well, I'll report back when I've contacted them.

indigosmoke · 09-16-2009, 08:38 AM

I just went to the SMS website and found this under the exclusions to their warrenty policy: "and any damage, except bowl burnout or bowl cracks, to the pipe shank and/or mouthpiece is not covered by this warranty." so I might be out of luck. I'll give them a call anyway and see what they say.

dmkerr · 09-16-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indigosmoke

I just went to the SMS website and found this under the exclusions to their warrenty policy: "and any damage, except bowl burnout or bowl cracks, to the pipe shank and/or mouthpiece is not covered by this warranty." so I might be out of luck. I'll give them a call anyway and see what they say.

That's a "catch-all" disclaimer so they don't have to cover abuse. Definitely worth a call.

My company pays me to be a "negotiator" (read: jerk, a-hole, etc) and I am more than willing to take this "talent" into my personal negotiations. So here's a tip. Let's just say that no pipe company that refuses to stand behind their product would like to hear that you are a respected member of a wide-reaching, high member count, pipe smoking internet fraternity who will hear of the manner in which they respond to your complaint, good or bad. A positive response might mean more sales; a negative response will absolutely result in fewer.

I'd guess with a very high probability that you will be made whole.

Mad Hatter · 09-16-2009, 09:33 AM

Just a dumb question here but, you weren't unscrewing the mortise insert to take the stem off were you? Again, I'm dumb about meers but the stem on a meer is supposed to be removed counter-clockwise so there's no chance of messing up the shank. The insert (can't remember what its called) should be threaded into the mortise and glued in place because the delicate nature of the meerschaum won't hold up to screwing in and screwing out.

Mister Moo · 09-16-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmkerr

My company pays me to be a... [jerk, a-hole, etc]...

My skillset! Are they hiring? Resume on request.

Mister Moo · 09-16-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

Just a dumb question here but, you weren't unscrewing the mortise insert to take the stem off were you? Again, I'm dumb about meers but the stem on a meer is supposed to be removed counter-clockwise so there's no chance of messing up the shank. The insert (can't remember what its called) should be threaded into the mortise and glued in place because the delicate nature of the meerschaum won't hold up to screwing in and screwing out.

The troubled-meer aspect of "What You Need" has provoked me to create a troubled-meer specific thread.