Strangest urge for a Grabow!

I picked-up well used at junk or antique shops. And I too ditch the filters pronto, using balsa inserts if needed.
There is something about having a good smoking pipe that you can afford to lose or break.

It looks like a real nice pipe for the money. I like the natural finish (also my preference). Go get it and be done with it. After all, it's not $300, it's $35. Go for it!

One of my best smoking pipes is a $30something Savinelli Duca Carlo. You never know...

I have a few of those I pulled out of baskets...they're all terrific pipes!

I have been looking at Frenchy's site. The one Grabow so noted is a fine example of the brand. If the pipe is true to form, the pipe should be a decent smoker w/ nominal maintenance issues. The Grabows which I have smoked have been consistently crafted and a good value for their cost. In fact, the only pipe brand with which I have ever had a real problem was the Willard pipes. I found the Willard stems to be entirely too soft for clenching.

I would concur with the others and give the Frenchy Grabow a chance.

About a month agoI bought a vintage Bulldog Grabow that had a metal screw in stem, non filter. I can't remember ever seeing one like it. It is built like a tank. It also has a patent number stamped on it. Anyways, it has become one of my fav pipes. It's q.c. is like a pipe costing a pretty penny in todays market.
Regards,
Dave

I have Grabows. An Omega and a Grand Duke. The omega was like $30 and smokes OK. The Grand Duke was $18 and really smokes well. One has to get used to the filters and no being able to pull as much smoke through as you think you should be able to; however, they really do a good job of mellowing harsh flavors. They do a great job with heavy aromatics. I say go for it. Heck, go for the one at the drugstore. Why not. There really is something to be said for an inexpensive pipe that smokes well. Grabow quality is consistent if not good, and they do a decent job. If I lose one, I don;t mind too much and it often smokes better than a corncob. That said, go get your self a pouch of Paladin and seal the deal;-) The last part was a joke. I think.

The Grabow Big Pipe is beautiful!
It's an awesome smoker especially if your a burley smoker. I have several Grabows.
2 Omegas
1 Hillcrest
1 Grand Duke
1 Royal Duke
1 Collecters Choice Grand Duke Billiard.
These are great pipes that will last a lifetime if properly maintained. I use them with the filters. It doesn't change the flavor, in fact, the filters enhance the flavor. I buy the filters buy the brick for about $10.00 . A BIG PIPE is on my list too, the same exact one you like!

Nope, no Grabows here. Like I said, it was a really strange urge ... I'm one of the biggest anti-grabow people you'll ever meet. The three I've owned all sucked. 100% garbage in my experience. That doesn't mean you can't find a good one ... I just didn't and am not willing to wade through all the trash looking for the good one. Smoke 'em if you like 'em. I'll still gladly sit with you over a bowl no matter what you smoke (pipe brand or (legal) tobacco).

That one that was calling you just could have been the one.

Dunhill calls I jump.

Grabow calls ... nothing.
Grabow shouts ... still nothing.
Grabow pleads for just one more chance ... nah, not worth it. I'd rather buy more tobacco for the cellar. Hell, that pipe would have cost me 4 tins worth! *sheeze* What junk.

If God had really intended man to fly, he would have given him....... MORE MONEY!

I think the same applies to this hobby. If God had really intended man to buy expensive free-hands, he would have given him more money. The two most expensive pipes I own were $225 and $300. They are beautiful and great smokers. But the rest of my pipes were all under a hundred. Some of the pipes I smoke are thirty years old or older. I paid $35 back then. The same pipe today could easily be $150 or more. It pays to take care of a good pipe. If I had five bucks for every pipe I threw away in the last four decades, I could afford $4 per gallon gasoline for a long time!

I bought a Ford once it was a real dog. I figure all of them are junk.

The BIG PIPE is Grabows Flagship as of now and if discontinued, you will indeed have a collectable.
People said the same about the Grabow Viscounts, the ones that came in colors, they thought they were just a silly fad, myself included!
Now im kicking myself in the ass for not getting one of those and one of the meershaum lined Grabows.
I say, gab it while you could still get it. Remember it's a $32.00 pipe!
Iv'e had $25.00 pipes that were good. In fact, my local shoppe has some Peterson knockoffs for $25.00 to $35.00. Go for it!

$32 pipes are (IMO) absolute junk. I'd rather save up until I can grab my next Dunhill. Like I said early on in this conversation it was real weird that I'd ever want a Grabow. Thank God I didn't give in to that urge - that pipe would probably seldom (if ever) been smoked. Just watch my daily smoking posts to see how seldom I smoke my Kaywoodie - and I consider a Kaywoodie an excellent pipe when compared to a Grabow. I know its just an opinion but to me all Grabows are wasted sawdust. If you like 'em then may you smoke them in good health for many, many years to come.