March Meer Madness - 2015

[Bruck]

Just picked up a new mini meer in the spirit of the occasion. Currently smoking some homemade flake in it.



(getting some mileage out of this pic in case you've seen it on the other relevant threads)

Showing it next to my full-size Altinok meer.

& since it's the end of the month, comparing the Altinok before and after pix - after is above, before is below:



Looks like it picked up a little color during the March Meer Madness. Looking forward to the April Meer Madness

[NeverBend]

Just picked up a new mini meer in the spirit of the occasion. Currently smoking some homemade flake in it.



(getting some mileage out of this pic in case you've seen it on the other relevant threads)

Showing it next to my full-size Altinok meer.

& since it's the end of the month, comparing the Altinok before and after pix - after is above, before is below:



Looks like it picked up a little color during the March Meer Madness. Looking forward to the April Meer Madness

Bruck, let's get some more mileage out of these handsome boys! Picture is worth a 1000 words so little need be said except excellent pick-up and enjoy them.

[Mister Moo]

I'm going to go to the pipe shop today and look at their meers. You're making this sound like too much fun to miss out on...if they have a good one, I'll get it and sign up!

Do you know a good one when you see one, Kevin? We would certainly benefit from your company here but not if you get a pipe on impulse that is doomed to gurgle for all eternity. The Meer Meisters here are looking out for you already.

[Mister Moo]

Push stem, block, not pressed...what other tips/help have you got for me? I admit I haven't had a meerschaum before.

most of the clay pipes have a nylon push pull. Remember to always remove the pipestem by turning it clockwise and to reinsert the stem also by turning it clockwise. If you turn it counterclockwise you will probably back the push-pull threaded section of the pipe, bad form but not the end of the world.

whatever pipe you get make sure it has a 4 millimeter airway, not a 3 millimeter airway. The larger pipes, especially those with 4 millimeter airways, are almost always gurgle free. Smaller carved cute little pipes with 3 millimeter airways are almost always depressing to own. In my humble experience!

I have had good luck with all my 4 millimeter meerschaum pipes. I don't think it matters whether the bowl is block or pressed other than the potential for coloration. Folks say that block colors better than pressed; African meerschaum colors differently than the Turkish - see images online for the difference . As far as major brands go, there are uniformly good reviews on CAO and Altinok. I have a large dublin by Payçok (pie-kosch) that has been a real pip for $90: their 4mm seem to get good reports. Otherwise, look for a good mortise and tenon fit and a low centered airway in the chamber.

get whatever shape moves you but remember, the more intricate the carving, the harder it is to keep it clean and free from ash and bits of tobacco. I favor smooth classic pipes myself... But that's just me.

Just my opinion - hope it is helpful.