Should My Next Pipe Be...

[vperlman]

Briar? or
Meerschaum?

[ohpus]

how many of each do you have? What kind of tobacco do you smoke? what size pipe bowl do you like?

[vperlman]

how many of each do you have? What kind of tobacco do you smoke? what size pipe bowl do you like?
Right now, most of my pipes are sitting in storage, so let's assume that I'm more or less starting from scratch with one briar and one calabash.

I typically like medium-sized bowls and smoke English-style blends or cube cut tobaccos. I expect to be smoking a pipe only occasionally, as a break from cigars.

TIA!

[ohpus]

meerscham's have a harder time buidling a cake than briar does, so depending on size of the meers, it may burn hot for a while. Another thing is that the clay will obsorb the tobacco flavors like a spunge, so if you smoke mostly English and then switch to virginia, taste may be funky. The great thing about the meersch is that once it's broken in, its smokes great. And the more ya smoke the more the color will change and the over all look of the pipe. I've been looking for a meesch for a while with a dragon claw of some sort. Problem is I want a thick bowl, and most of those styles are 10-15 inches long. Way to huge for me. Looking for a smaller, thick bulldog style eagle/dragon claw. My vote, if this not your last pipe purchase ever, go with the clay!!!

[tedski]

Ophus ... although I'm not widely experienced with meers, I've read from many, many sources that indicate you do not want a buildup of cake in your meer as it can crack the bowl.

As for recommendations, I'd say go with whatever pipe looks the best to you. I tend to favor briar.

[ohpus]

tedski!!!!! You sir! Are Correct!!!! Just got off phone with an "expert" and friend. THe clay is very pourus and that's why the pipe will change color. A cake will plug the poures, thus no change. As you smoke, the clay gains moisture, with a cake, the clay will dry out and crack as it's heated. Also withcake, as it is heated, will expand and contract which will also contribute to the bowl cracking. I STAND CORRECTED. The one I have was inherited from an ex smoker. I may have to clean it and see how it smokes. Thanks for the info!!!!

[Puff13]

I own a few meers and i liked them when i smoked a pipe ,but nothing is like a good briar.....just my 2cents...

[Wasch_24]

I'm afraid I would break a meerschaum.

[caudio51]

My Dad has tons of meerschaums. Some are just awesome with all the carving detail. He's got a few with some really great color.

[sgresso]

I say meer!

[Boppa-Wasch]

40 year old "greek" briar! Smokes great, lasts forever and takes a beating well.

[Neuromancer]

Meerschaum...since it doesn't have to cake it really doesn't have a break-in period per se...and if you want a great English stype flake tobacco to go with it try Butera's Penzance...

[GoneDave]

What no "cob" ???:bouncetau
Briar :agreeclen

[RigilKent]

gonedave is right you can get them at walmart for like 5 bucks i would go with these

[Angry Bill]

Briar for me! And I do have a Cob pipe too! hehe

[eodcole]

I vote meer. I don't even own a pipe but I vote meer because that will be my first pipe and I will buy it here while in Turkey. I still need to head down to the shop and check around some more. Next pay check I'll head down and let everyone see what I got.

[tedski]

Meerschaum pipes are good - but they are definitely more fragile then briar. You will have a nicer / cheaper selection buying at the source too.

[eodcole]

Wow I didn't realize this was a thread over two years old. Hmm but yeah I'll be buying meerschaum, and when I check it out I'll take pics of more pipes for you guys.