This was my first visit to The Tobacco Hut in a couple weeks. My son Ryan was visiting from Ohio, and try as I might I just can't get him to take up pipe smoking. The photo of Ryan with a pipe was him goofing around while getting his senior pictures taken last year. Ryan is headed off to Ohio State in a week, my alma mater. He's kind of excited and nervous at the same time, but he'll do fine I'm sure.
Joe K and I arrived at the Hut at roughly the same time on Saturday and - Wow! - were we in for a treat. It was "Grumpy Lou Day" at The Tobacco Hut. Well, more so than usual. He did show us pictures from the store's anniversary party as well as when he and Dotty renewed their vows a couple weeks ago and that seemed to cheer him up slightly. But it was short lived.
Joe commented on how his Padron 1964 wasn't smoking well and Lou about bit his head off. I was about to ask if we could adjust the air conditioning by a degree or so, but thought better of it.
Joe's son James called on Joe's cell phone and as soon as Lou knew it was James he grabbed the phone and let fly with a burst of obscenities that would make a longshoreman blush. Then he simply handed the phone back to Joe. Of course, this is nothing out of the ordinary.
I didn't speak to James, but he said he was sorry he couldn't be there in person to see me and rub it in that he had two kidneys versus my one. Ouch!
I bet Lou was even grumpier after Ohio State's loss to USC Saturday night. You know, to be fair, Lou did say he wasn't feeling the greatest, but it's more fun to not cut him any slack and just call it "Grumpy Lou Day".
Peter timed his arrival perfectly as Joe was just leaving, but soon afterward Steve and Barry arrived. Barry just happened to be wearing a football jersey that sported the USC colors, in sharp contrast to Lou's OSU shirt. Congrats to Barry for surviving the round of layoffs at the county and it sounds like Steve has a solid marketing plan in place for his growing landscaping business.
Speaking of business [shameless commerce plug alert], my online t-shirt business, The Erudite Outlet, had its best day over the weekend! In one day, I sold over $200 worth of t-shirts and other merchandise.
And on another business note [shameless commerce plug alert], Paula has begun to ramp up her jewelry making for the holidays. The latest creations coming out of HeartStone Jewelry can be seen at her shop on 1000Markets.
At the Hut I smoked a bowl of Frog Morton in my Ascorti Canadian. Another pipe smoker came into the store and we had a brief chat. Always nice to see another pipe smoker as we seem to be a dying breed.
I did watch a movie Saturday night that featured two - count 'em - two pipe smokers. I had recorded Manhandled (1949) from TCM a couple weeks ago, starring one of my favorite actors, Sterling Hayden. In the film, two police detectives are questioning a suspect and both are smoking pipes. Pretty rare to see pipe smokers in movies these days.
Until next week...
- Bob
Now that I've freed up some room in my office, I can add to my pipe collection (see previous post). I only buy two to four new pipes a year (probably two to four too many for my wife), but I've found a pipe carver who has definitely made it to the top of my short list.
I was reading through some posts on Smokers Forums and came across member Paul Hubartt's name and his pipe carving business, Larrysson Pipes, based in Cornwall, England. I clicked on his link and discovered some fantastic looking pipes, at very reasonable prices.
It's very apparent in the photos how much care, craftsmanship and pride goes into Paul's work. His philosophy on his work, taken from his website, describes it best:
I believe in using top quality materials, and putting those materials together with precision and care, creating a high quality smoking instrument. The aesthetics of a pipe are equally important. A pipe should have grace, balance and flow, with wonderful tactile feel and a comfortable mouthpiece. The finish and color, whether smooth, rusticated or sandblasted, should visually stimulate and please its owner. All of these qualities I strive to realize in every Larrysson Pipe.
I haven't really delved into artisan pipe carvers, sticking mostly with brands like Peterson, Ascorti, Crown, etc. I do have two pipes from American pipe carver, David Jones, and I would like to explore further the smaller maker who puts out a small number of pipes each year. With prices from $175 to $300, Larrysson Pipes look to be an oustanding value, and I'm looking forward to adding one to my collection soon.
Cheers!
- Bob
Wow! Today saw a lot of people at The Tobacco Hut, a lot of cigars being enjoyed, and a lot of passionate debate. I was the first to arrive and I began my afternoon by loading up an Ascorti I haven't smoked in a while with some G.L. Pease Maltese Falcon, a deliciously smooth English blend, rich in Latakia.
Joe arrived soon after and I am pleased to report that he is loving his iMac. Although I'm secretly wishing he'll hate it and just want to give it to me, but I think like most users he'll become a permanent member of the Mac family.
Lou did admit to me that I was right about the satellite/cell phone controversy from last week. I know it killed him to do it, and I'm still not a hundred percent sure he believes it, but it was fun to debate the issue.
Ed B. arrived but only had time to drink a soda or two. In discussing a recent raid at a local crack house where the suspect opened fire on deputies, who immediately returned fire, killing the suspect, Ed introduced us to a technical police term: DRT. The newspaper had reported that the suspected was transported to the hospital and was pronounced dead at the emergency room, but Ed had the inside track and said the suspect was actually DRT - "Dead Right There", meaning essentially dead where he dropped. Gotta love the gallows humor of law enforcement!
Peter arrived and before long Barry showed up. Peter was eager to ask Barry about A-Rod's admission of juicing earlier in his career, and an animated discussion broke out about which team's roster, the Red Sox or Yankees, contained more players who used steroids. I don't think the argument was truly settled, but it was certainly a lively debate.
Joe didn't really participate as he's not much of a baseball follower, but I know he enjoyed the show. Joe is a passionate follower of politics and current events, and it didn't take long for him to take a few friendly jabs at the token liberal in the room - me, your humble narrator.
Paul came in and grabbed a chair and a cigar and jumped into the fray, but not before he and I talked a little about the online cigar discussion board he and Scott (who hasn't been seen in a few weeks, but is excused since he usually works on Saturdays) introduced me to, Cigar Asylum. It's a lively forum that I just joined and am looking forward to participating more in.
Steve arrived a short time later and the discussion soon turned toward the events of the day, including unemployment, the state of the economy, global warming, overpopulation, energy resources, etc. Paul, Peter, Steve, Barry, Lou, and I all had an engaging discussion on the issues, each firmly entrenched in our respective camps. Of course, your humble narrator did find himself fending off some verbal blows from around the room.
I look forward to recovering quickly from my wounds (maybe through the use of steroids) and returning next week for another round.
Cheers!
- Bob
February 20th is a day to celebrate pipe smoking around the world! To quote from the International Pipe-Smoking Day's Mission Statement, this day was created to "foster links across the globe in honor of friendship, benevolence, and tranquility; and to celebrate the fraternity of pipe-smokers across all borders."
As a pipe smoker, I can hardly think of a better way to promote the humble art of the briar. Pipe smoking truly is a noble activity that allows one to slow down, reflect, and even philosophize a little.
For my pipe smoking readers, I hope you were able to honor the day by raising a bowl to your brothers and sisters around the world. My work schedule prevented me from enjoying a pipe during the day, but I'm headed to the porch shortly to light up.
Our pastime received a boost in the way of an article on the front page of today's Wall Street Journal. Noting the reversal of a decade-long slide of pipe and tobacco sales and some growth in the last couple years, especially among young people, the article was balanced in its approach and presented our hobby in a very positive light.
I think I'll be smoking some Dunhill 965 in a small Ascorti Business finish tonight in honor of ISPD. Good night!
- Bob
As far as pipe shapes go, the Canadian has long been one of my favorites. Characterized by its long, straight shank and short stem, the Canadian provides a dry, cool smoke. Why? Well, the smoke passes through a lot more briar before it reaches the mouth compared to other pipes. Consequently, more of the heat and moisture is absorbed by the pipe offering, at least in my opinion, a very satisfying smoking experience.
Where does the name come from? Ah, now the mystery of it. I have no earthly idea why pipes of this particular shape are called Canadian. The names of many other shapes often describe loosely what the pipe looks like, e.g. apple, volcano, brandy glass, etc. But why Canadian? If any reader can supply an answer, I would be most grateful.
I have several Canadians in my collection, my favorite probably bein an Ascorti I picked up years ago when I worked at a Tinder Box. I also have a Ser Jacopo, a David Jones, and a Bjarne. I prefer straight pipes in general, so to me the Canadian is kind of the "ultimate" straight pipe. Beyond the quality of the smoke, maybe I like the image it projects. To me, it has a bit of a nostalgic look to it, a throwback to the 1940s.
I like the shape so much, I designed a t-shirt promoting it available at The Erudite Outlet (see photo above). I tried to attract Canadian pipe smokers as well as...Canadian pipe smokers. In other words, those of us who smoke Canadian pipes, and Canadians who smoke pipes. Time will tell if my little pun is a selling point!
Cheers!
- Bob
Like anything else, when one is considering a pipe to purchase price is one of the factors that comes into play. Apart from whether a pipe’s price fits into your budget or not, is it possible to establish if the cost of the pipe determines its smoking quality? Up to a point, I would say yes. I believe that there is a world of difference between a $25 pipe and a $100 pipe in terms of how the pipe smokes. But the difference between a $100 pipe and a $500 pipe is probably negligible.
What you find in a $500 pipe that you may not find in a $100 pipe (and you certainly don’t find in a $25 pipe) is that the craftsmanship and aesthetics are taken to the next level. The attention to detail, grain pattern, etc. is superior in a high-priced pipe, and you’re also paying partly for the name on the pipe.
Out of the 50 or so pipes I have in my collection, the best smoking pipe I own is a Peterson that I paid $65 for. It’s a rusticated straight bulldog and from day one it has smoked completely down to white ash, never hot, never wet. I own a $400 Ser Jacopo that I love, but it doesn’t smoke quite as good as that Peterson. Do I regret purchasing the Ser Jacopo? Not at all! Its one of my favorite shapes (a Canadian), fits my hand perfectly and gives me consistently good smokes. But in terms of smoking quality only, the Peterson has the edge.
And that’s where the other factors come in when deciding on a pipe. It’s not just smoking quality or price, but the looks of the pipe, its weight, how it feels in your hand, the shape, etc. All those elements and more add up to provide the overall value of the pipe.
When I worked at a pipe and tobacco shop, I always recommended new smokers to try an inexpensive basket pipe just to see if they liked the overall experience. If they did, I urged them to upgrade to a more expensive pipe once they could afford it. For those that stuck with pipe smoking, they never regretted it. The overall experience was that much better with a quality pipe.
And with that, I think I’ll fire up…an Ascorti. It was my first “good” pipe which I’ll write more about later.
Cheers!
- Bob
