So now that I have a good list of tobaccos to try and become familiar with, the next thing is for me to pick up a few pipes. Instead of just asking “What pipe should I buy?”, which I understand is a frustrating question I am going try and go about things a little differently.
Seeing that there are pipes everywhere from like the $15=20 range up to pipes that cost a couple of thousand bucks (or more), I’m more interested in what are the quality difference that I can expect with each “tier” if that makes sense.
For example, with MM seeming to be the entry point, the next step up would seem to be something like a Morgan Bones? The step up there is moving to briar, and I’m guessing an increase in build quality because of the better materials?
From the Bones to a Savinelli at about $150 more or less – what are the differences in quality that I can expect by moving to that tier? I know that there are different finishes and such, but I am more interested in the quality – is is a better grade of briar, better fit and finish, etc? And then the question becomes is 3 Bones a better buy vs one Savinelli, or does that quality make the single purchase better? I’d much rather spend more if the quality warrants it and take more time to build my collection. Are there other brands that you would put on an equivalent tier?
If the next tier is in the $250-300 range, what are the benefits of spending the money to upgrade from Savinelli? Once again, are there build and material quality differences, or is this a point where the extra money starts to be for cosmetics and things that do not impact the quality of the pipe?
And then there are pipes like Dunhill… what do I get when I move up to say $600?
Do you see where I am going with my questions? I’m trying to learn more about the brands and price points, and at what point the price increases are not as much about the quality and become about finishes and cosmetics. I want to start buying at the point where I am maximizing quality and not the cosmetics. I’m not all that picky at this point about what a pipe looks like as much as I am about wanting the best quality that I can budget for. If it means buying one pipe now and waiting a bit for the next one, that is what I’d much rather do.
My favorite shapes seem to be Pokers, Authors, and Bulldogs, so that is where I will likely forcus to begin with.
I’m hoping that this is at least a little different and slightly less annoying than that “What pipe should I buy?” questions that I’m sure you get a lot of. It is like the “What cigar should I get?” or “What fountain pen should I buy?” questions that I get at times.
Thanks as always for your input/advice/opinions!
Seeing that there are pipes everywhere from like the $15=20 range up to pipes that cost a couple of thousand bucks (or more), I’m more interested in what are the quality difference that I can expect with each “tier” if that makes sense.
For example, with MM seeming to be the entry point, the next step up would seem to be something like a Morgan Bones? The step up there is moving to briar, and I’m guessing an increase in build quality because of the better materials?
From the Bones to a Savinelli at about $150 more or less – what are the differences in quality that I can expect by moving to that tier? I know that there are different finishes and such, but I am more interested in the quality – is is a better grade of briar, better fit and finish, etc? And then the question becomes is 3 Bones a better buy vs one Savinelli, or does that quality make the single purchase better? I’d much rather spend more if the quality warrants it and take more time to build my collection. Are there other brands that you would put on an equivalent tier?
If the next tier is in the $250-300 range, what are the benefits of spending the money to upgrade from Savinelli? Once again, are there build and material quality differences, or is this a point where the extra money starts to be for cosmetics and things that do not impact the quality of the pipe?
And then there are pipes like Dunhill… what do I get when I move up to say $600?
Do you see where I am going with my questions? I’m trying to learn more about the brands and price points, and at what point the price increases are not as much about the quality and become about finishes and cosmetics. I want to start buying at the point where I am maximizing quality and not the cosmetics. I’m not all that picky at this point about what a pipe looks like as much as I am about wanting the best quality that I can budget for. If it means buying one pipe now and waiting a bit for the next one, that is what I’d much rather do.
My favorite shapes seem to be Pokers, Authors, and Bulldogs, so that is where I will likely forcus to begin with.
I’m hoping that this is at least a little different and slightly less annoying than that “What pipe should I buy?” questions that I’m sure you get a lot of. It is like the “What cigar should I get?” or “What fountain pen should I buy?” questions that I get at times.
Thanks as always for your input/advice/opinions!
