Larry Roush Pipes - A Review
Bob Snediker
tobaccos as there are enough reviewers in our esteemed group but this is an
opportunity I didn't want to miss out on. Many of you may know that Larry
Roush has returned to pipemaking. If you don't know who Larry Roush is, I
hope this helps get you acquainted with his work. At one time, Larry was
considered by many to be the number 2 carver in the USA, second only to Mike
Butera. For reasons unknown to me, Larry stopped carving pipes to pursue
his other craft, jewelery making. He has returned to pipemaking and his
work is even better than ever.
The pipe I purchased is a lovely hand carved bent brandy with a hand
hammered silver ring. It is light and on the order of a group 5 size. The
stain is a beautiful reddish brown reminiscent of the classic Dunhill shell
stain from many years ago. The construction of the pipe is flawless. I
have never seen a mortise and tenon finished so beautifully. There are no
gaps where the shank meets the stem. A pipe cleaner glides effortlessly to
the bottom of the bowl that has been drilled to perfection. The bowl has a
coating that is different from every other coating I have seen. The silver
band accents the pipe wonderfully. The carving is, from a stylistic point
of view, better than any I have ever seen and is unique. The feel in the
hand is just wonderful. I own many top grade pipes, Bang, Barbi, Castello,
Rasmussen, Heeschen, Cooke, Talbert, and his work is simply one of the best.
I have smoked the pipe 8 times at this point. I have a general rule with a
new pipe - 10 bowls through a bare bowl and 5 bowls through a coated bowl
before making any judgements. Right now, I have formed an opinion on the
smoking qualities. It smokes wonderfully. The draw is smooth and
effortless. The pipe remains cool while smoking with no moisture build-up
or gurgle. There are no foreign flavors in the smoke. The bowl coating is
indeed unique and tasteless. This pipe is a joy to smoke. Feels great in
the hand, light and comfortable in the mouth. I can't wait to get
another!!! The only negative I can share with you is that I wish the pipe
came to me in a nice leather bag. If you have the opportunity to buy one of
Larry's pipes, please do so. You won't be disappointed. I will be adding
more Roush pipes to my collection for sure. Please see
http://www.finepipes.com/ for a look at Larry's pipes.
Happy Smoking,
Bob Snediker
Bruce Harris
I agree 100% with you. Great review! I own two (older) Roush pipes and
they are just as you describe. I'm sure I will be adding one or two of
Larry's new pieces as well.
Bruce
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