Asylum edition/club pipe interest thread

[Sawyer]

I am not interested in any pipe group buys anymore, but I do have a few pieces of advice for you guys.

First, make sure that the carver that you choose has done group pipes before. Dealing with someone that has never done it before or has little experience dealing with a group's expectations is very frustrating. Especially if the pipes don't meet the group's expectations in quality or appearance once completed.

Next, if you are going to pick a shape before an artisan, make sure that the artisan is comfortable with the shape that you picked and has made it before. It is probably safer to choose the maker and then pick a shape that they make pretty often with possibly some tweaks. It may not be as special or unique, but everyone ends up happy with the quality, appearance and construction.

Lastly, picking a new or up and coming pipe maker can seem attractive due to price or other considerations, but going with one of the more established pipe makers is always a better choice. Even if they may be a bit more expensive, it is worth it to know you are going to get a quality product and if you aren't happy they will make it right. A couple good ones that I can think of off the top of my head would be Tinsky and Boswell.

Good luck to you guys.

[DrDubzz]

thanks for the advice Sawyer

I would like to have Tinsky do it, but I doubt he could fit our budget. Boswell is probably the best candidate for price, but they are overwhelmed at the moment, so I don't know how soon they could be done.

I'll probably start sending out some emails next week to see who would even be interested, and figure out a shape and all that from there.

judging from this thread, I think I'll first ask about 1/4 bent poker, then maybe a bent apple.

If whoever picks us up can't/won't/doesn't like doing pokers, would you guys prefer an apple, lovat, or maybe even a dublin

let me know, I think the first round of emails will be to: Boswell, Senatorov, and Kirk Bosi (did the club pipe for IPC last year with great results)

[Curly Cut]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

I am not interested in any pipe group buys anymore, but I do have a few pieces of advice for you guys.

First, make sure that the carver that you choose has done group pipes before. Dealing with someone that has never done it before or has little experience dealing with a group's expectations is very frustrating. Especially if the pipes don't meet the group's expectations in quality or appearance once completed.

Next, if you are going to pick a shape before an artisan, make sure that the artisan is comfortable with the shape that you picked and has made it before. It is probably safer to choose the maker and then pick a shape that they make pretty often with possibly some tweaks. It may not be as special or unique, but everyone ends up happy with the quality, appearance and construction.

Lastly, picking a new or up and coming pipe maker can seem attractive due to price or other considerations, but going with one of the more established pipe makers is always a better choice. Even if they may be a bit more expensive, it is worth it to know you are going to get a quality product and if you aren't happy they will make it right. A couple good ones that I can think of off the top of my head would be Tinsky and Boswell.

Good luck to you guys.

he speaketh from experiencth.
sounds like you just had that problem (still waiting for my re-done pipe as well).

i have to agree, i'd stick with a basic shape, one that you know the pipe maker chosen makes frequently and you like the outcome.

anyone looked at Joel Shapiro and his "chubby" pipes? he was a member of CS a while back.

[DrDubzz]

ok, I have emailed and received an initial repsonse from the Boswells.

J.M seems willing to take on our project. I can attest to how well his pipes smoke, and I guarantee he will have the best price point of anyone we've been discussing.

So, take a look here http://www.boswellpipes.com/classicpipegallery.html and post up what catches your eye.

These will be the easiest to have made, and be the most inexpensive. Most of these ran in the 50-90 dollar range when first posted.

I have posted the ones I like, but post yours, or if you see something from a different gallery post that as well. I can call him monday or tuesday if we have a good idea of what we want. I know many wanted a poker, but a nice quarter bent apple or something along those lines may be the best for getting this done and at an agreeable price

[Nabinger16]

I'm good with anything from Boswell. I'm glad they're willing to take on the project. I've been wanting to own one for quite some time. Here are a couple that really stand out to me, but like I said I'm cool with what the masses want.

I like the FINISH on this one but am happy with whatever.

Half-bent apple sounds wonderful for a first time.

Originally Posted by Nabinger16

I really like this one! It's real nice! I always wanted a Boswell to and that is what I would buy.

But Whatever the pipe may be I'm still in!

Would still prefer a poker, but anything goes with me.

[Savvy]

All right. I'm glad this got off the ground. Also really happy that Boswell's said they'd do it.

I'm really up for any shape from Boswell. I'm not picky. Bent Apple, Bulldog, Egg, Dublin, Pot, you get the idea. I'm up for whatever.

Thanks for taking the initiative to organize this and get it off the ground Tim.

Originally Posted by Nabinger16

I'm good with anything from Boswell. I'm glad they're willing to take on the project. I've been wanting to own one for quite some time. Here are a couple that really stand out to me, but like I said I'm cool with what the masses want.

would love a sitter. especially for herfs

[imthegoal]

A sitter would be really nice. I have been wanting to get one and also have been really looking at the Boswell pipes as well.