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The Smokingpipes.com category for Savinelli pipes can be overwhelming. Personally, as I was getting to know the pipe world, browsing this section was a touch discouraging because Savinelli has an immense variety of finishes, shapes, and series. After a few years, though, I managed to conquer the category. My secret? A certain percentage was just exposure; I see a lot of Savs from day to day. My best resource, though, was Cyndy, our Update Supervisor. Who could be a better guide than the person who makes sure every shape, in every series and finish available, gets updated smoothly?
Since you all have the unfortunate inability to pick Cyndy's brain the way I do on a regular basis, I decided to bug her one more time. As a result, here's Cyndy's guide to the most popular Savinellis: the top three shapes and series, based on what passes through her hands most each day.
TOP SHAPES
"320 KS" Author
"320 KS" in the Spring finish.
If the KS,"King Sized," designation of this Author didn't give it away, there's a lot to love about this shape because there's a lot of pipe there. The bowl is in the Apple family, but chubbier, with thick supporting walls and an extra deep chamber. The design is balanced, though, with those plump proportions following through the shank to the stem — which has the subtle bend of the Prince shape. It's definitely a popular pipe for enjoying a long, flavorful smoke, and it's seen across various Savinelli lines.
"606 KS" Bent Billiard
"606 KS" in the Capri finish.
The silhouette of the "606" Billiard just works, to my eye. The graceful, S-curve to the shank and stem not only balances the visual weight of its lofty bowl, but also its physical weight, making it an excellent choice for a comfortable, hands-free hang. Don't be mislead by the images, though, this pipe may not have the chubby look of the "320," but this is still a KS. With this combination of meaty Italian proportions and handsome design, it's no wonder the "606" shape crosses Cyndy's desk so often.
"106" Straight Billiard
"106 KS" in the Sistina finish.
One of Savinelli's most classic designs, there should be no trouble matching this one to a shape chart. Easily the slimmest of the three top shapes on this list, the "106" Billiard is still a touch robust when you compare it to the more common "104." It's a more compact shape; some of the overall lenth and height has been trimmed, but what it lost there, it makes up in plump personality throughout the bowl and shank. Taken as a whole, this muscular, somewhat stocky Billiard looks like the perfect companion for a daily smoke.
TOP SERIES
The Roma
"623 KS" in the Roma finish.
One of Savinelli's most reserved finishes, the Roma line presents a range of classic shapes in an extra dark stain and an understated rustication — adding plenty of texture while keeping the shapes' lines clean and well defined. Accented only by a slender brass band, the minimalist presentation allows the pipes to speak for themselves, which is good because it's also one of Savinelli's most inclusive series; almost all of their shapes are available in this finish.
The Trevi
"310 KS" in the Trevi Smooth finish.
Inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Savinelli's Trevi line honors the famous waterworks that fed the fountain for centuries. Much like the Roma, it's available in a variety of shapes and is finished in extra dark stains. Where the Roma took a more reserved approach, however, the Trevi adds a bit more flash, offering smooth as well as rusticated finishes and adorning each piece with a broad nickel band at the end of the shank, bearing an aqueduct motif. If you like the dark palette of the Roma, but prefer a bit more flash, a Trevi pipe is just the thing.
Bing's Favorite
Bing's Favorite Billiard in a rusticated finish.
For those unfamiliar with Savinelli's Favorite series, these pipes are modeled after those smoked by various celebrities and popular figures over the years. Bing's Favorite, in particular, is inspired by the long-stemmed Billiard often seen jutting from Bing Crosby's lips. A slender Billiard with near-churchwarden length, it's the only shape in the Bing's Favorite line, but it's available in multiple finishes — from a warm, low-profile rustication to a sleek, ebony polish.
Honorable Mention: Saint Nicholas
"315 KS" in the 2015 Saint Nicholas series.
Every year, Savinelli creates a line of pipes specifically designed to be enjoyed during the holiday season. These Christmas pipes vary in finish and style from year to year, making the Saint Nicholas quite the collectible series. For 2015, Savinelli's gone for a more formal aesthetic, dressing some the marque's most classic and popular shapes in a low-profile, extra-dark rustication, paired to a polished nickel and red-and-green acrylic accent. With the holidays getting close, these have been selling as quick as Cyndy can put them on an update.
So there you have it: the top three Savinelli shapes and series. As great as these pipes are on their own, they're even better this month, as our Savinelli sale is currently in full swing. Until the 27th of this month (October), with the purchase of any new Savinelli pipe, including these select shapes and styles, you'll receive a free tin of Savinelli tobacco. Happy smoking!
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Comments
I like the idea of pipes that are modeled after those Stars we grew up with. Not to many actors smoke a pipe these days, but I would like to remind you that one of my favorites actors of all time, Errol Flynn, was a an avid Pipe Smoker. He often had a can of tobacco and a couple of pipes on his Yacht. You can find pics of Errol clinching a pipe in his teeth while at the wheel of his boat well off shore. I hope someone studies these pics, and comes up with an "Errol Flynn Swashbuckler"...just to honor the old Pirate.
It's interesting to see what others are buying in the Savinelli line - thanks for the post. I'm partial to the 611 shape, KS, or even better, the EX size. For me they are the perfect flake pipe with a deep tapered bowl - just fold, twist, and stuff then use the Frank method to flatten out the top. A perfect smoke every time. I only wish the EX size was available in more models - would love to have a 611EX Trevi, Tortuga, Cashmere, Alligator, or some of the other new models. Are you listening Savinelli? :-)
I was fascinated to learn the Capri line of Savinelli pipes were made using some of the oldest briar, often up to 1000 years old, which in my humble opinion, makes them among the best smoking pipes I have known. The same can be said of Castello Sea Rocks.
Vastly overlooked as an elegant shape is the 706 - a gp 3/4 size billiard with a longer stem (not churchwarden). It is similar to the Bing, but straight, and reminiscent to Dunhill's 196! Very hard to find, hint-hint. In the Punto Oro model a fine smoke! I think I might have gotten the only one SmokingPipes.com has had - and I wish for more!