Perry White Dublin Natural Plateau top Bloodwood bit extension
This page "PHOTO'S AND SMOKE" is called this for a reason, it's a place to "blow smoke". Say what's on a pipemakers mind, (if anything) or thoughts from a pipe collector, and generally talk about pipes, tobacco, shows, pipemaking and current issues... all with some photo's. So if you would like, visit often, I hope to have items which will interest you and keep you coming back for more! Any ideas? Please email me, I would like to hear and maybe we can put some of them on the web site?
West Coast Pipe Show in Las Vegas Nevada 2009
read Rick Newcombes Las Vegas after the show dinner speech posted below.
TELL ME WHAT YOU LIKE
By Rick Newcombe
One night after dinner with two pipe friends, we retired to my den to enjoy our pipes. My guests were the musical composer Lalo Schifrin and Los Angeles physician David Boska. After a few minutes of relaxed pipe smoking, I was so mellow that Dr. Boska asked, half joking, "Rick, do you want to go to sleep?"
"No," I replied. "I am just completely at peace. I am enjoying my pipe and our conversation. In fact, my mind is wide awake while my body is totally relaxed."
I have no doubt that if the good doctor had taken my blood pressure at that moment, it would have been in the ideal range.
"That's the amazing thing about pipe smoking," Dr. Boska said, while holding up his pipe. "It helps your body relax while simultaneously improving your mental clarity. What else does this?"
I wish more doctors thought that way. One reader of my book from England sent me a fan letter saying that his father's doctor prescribed moderate pipe smoking rather than tranquilizers to help reduce stress in some of his patients. Considering the potential danger of tranquilizers, and the way they are dispensed so freely, that certainly makes sense to me.
On the subject of using the pipe for relaxation, I remember an incident that occurred last spring at a pipe show in Sparks, Nevada. It was during that quiet time between the closing of the doors on Saturday afternoon and dinner. While most people were in their rooms getting ready to go out, I found a comfortable table outside the bar where smoking was permitted. I settled down in a well-padded chair and lit my pipe.
Father Al Groskopf, a Jesuit priest and passionate pipe collector for many years, joined me. I was smoking a new J. Alan pipe I had picked up earlier that day, while Father Al pulled out a beautiful S. Bang pipe he had bought recently in Switzerland. We both oohed and aahed over each other's pipes as we shared some old English pipe tobacco, comfortably ensconced in our chairs, enjoying the scenery and relaxing in a way that only pipe aficionados
Image:
can truly appreciate.
Picture complete peace and quiet despite the hubbub and crowded slot machines around us. Total relaxation. A serene world far away from today's frantic comings and goings, where we were both content to take occasional puffs from our beloved pipes. We talked a little, but we also had moments of silence that are typical of pipe smokers who are lost in their pipe dreams.
This is nothing new. Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie, in his book "My Lady Nicotine," describes a scene in a London boarding house a hundred years ago in which he and his friends would gather in his room in the evening to enjoy their pipes. He said they would savor the Arcadia mixture in their pipes for long stretches of time without talking at all: "There was a ventilator in my room, which sometimes said 'Crik - crik!' reminding us that no one had spoken for half an hour."
As Father Al and I were lost in our reverie, a middle-aged man wearing a T-shirt and shorts came running over to us and stopped abruptly. He waved both hands in dramatic fashion to bring our pipe smoke toward his face, and he inhaled through his nose as deeply as possible.
With a contented, toothless grin, he said, "Now there's a sight you don't see every day, a couple of old coots smoking their pipes. I used to love smoking my pipe and really miss it."
"Who you callin' an 'old coot'?" Fr. Al replied, doing his best impression of Fred Sanford, the 1970s television character played by Redd Foxx.
It was obvious the man was joking, or at least partly joking, and we all had a good laugh.
But I tell this story because it relates to age. We associate pipe smoking with the elderly. It was not surprising that a college student recently quoted in The Wall Street Journal -- interviewed because it was so unusual that he smoked a pipe in the first place -- said that his friends were seeking their "inner child" while he was seeking his "inner old man."
Gary Schrier even wrote a book saying that he is part of the last generation of pipe smokers. Gary was 47 when he penned those words, in which he stated categorically: "pipes are dead."
I have two answers to this: the first is to say that you're as old as you feel, and the second is to observe the increasing number of young people who are getting involved in pipe shows, pipe making and pipe collecting -- people who were born after the last episode of Sanford and Son had been filmed in 1977.
Pipe smoking today requires a rebellious spirit. Rather than an "inner old man," I suspect most young pipe smokers are finding their "inner Huck Finn."
As for the first point, being as old as you feel, I believe moderate pipe smoking has calming effects that are irreplaceable. You simply won't find those benefits from any other source. That's why Ed Kolpin, founder of the original Tinder Box, became famous for saying, "You live longer with a pipe." Ed was an evangelist for pipe smoking until his death in 2007 at the youthful age of 97 -- and he was youthful his entire life.
Ed also took a lot of vitamins, as I have for many years. When I was in my 20s and living in Baltimore, I bought vitamins from a salesman in California named Freddie. Our conversations always began the same way:
"Freddie, how ya' doin'?"
"I feel great! If I felt any better, they'd have to put me in a cage!!!"
I loved that reply, especially considering that Freddie was 88 at the time.
There's no question that our attitude has a great deal to do with the aging process. We all know people who are 40 and act like they're 90, and we know older people who continue to be excited and enthusiastic about life. I love to see older pipe smokers who only late in life discover pipe shows, where they glow with the enthusiasm of youth.
I believe the key to staying young is to have an open-minded and optimistic attitude. If you feel genuinely enthusiastic about something, don't be afraid to act enthusiastic.
The pipe world is no different from anywhere else in that there are optimists and pessimists, and while both groups make convincing arguments, in the end, the optimists will prevail. They always do.
That's partly because pessimists give up while optimists persist. It is also because pessimists typically ignore the fact that when a door closes, a window opens.
There was a well-known European pipe writer who told me years ago that pipes were finished as a business, citing as proof the demise of two old English brands. He failed to notice the birth of many new brands, and new artisan pipe makers, from North America, Japan, China, Russia and the countries formerly known as Eastern Europe.
Then there was a high-grade pipe maker who, late at night in his living room, looking around as if his walls had ears, leaned over to whisper, "You're the only one I'll tell this to -- and please, don't let it get out -- but the high prices in today's market are unsustainable. We have never had them before, and we will never see them again." Since that hot tip, prices have continued to go up.
What about pipe publications? After Pipe Friendly closed, and after Tom Dunn died, and with him the Pipe Smoker's Ephemeris, we were left with two primary publications, Pipes and Tobaccos magazine and The Pipe Collector newsletter. I have heard pessimistic collectors bemoan the loss of the first two publications and then bad-mouth the latter two, predicting they won't last long. I first heard these predictions more than a dozen years ago, and it is remarkable -- a cause for celebration -- that both publications continue to come out regularly with interesting reading for pipe enthusiasts.
Also, since those predictions were first made, we have seen the publication of many pipe books. The fact that all forms of print media are in decline gets past the pessimistic pipe collector. He is convinced it is pipes, not publishing, that are the problem. But if that were the case, then there would be no interest in pipes on the internet.
In reality, there has been an explosion of pipe websites, blogs and forums on the internet during the past few years. Remember, only a decade ago there were hardly any. Today, there are so many that it would be a full-time job just to keep up with all of them.
OK, but what about the very real problem of so many brick-and-mortar shops closing? Does this mean a corresponding decline in pipe sales? Not necessarily. It means that thousands of pipes are sold all over the world on eBay and through other electronic methods. As Tony Soderman says, "With eBay, we can attend a pipe show every day."
Now I am raising the issue of optimism versus pessimism for personal reasons. This is because I do not consider myself an expert at pipes -- except when it comes to my own pipe collection. I do consider myself an expert at optimism because I know what I like, and I can't resist sharing my enthusiasm, and for me, this hobby just keeps getting better and better.
When I read a great book, I am one of those people who tells everyone else, "You're gonna love this book!" When I see a movie that I like, I encourage everyone I meet to go see it. That's just my nature.
Well, this is precisely what happened with my pipe collecting. For many years I enjoyed pipes made mostly in England, Italy and America. Then I discovered Sixten Ivarsson pipes, and I liked them so much that I needed to find out more about them. I searched for pipes that smoked as well, for me, as his pipes did. I traveled to Scandinavia and met with Sixten, Lars and Nanna Ivarsson, Jess Chonowitsch, Bo Nordh and the S. Bang pipe makers, Per Hansen and Ulf Noltensmeier. I just loved the "Great Dane" pipes -- how they looked and how they smoked.
So what did I do? I told the world! I was not content simply to enjoy them. I wanted to share my experiences with anyone who would listen.
And frankly I wish more pipe collectors would do the same when it comes to their favorite pipes. There are a few examples now, and I think they're wonderful. For instance, I love it when Tony Pascual from Barcelona tells me why Italian pipes are the most beautiful pipes ever made. I feel the same way when Tad Gage explains why no pipes can compare with old Barling pipes. Years ago, I was excited to hear Basil Sullivan talk enthusiastically about his Charatan collection and Edsel James about his Dunhill collection. Talk about a lifelong love affair with their pipes!
Along the same lines, I always want to buy another Jim Cooke pipe after Bob Noble waxes poetic about them, and I love it when Tom Looker tells us about Tokutomi, Teddy and other pipe sculptors. I grew to appreciate Tracy Mincer and Custombilt pipes after reading Bill Unger's fine book about them, and I was so impressed by Neill Archer Roan's descriptions of North American pipe artisans, such as Jeff Gracik and Todd Johnson, that I started buying their pipes.
This is what makes the hobby fun for all of us.
Now there are some collectors who consider themselves "experts," and who might criticize your choices. But how can someone else be an "expert" on what you like?
It drives me nuts when I read attacks on individual pipe makers and pipe brands. I believe we are too small a community to sustain a climate of petty criticism, where some people try to score debating points at the expense of others, and I refuse to participate when these conversations start to develop.
I believe it is a mistake to over-analyze the art of pipe smoking. Some collectors remind me of the old joke in which two psychiatrists pass each other at work and one says, "Good morning," and the other turns to a colleague and says, "I wonder what he meant by that." Yes, I have known some collectors who really were that suspicious.
While it is true that our palates can become more sophisticated over time as pipe smokers, it is inexcusable when so-called "experts" conclude they have superior abilities over the rest of us that allow them to enjoy their tobacco smoke better than we can. Picture two guys in a restaurant eating hamburgers, and one says to the other, "I can taste my hamburger better than you can taste yours." That kind of thinking is not only elitist, it is silly.
My advice is to run a hundred miles from anyone who espouses pipe collecting dogma. There are people in all walks of life, including pipe collecting, who have a knack for taking something fun and making it un-fun, for taking a pleasant experience and making it unpleasant.
Be aware of the fact that some collectors are simply not satisfied with enjoying their own pipes. They need to put down other pipes in order to feel important. But as my friend John Goldberg says, "if you really don't like a pipe, then really don't buy it."
And please, watch out for personal attacks. There is no place for them in the hobby. We can disagree on a number of issues, but there is no reason to be disagreeable or to name names in a game of one-upmanship.
But remember, all of these practices are only dangerous if you pay attention to them.
What I find much more rewarding is to pay attention to truly knowledgeable collectors who genuinely love the hobby. One of the best examples is longtime friend Rich Esserman of the New York Pipe Show. Rich and I have discussed these topics over the years, and his insights are invaluable. For instance, he points out that Alfred Dunhill's famous book is called, "The Gentle Art of Smoking," with emphasis on the word "art."
It is a mistake to look for scientific principles in matters that boil down to personal taste. We all agree that as you become more experienced and knowledgeable, your tastes can change. But for Rich, the important point is to have an open dialogue about what pipe brands smoke well -- for him and for you.
Rich and I recently corresponded about these issues, and he wrote, "As with any discussion involving matters of taste and judgment, I accept the fact that someone else's taste might be completely different from my own, but that does not stop me from participating in the enjoyment of others." That is a great approach to the hobby because it is so positive and encouraging.
It is consistent with Mr. Dunhill's use of the word "gentle" in the title of his book. I have no doubt that the legendary pipe man is turning over in his grave because of the open hostility and vitriol we occasionally encounter, especially on the internet, from a handful of unhappy collectors.
I suspect you are like me in that your reason for being a pipe smoker and pipe collector in the first place is to have a good time. Let me stress this point by asking a question: Why in the world are we here, if not to have a good time? There is no other possible reason. So it is very much in our interest to block out all the silliness and focus instead on the things that we most like and enjoy about the hobby.
This is what I do today, and it is what I have tried to do ever since I smoked my first pipe bowl more than three decades ago. In fact, my only reason for getting involved in the pipe world is to have fun. I don't do it to make money, or to persuade people to adopt my point of view. I have been called a propagandist, but that is not accurate.
What I am is an enthusiastic collector who is eager to tell you what I like, and to hear about what you like. This is what was meant by the old expression, "The Brotherhood of the Briar."
Tell me all the great things about your pipes, and you will find an enthusiastic listener. Show me your latest acquisition, and you will find an admiring friend.
The International Committee of Pipe Clubs has a great slogan that they plaster all over their pipe shows and literature: "Relax with your pipe." That phrase captures the spirit and essence of a positive approach to pipe collecting.
Many of us find it exciting to learn as much as possible about pipes, not for the sake of science or some abstract concept of "truth," but for the sake of our own pleasure and enjoyment.
Nothing is so appealing as a group of people who are having a good time, who are enjoying one another's company. There is no better way to draw in new collectors than if they see that we are having a ball!
This hobby should be a never-ending source of fun and satisfaction, and it will be, if we approach our pipe collecting with a youthful, enthusiastic attitude of acceptance and optimism. Reprinted with permission from Rick Newcombe
RICHMOND SHOW 2009 25th Anniversary!
Image:
Columbus Show 2009
Image:
Chicago International Pipe Show 2009! click on a photo to enlarge it!
This years biggest show on Earth was a roaring success as usual. The smoking tent was a wonderful place for hospitality! As we arrived in our stretch Limo from O'Hare airport, one could se the tent from a distance and it did indeed look like something from King Arthur's court, or a Barnum and Bailey SUPREME Circus! That view would depend on the viewer? It was exciting as an entrance though, for anyone seeing it for the first time! No interventions this year, only great friends from many countries around the World and pipemakers with their beautiful creations, collector's with their valuable possessions and I believe everyone with the dreams of new finds, new and old friends, and great pipe smoking a fellowship! It is indeed a "Disneyland" for the pipe smoking brotherhood. I will try to explain the photo's as best i can; left to right, top to bottom.
1. general view of one slice of the show floor. 2. An award winner at the ICCS meeting. ( International Charatan's Collector's Society founded by myself in 2006) 3. Bobby Eichorn with one of his awards at the ICCS meeting 4. Andy Camire 5. Bobby Eichorn again. 6. John Tolle from NASPC in Columbus Ohio. 7,8, more show floor 9. Will Purdy with his table of creations in briar. 10. Bruce Weaver resting at his table full of his wonderful pipes 11. I caught Rad Davis sifting thru potential pipes in a pile of briar from Italy 12. tobacco table full of great tobacco 13. Gibb Robinson and Mark Lindner, resting from Friday night activity 14. Mr. "Briar King" of Italy Mimmo Romeo and his beautiful Friend Karin, and the best half of Rolando Negotia, Inc. 15. My very good friend, mentor, and way in the past tobacconist, Mr. Gene Thompson and his cohort Pier who now supply us all with MacBarens Tobacco 16, Recognize this gentleman? No? Well this is his first show ever. He though, is not new to pipemaking, he is our American Carver legend Andrew Mark's. What an honor for me personally to meet this wonderful man. 17. My good friend Bobby Eichorn with his Dad and his award for Best Briar Collection for his Charatan's pipes. 18. more show floor 19. An Italian beauty showing Italian briar which was exquisite. 20. The Master of straight grain Peter Matzholt 21. Mr. Paige Simms roaming the show floor 22. Dr. Bob Kiess with his great pipe creations chatting with Andy Camire 23. Prince of the pipe shows Steve Monjure hamming for the camera and Bob Callaway trying to work a "deal", and promoting the St. Louis Pipe Show. 24. Michael Lindner one of America's best artists in creating those beautiful briars.
