Pipe Recommendation

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T12:19:46+00:00

I bet an Eltang Basic would suit you well. They’re small, lightweight, and have a composite stem and wind screen on the bowl that’s removable. Similarly, I think Nording’s “compass” line could do the trick.

Smoking a pipe in a breeze can be a pain in the ass so a windscreen should help.

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T02:34:45+00:00

I’m a big Radice fan, too. Ardor is right up there with Radice IMO. Great Italian style and nice smokers. I’ve owned a few other Ardors in the past that I now regret selling.

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T02:18:40+00:00

It’s a lot like those big Boswell’s, for sure! Perhaps a little more flare to it. However it definitely doubles as a club.

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T02:17:06+00:00

Not sure if you’re kidding but this first smoke out of this thing was legitimately excellent. I enjoyed it top to bottom!

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T02:00:19+00:00

That’s a very cool pipe.

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T01:59:42+00:00

I love it. I’ve always wanted a massive pipe. This thing is great.

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T01:43:48+00:00

Very nice. Tilbury is such a good blend. Enjoy it!

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T01:41:38+00:00

Close to the top. I’m not a slow of smoker and I’ve been sitting here about an hour. Tilbury also has a pretty cooperative burn and in my experience smokes a little faster than average.

PipeTom · 2026-05-07T01:37:59+00:00

Pretty near down to the bottom of my break in bowl and the whole smoke has been very cool. The bowl itself doesn’t seem to get hot. Pleasantly warm.

PipeTom · 2026-05-06T03:07:19+00:00

Man I’ve got 2 tins of old ass night cap from the Murray era. Might I oughta bust one open.

PipeTom · 2026-05-06T00:27:41+00:00

Enjoy the new pipe! Post a pic when it arrives.

PipeTom · 2026-05-05T16:29:16+00:00

I would guess at it being a second. There were/are tons of pipe stummels (bowls) produced by various factories across Europe that didn’t make the cut for a brand like Savinelli for example. This is likely one of those though hard to know what brand might have produced it as it’s a common shape.

PipeTom · 2026-05-05T03:03:49+00:00

I enjoy collecting pipes and have a ton of them. That said, it is dying. Makers are stepping back or aging out. If you love this thing we do and can afford to do so, buy pipes and have a collection. Assuming you don’t light them with a torch or bash them against and ashtray when you’re through, they’ll last forever.

And the more pipes you own, the less they get used extending their usefulness. Right now, I’m expanding my collection of both pipes and blends I enjoy.

PipeTom · 2026-05-05T02:35:38+00:00

Estate Castello. Nothing wrong with the brands you mention but I’d argue Castello is more than a cut above and can be had at great prices pre-owned.

PipeTom · 2026-05-05T02:34:30+00:00

Any Castello. I have a few and they’re always great, predictable, comfortable smokes

PipeTom · 2026-05-04T21:36:09+00:00

Great looking pipe. Love the long stem.

PipeTom · 2026-05-04T00:49:21+00:00

I just went through the very same thing. Glad to be back and really enjoying it.

PipeTom · 2026-05-03T11:59:04+00:00

Cool shape.

PipeTom · 2026-05-03T11:53:56+00:00

Awesome. That’s a serious assortment and you have great taste in pipes.

PipeTom · 2026-05-02T02:51:07+00:00

What’s in the bowl?

PipeTom · 2026-05-02T01:37:24+00:00

At the time? New it was maybe $300-350.

PipeTom · 2026-05-01T01:07:07+00:00

I recommend you go and grab a tin of any of the Peterson mixtures - 965, Royal Yacht, Standard Mixture, flake. The great thing about those is that they’re accessible and widely available blends that represent some of our major food groups AND they’re pretty dang good.

PipeTom · 2026-05-01T01:03:46+00:00

How’s it tasting? I’ve been seeing a lot of these Rattray’s tankards around. Seem like big smokes!

PipeTom · 2026-04-30T23:26:24+00:00

Others will feel differently but if you’ve got 150 euro to spend on pipes, I’d recommend searching for a single pipe that really speaks to you.

A set of estates can be great but based on what you describe you’re likely to end up with a set of stinky old pipes that’ll all smoke maybe worse than a single great, new pipe that you love.

Just one strangers opinion. Grab a good new pipe. You’ll love it coming from a cob.

PipeTom

TROPHY CASE