All time favorite smoker

This old gal is nothing special to look at, but what a damn fine smoker she is. This one sits perfectly in my kisser and never gives me any trouble.

http://www.flickr.co...

http://s186.photobucket.com/albums/x313/ckrpipes/No-013/?action=view&current=No11-12-13.jpg

Is my Savinelli full bent (2614).  I have had this since the mid 1980's, usually smoked without a balsa filter, 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch chamber.  Handles any thing I throw in it and keeps on chuggin'.  She ain't very pretty, kind of a common look about her but she takes good care of me.

Another one would be a quarter bent brandy, but she has fallen from grace since I reamed her out.  I am still waiting for her to forgive me.

Nothin special here, just a no name basket pipe that cost me under $30, but it is my go-to. Perfect balance, light and for under $30, the drilling couldnt be more on.

The shape of that bowl reminds me of my beloved bulldogs. Put a double like on that thing and it would be close enough to being a Rhodesian. Excellent :)

I haven't had a full-bent like the Savinelli you mention, ckr - how are they to clean. Does it pass a cleaner ok?

as one of the first pipe smokers I ever met always had these all black full bents with a silver cap.  He was an Englishman that relocated to the states.  The sav has the opening in the top half of the bit (like a peterson p-lip?) so getting the cleaner is is a problem, once inserted it will run down right to the bottom of the sump.  So the answer would be no, it does not take a cleaner since full bents require the drilling angle to take full advantage of the mortise opening to angle towards the bottom of the tobacco chamber.  However, this is the 1980ish model.  I believe that Savenilli know sells a special insert for smoking without the balsa filter.  The new insert (I would think) has the proper curve to direct the cleaner into the angled airway.  Nice to know that pipes, as old as they are, are still being refined and improved..... Well at least some models anyway.

I think I'll have to check up on those full-bents on the Savinelli site and see what my B&M can do. Thanks for the heads up.

My Peterson 307 System Premier is my best smoker. That said, I have a Celius King grade pot that is so close to the 307 in ain't funny. I recently discovered Willmer pipes and they are really good smokers and visually pleasing. I'm concentrating on the early AAA straight grains.

Here's mine....

It's an "oo" grade Kurt Balleby faceted brandy....

http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd193/DockJPerry/?action=view&current=IMG_3314.jpg

Best,

Dock

That's one handsome piece of briar, Dock.

Thanks Lars... If they were'nt so *&%$+!* expensive I'd have more of Kurt's pipes! This is actually a very large hunk o' briar by Danish standards being a grp 5 or so.The grain is soo much nicer in person.I've been unable to get a picture of it that really captures it in all it's glory : ) I picked it up a couple of years ago at a pipe show and immediately fell in love! I actually traded off an Eltang star grade,a couple of lesser italians and a buch o' money just to buy it!!! Smartest thing I've ever done : )

Best,

Dock

Wow, that's no small trade! I just checked a few sites with Balleby pipes. 3000USD!!!! ow ow ow ow ow.

That is a pretty pipe. Love how he uses the shape to compliment the grain, very very well done.

Too damn pricey for my tastes though !

Where did my damn signature go !! GRRR BRIIIIIIAAAAAAN !!!!

this is my best and favorite smoker it is a w.o. larsen. pearl  grade and it smokes great.

It's tough to say. A vast majority of my pipes are dedicated to English and Balkan blends. However, I have an extremely roomy Savinelli Champagne 619 EX (panel, bent) that my grandfather gave me several years ago from his collection that just loves VA and VA/P. I have a Ser Jacopo sandblast brandy/scoop (maxima) that brings out the best in Stonehaven.

Excellent looking Pearl Grade there, Chuck! I've been wanting Pearl Grade for some time now, but the ones currently available don't really appeal to me. I hope Stanwell (who now produces the W. Ø. Larsen pipes) will keep this line going.

Slartie,

Would like to respond to your wish that Stanwell keep the Pearl grade. According to Aaron Sissom of Music City Marketing, Stanwell did NOT purchase the Larsen operation, just the name. As the Straight Grain series were produced by individuals for Larsen, the original carvers are still producing the pipes for Stanwell to grade now. So, P, 1-10, and Pearl grades are safe for the foreseeable future. Hope this eases your mind.

Cheers,
Frank

It's the same people making Larsen pipes now as before the Larsen company closed, i.e. Lasse, Benni, Helmer Thomsen, Soren Refbjerg and årobably more.

The owner today is probably Nordisk Tobak which distributes Stanwell, Dunhill, and WO Larsen pipes

Cheers, Jesper

Currently, my favorite pipe is my Mike Brissett. It is not broken in yet, so I am not sure that it will be the best smoker that I have. However, it sure has potential based on the first dozen or so bowls. I just love this pipe. Looks great, sits nicely in the hand, smokes great . . . oh, yeah.

From the grain I would guess that a portion of it is also is dominated with some birdseye. Also a nice contrast stain.

Yes, the grain runs straight along the sides with nice birdseye in thin lines along the bottom of the pipe and the top of the shank. The rim is solid birdseye.

Is that a shape that Stanwell still makes? I really like it.

I believe they stopped making this shape in the early 70s, so you'll have to look for estates. Jesper might know more.

The 614 shape
does not pass a cleaner. The two that I have do not have a sump, really. Not deep like a Peterson. They smoke really well. Neither of mine take filters.A 614KS rusticated and a Pisa smooth walnut stain. This is overall my favorite shape.

Favorite pipe would have to be my Pete System 303 even though it is not my best smoker. These and more are seen here...

http://groups.msn.co...

You guys have got some nice pipes.

David Smith

you got a lot of fullbents.

only kind I like to smoke anymore.

David Smith

She's my favourite for many years: dunnie red bark 41032
I know, is not beautiful. I know, is old ('77).I know, is consumed.
I consider her as the mother of all my other pipes.