Public Profile

TDS

About Me:

64 year old Dad of one, chronic sufferer of PAD & TAD. Partial to Italian pipes and English & Balkan blends.

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Reviews

Tampers & Tools - Larry Blackett Tamper - Pewter Wisdom Owl
Fun and Functional
I like collecting pipe accessories almost as much as I like collecting pipes, This series of pewter tampers check a couple of boxes for me - they are unique, interesting and they can certainly tamp your pipe tobacco with the best of them. They are a little heavy for carrying around in your pocket. I keep one or two within reach on my desk which suits me just fine. The owl and Thor's hammer are my current favorites. I'd like to see one shaped like a lightning bolt.

Books - Of Pipes and Men
Fun and Informative, Worth a Read
Don't be put off by the comic book appearance of this volume. This collection of briar-ographies is well-written and wonderfully illustrated. You'll learn something new about each of the 25 pipe smoking icons profiled in this book. If you have some empty wall space in your man cave you should check out artist Larry Gosser's E-Bay store. Each week he has around 25 items up for auction, many of which are pipe-themed. Some are prints of older work and some are one of a kind originals. Most (maybe all) are signed by the artist. This week many of the illustrations from this book are up for auction. Print auctions start out in the $7 - $12 range and his original illustration auctions start in the $30 - $40 range. His E-Bay seller handle is sirclyde55. His store is located here: https://www.ebay.com/sch/sirclyde55/m.html?_trkparms=folent%3Asirclyde55%7Cfolenttp%3A1&_trksid=p3542580.m47492.l71970 Give it a look, you won't be disappointed.

Lighters - IM Corona Pipe Lighter - Pipe Master Black Matte
Durable and Reliable
I purchased this lighter a couple of months ago and I'll say it has been a pleasant surprise. I have purchased a few "luxury" lighters over the years and they were for the most part not worthy of their cost. The PipeMaster lighter has reversed that trend for me - I smoke between 2 - 4 pipes each day and this lighter has consistently been my fire source, both at home and on the road, since I bought it. Its solid construction feels good in the hand and given the slender size of the lighter it has a satisfying heft to it. Most importantly though, this lighter gives me a flame nearly (95%+) every time I spark it. Worth every penny of its cost, highly recommended.

Cleaners & Cleaning Supplies - Pipemaster Clean and Cure 2oz
A Must-Have
This stuff costs so little yet does so much to keep your pipes fresh and clean. Pair it with a Long's bristle pipe cleaner to keep your briars gunk-free.

Ashton - Artisan's Blend 50g
Outstanding English Blend
Pretty close to being the perfect English pipe tobacco.The only negative I can come up with is that it is not available in bulk.

Arango - Balkan Supreme
Great Blend, Great Bargain
Arango went all in on a single blend and it is a winner. I have been working my way through the English pipe tobacco landscape and Balkan Supreme is at the top of my list. Not only is it a very satisfying, rich and flavorful smoke but the bulk pricing makes it a true bargain. If you are a fan of English pipe blends you owe it to yourself to give this one a try.

Cleaners & Cleaning Supplies - Dunhill Pipe Wipe
Best Polishing Cloth
I have used several brands of polishing cloths but none have come close to matching the Dunhill's performance or longevity. The only negative is how seldom this product is available. Here's hoping it makes another appearance soon.

Tampers & Tools - John Aylesbury Red & Black Pipe Tool
Nice Design, Well-built
At first glance, this pipe tool reminded me of a fishing lure. Its sleek and slender design, however, belies the solid construction of the tool.It feels great in the hand and its length will reach the deepest of briar bowls. Best of all is the satisfying way that both the pick and pipe scraper snap into place when opened or closed. Although I find it to be just a bit too hefty for carrying in my pocket it has been my go-to tool at home since I purchased it. Highly recommended!