Meerschaum?

mahtofire14 · 02-15-2016, 02:33 PM

What are the positives and negatives of these opposed to regular briar pipes?

rharris · 02-15-2016, 03:13 PM

pros; Meerschaum is light, it can be carved into great shapes. It tends to not "ghost" as briar can. It is easy to clean, as it usually just needs a pipe cleaner run down the stem.
cons; it is somewhat brittle and can break if handled roughly. Some people do not like the coloration as it absorbs tars and the like. As with most things it is a highly subjective personal preference thing. I happen to like them, and use a few of them.
Rich

nutcracker · 02-15-2016, 03:21 PM

You just have to try one and see....
They don't like our cold weather though, so indoors when it's 40 below! (Brittle and will crack)

OnePyroTec · 02-17-2016, 10:56 PM

PROS:

IMHO DENIZ URAL is one of the best and sells the best but his prices reflect it.
http://bestmeerschaums.homestead.com/coverpage.html

Meerqueen has a wider selection and a lot of affordable pipes.
http://www.meerschaumstore.com/

CONS:
Some of the Meer suppliers can be real asshats to deal with. Yavuz Körpefiliz / Storient pipes Would be #1 asshat.

The.Sheepdog · 02-18-2016, 09:03 AM

Friends dont let friends patronize asshats!

I happen to love the way the white pipes turn a deep rich waxy brown as they absorb the tobacco love. I dont have one now but used to have one pipe that was a deep brown like a beautiful glazed briar. They also smoke so very cool!

JohnnyFlake · 02-19-2016, 07:24 PM

Pros - Meers can be had in a enormous variety of shapes, style and configurations.

They smoke much cooler than briar or other wood pipes.

Unlike briar/wood pipes, they can be smoked over and over again with only a
15/20 minute rest between smokes.

They are super easy to clean

You'll truer flavors from the tobacco you smoke, than from a briar/wood pipe
and there is far less, almost no ghosting, from previously smoked tobaccos.

Cons - They are delicate and can easily crack or break if dropped on a hard surface.

They will all color, a deep brownish color over time.

Here is the caveat, you need to buy a true Block Meerschaum pipe, for a good pipe, that will do what it should and last a lifetime. 80% of the Meers for sale are made from pressed Meerschaum and not Block Meerschaum. That is why they are so cheap!!! A good Meerschaum Pipe, made from Block Meerschaum, will start in the $80/$90 price range.

02-15-2016, 03:13 PM	#2
rharris Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Richard Location: Norwich N.Y. Posts: 281 Trading: (48)	Re: Meerschaum? pros; Meerschaum is light, it can be carved into great shapes. It tends to not "ghost" as briar can. It is easy to clean, as it usually just needs a pipe cleaner run down the stem. cons; it is somewhat brittle and can break if handled roughly. Some people do not like the coloration as it absorbs tars and the like. As with most things it is a highly subjective personal preference thing. I happen to like them, and use a few of them. Rich

02-15-2016, 03:21 PM	#3
nutcracker Shameless epicurian Join Date: Apr 2014 First Name: Neil Location: Winnipeg, Canada - Home of the Jets! Posts: 1,631 Trading: (26)	Re: Meerschaum? You just have to try one and see.... They don't like our cold weather though, so indoors when it's 40 below! (Brittle and will crack) __________________ "Well I ain't often right but I've never been wrong.... Jerry Garcia (R.I.P.)

02-17-2016, 10:56 PM	#4
OnePyroTec Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jan 2013 First Name: Wayne Location: Nevada Posts: 332 Trading: (2)	Re: Meerschaum? PROS: IMHO DENIZ URAL is one of the best and sells the best but his prices reflect it. http://bestmeerschaums.homestead.com/coverpage.html Meerqueen has a wider selection and a lot of affordable pipes. http://www.meerschaumstore.com/ CONS: Some of the Meer suppliers can be real asshats to deal with. Yavuz Körpefiliz / Storient pipes Would be #1 asshat.

02-18-2016, 09:03 AM	#5
The.Sheepdog I Need More Pipes! Join Date: Nov 2014 First Name: Bill Location: Central Florida Posts: 313 Trading: (0)	Re: Meerschaum? Friends dont let friends patronize asshats! I happen to love the way the white pipes turn a deep rich waxy brown as they absorb the tobacco love. I dont have one now but used to have one pipe that was a deep brown like a beautiful glazed briar. They also smoke so very cool!

02-19-2016, 07:24 PM	#6
JohnnyFlake Just an old Wiseguy! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: John Location: Henderson, Nevada Posts: 534 Trading: (18)	Re: Meerschaum? Pros - Meers can be had in a enormous variety of shapes, style and configurations. They smoke much cooler than briar or other wood pipes. Unlike briar/wood pipes, they can be smoked over and over again with only a 15/20 minute rest between smokes. They are super easy to clean You'll truer flavors from the tobacco you smoke, than from a briar/wood pipe and there is far less, almost no ghosting, from previously smoked tobaccos. Cons - They are delicate and can easily crack or break if dropped on a hard surface. They will all color, a deep brownish color over time. Here is the caveat, you need to buy a true Block Meerschaum pipe, for a good pipe, that will do what it should and last a lifetime. 80% of the Meers for sale are made from pressed Meerschaum and not Block Meerschaum. That is why they are so cheap!!! A good Meerschaum Pipe, made from Block Meerschaum, will start in the $80/$90 price range. __________________ A real man only needs Seven things in his life, Cigars, Women, Guns, Whiskey, Beer, Beans & Bacon!

02-15-2016, 02:33 PM	#1
mahtofire14 Chillin in the Aging Room Join Date: Oct 2012 First Name: Pete Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 1,588 Trading: (16)	Meerschaum? What are the positives and negatives of these opposed to regular briar pipes? __________________ Saving basements in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.