Vauen Wood 442: A Review

Maker: Vauen
Model: Wood
Style: 442
Price: ~$175

Continuing on with my little series of reviews on my favorite pipes, I’ve come to my one and only Vauen pipe. It is from the “Wood” series and combines maple, walnut, and briar to make quite the striking piece. Finished off with an acrylic fishtail stem, this is the pipe I have dedicated exclusively to my favorite blend among all pipe tobaccos: Dan Sweet Vanilla Honeydew. It seemed only fitting to dedicate a tobacco from Germany to a pipe from a German pipe maker It is surprisingly lightweight (which is nice for when clenching is necessary) the bowl shape rest comfortably in the hand in almost any position. The interlocking of the walnut and maple around the briar is perfectly flush on the bowl, but there is a very slight gap on the underside of the shank. This pipe smokes very cool, and does not have a tendency towards gurgling. In addition to these characteristics, I appreciate its unique appearance, particularly the light maple. My only dislike is that the bowl is a little on the smaller side: 30mm x 21mm, delivering about a 45 minute smoke. Nonetheless I consider the pipe to be worth its asking price, and if given the opportunity to pick up an estate Vauen at a reasonable cost, I would do so without hesitation after my experience with it.

UPDATE: I parted with this pipe because it wasn't getting enough rotation and I got distracted by something shiny :) Figured I'd post the review in case anyone was considering a Vauen.

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4003554_1.jpg

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4003554_0.jpg

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4003554_2.jpg

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4003554_3.jpg

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4003554_4.jpg

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4003554_5.jpg

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4003554_6.jpg