How To Pick The Perfect Pipe - part I

by Richard Carleton Hacker
Many years ago, while on a business trip, my traveling partner suddenly realized that he had forgotten to pack his pipes. That in itself is a sin, but it happens. What was not forgivable, however, was his reaction to the situation.
We‘ve got to find a pipe store!" he said, panicked.
Sure, I could understand that. What I couldn‘t understand was how he was able to dash into the first tobacco shop we came to, grab the very first pipe he spotted, pay the bill and race out of the store, all within a five-minute time span. Surely, this was not the mark of a seasoned pipe pro, someone who knows the meticulous ins and outs of pipe selection.
Indeed, buying a pipe is very much like purchasing a car. Or a suit of clothes. You don‘t just rush in and buy it. You ask for a brand name, something with a reputation. You inspect the craftsmanship. You search for quality. You don‘t mind paying a little more for workmanship, but neither do you want to get ripped off. And you want to make sure that it fits you and your lifestyle. These are exactly the same criteria that you use when buying a pipe.
A quick glance at the mounted wall racks and display cases of an pipe shop will instantly tell you two things: There are a lot of brand out there, and there is a tremendous spectrum of prices. To help alleviate the confusion, here are some of the things you should take into account when buying a pipe.  ... to be continued

Next articles: How To Pick The Perfect Pipe - part II