Quote Originally Posted by Aguineapig View Post
That is what I more or less guessed at, and that it'd be more work than just learning brand names. With axes, for example, I can probably do what you do with pipes-- pick out ideal candidates for putting to use, independent of the "big names" that fetch ten or twenty times despite no guarantee they they will be geometrically or metalurgically as sound as the ones that are ten or twenty times cheaper, with no bids. But it took me years to get to that point!

Right now, I am an avowed cob smoker of D&R and C&D blends. Plain, good, consistent and no nonsense smokes. I'm happy with that, and down the road in life I'll enjoy the more attuned side of it (that one blend, in that one pipe that just sing, made in that one factory, etc) when I have nothing better to do (which is a wonderful thing to look forward to!)
Let me give you something to think about. You can buy lots (as in groups) of estate pipes for less than a new pipe would cost. Sometimes people know what they're selling, sometimes they don't. More importantly, sometimes I know what they're selling and sometimes I don't. I have enjoyed finding the kernel of wheat in the barrel of rat shit. Some don't. I never let my ignorance of any given pursuit stay me from participating in that pursuit. I've found and restored and now enjoy "that one pipe" many times over because I didn't wait to get attuned... I just dove in. Not trying to make money, not even trying very hard to avoid getting screwed or overpaying. Just trying to have some fun and learn some stuff. If you're moderately handy, and I imagine an axman would be, make it happen! Just don't bid on my lots!