Kirsten Pipes
DavidmW999
What can you guys tell me about Kirsten pipes? I heard about them in a shop the
other day but not much more than they were an old sailor's favorite companion.
Do they still sell them and,if so, are they direct sale items or do you buy
them thru a tobacco shop?
Also, if any one out there has a presmoked one lying around what would you sell
it for? ($)
David...@AOL.COM
Halbert
David,
Its "radiator stem" is supposed to capture all the unwanted gunk that's
produced during smoking. That's the PR, anyway. I don't own one, and
haven't seen any for sale at local shops, but I'm sure you will hear
some varied opinions on this brand of pipe in ASP. . .
You can request a catalog from:
http://www.nwlink.com/~kirsten/kirsten.html
Or, just email them at: mailto:kir...@nwlink.com
Bob
--
Robert M. Pultz
Briar Patch: http://www.anet-stl.com/~halbert/briarpatch.html
Al Lay
David,
They sell direct. Here is their address:
Kirsten Pipe Company
P.O. Box 70526
Seattle, WA 98107
They'll send you a nice catalog. I havn't smoked them yet. I think
they also have a webpage.
Good luck,
Al Lay
Andrew Gnoza - WWWebologist©
On 17 Jan 1998 19:27:37 GMT, david...@aol.com (DavidmW999) wrote:
>What can you guys tell me about Kirsten pipes? I heard about them in a shop the
>other day but not much more than they were an old sailor's favorite companion.
>Do they still sell them and,if so, are they direct sale items or do you buy
>them thru a tobacco shop?
>Also, if any one out there has a presmoked one lying around what would you sell
>it for? ($)
>David...@AOL.COM
Order a calalog at:
http://www.nwlink.com/~kirsten/kirsten.html
Andrew Gnoza
WWWebologist©
PNolan/DMcCoy
I happened upon a 1936 Kirsten at a garage sale and paid about $50 for it. I
thought I paid to much but as it turns out that was probably on the mark.
The company in fact is an aircraft parts machine operation that is in
Washington state. When I was curious about them, I talked to one of the
Kirsten family and they gave me the story, identified my Kirsten and sent me
a catalog. Nice folks. Their father I believe invented things like the
windtunnel and special propellers that would stop boats quickly. So follow
that previous thread's directions and contact the company for their catalog.
I've found several aluminum pipes but the Kirsten has a rod that ascends
towards the mouth piece that forces the pipe to circulate around the inside
of the pipe before it goes through the mouth piece. It is definitely a very
cool smoke. Enjoy and let us know what you find.
Gene Croyle
it took me a while to get used to but i really love my kirsten now. be sure
to buy a large or x-large bowl, however, the others are to small (imho)
you can really taste the tobak using a kirsten, no wettness & no bite....
DavidmW999 <david...@aol.com> wrote in article
<19980117192...@ladder01.news.aol.com>...
Bruce Macdonald
I bought a Kirsten 20 years ago, quit smoking, then got started again. Now I
just got 2 new Kirsten pipes because when I went back, the one I had was
still a sweet smoker (except for the bit, which was messed up with that
permanent-patina-of-greenish-gray-gunk).
You've already gotten feedback on how to buy one (direct); I just want to
say that I e-mailed them and got the catalog within 3 days and my order
filled very quickly after that.
Let me just give you some of my impressions. Yea, I can see how engineers
would like them for their precision, but I'm a writer and I like 'em for the
same reason -- which is why a lot of us pipe smokers also like fine fountain
pens and precision watches.
The stems are made of aluminum, but you can now get them in black or
brass-colored, not just the traditional silver-colored. One of my new ones
is the black, and it looks pretty cool, much like a "normal" pipe. They
clean very easily: the mouthpiece has a "ramrod" attached to it that you use
to push a tissue through the shank to remove the condensation. A rotating
valve, with an "O" ring sealer, sits at the end of the pipe. When you're not
smoking it, you can twist the valve to seal the condensates in the stem so
they don't flow back into the bowl. It's amazingly easy to clean. A nice,
neat, efficiently functioning system.
You get your choice of bowl design, finish, and size. While these are
relatively limited, I have been pleased with their quality. They also sell
meerschaum bowls for $85. The bowls are all interchangeable with any stem in
the entire line, a big plus when you have a favorite stem and want to give a
bowl a rest. You can get the stems in straight, full-bent, or quarter-bent
designs.
I don't consider them a "gimmick" pipe like Azzy does. While I can't blame
your skepticism at first, after you smoke a bowl you just have to look
inside the stem to see the accumulation of moisture -- a repository of tars
and acids that haven't made it to your mouth and the "secret" to their
mellow smoke. The smoke isn't perceptibly more dry than any other briar
smoke, yet you notice that you won't get any tongue-bite whatsoever. That's
the big benefit to the Kirsten system.
Prices start at $33 for the Jewel model and max out at around $135 for the
large models with meerschaum bowls. A typical straight-stem model, the
Mariner, is $36. You can customize your order by mixing and matching the
individual components much like you can custom-order a Dell or Gateway
computer.
I hope this helps! I've been really happy with my Kirstens. They're worth a
try for sure.
DavidmW999 wrote in message
Alan Adelman
I recommend you get a medium length stem Kirsten. I have a short
and a medium stem quarter bent and the medium smokes noticeably
better. They are good pipes for the money if you don't mind the
idea of a metal pipe.
--
Alan Adelman
Denver, CO
Please remove "nospam" before replying
Chris
DavidmW999 wrote:
>
> What can you guys tell me about Kirsten pipes?
Check out the info on my page, the URL in the signature, follow the link
to get a catalog at the bottom of my page, it sends you to the Kirsten
Company's page. As was mentioned you should get the info in just a few
business days, and all my K's were delivered within 3 business days of
the order time as well.
They are the handiest pipe for on the run use IMO, and because of their
construction (the system), they require no pipe cleaners to be used and
allow for many consecutive smokes in one day as well.
Incidentally, I haven't yet added the pics to the kirsten page, but I
have posted some pictures of my full bent Designer model disassembled at
the following URL
The Kirsten pics are the files with a "K" in them
--
________________________
Chris Esser
mailto:ksq...@erols.com
http://members.aol.com/krstnpiper <Kirsten pipe pics>
harleyd
Chris
Azzy wrote:
>
> The only problem I think I have with the Kirsten pipes is the bowl
> design.. the cone is imperfect, I believe.. It makes the pipe harder to
> light initially and makes it a much shorter smoke than I prefer and am
> used to with my other traditional pipes.
Kirsten advises to pack tightly, take it literally as a piece of advice,
I agree with you and if you pack the bowl much tighter than a "normal"
pipe they burn much better, I also find the finer cuts to smoke better
as opposed to the flakes in a Kirsten.
A quick tip, pack tightly to the bowl top, check your draw before
lighting, if the draw is obstructed use the nail of a Czech pipe tool to
poke straight through the packed tobacco to the smokehole and clear the
opening. Test the draw again if clear, lightly press the baccy once
again and light up.
Another quick pointer the tip of the ramrod although not mentioned in
the Kirsten literature is the same size of the smokehole and after
stirring the dottle and dumping is perfect to clear the ash from the
smokehole when cleaning on the go.
Joseph Krakol
The Kirsten pipe was invented out of necessity. Prof. Kirsten was
advised by his doc to quit pipe smoking because it aggravated a stomach
condition. Undaunted, the Prof used his engineering knowhow to make a
pipe that he could stomach. If I ever have heartburn after a meal and I
still feel like smoking, my Kirstens are the pipe of choice. Ifyou call
them, ask for Gene. He's the son of the Prof. He will guide you as to
what Kirsten would best suit you. Oh, and remember, the bowl sizes run
a little on the small side so order a largre or extra-large. Since the
Kirsten has been around for about 50 years, I wouldn't classify it as a
gimmick pipe. A gimmick doesn't last for a half-century. All the best,
Joe.
Steve Michaels
In article <MPG.f2c38e8a...@news.alt.net>,
Azzy <az...@azzy.com> wrote:
>The only problem I think I have with the Kirsten pipes is the bowl
>design.. the cone is imperfect, I believe.. It makes the pipe harder to
>light initially and makes it a much shorter smoke than I prefer and am
>used to with my other traditional pipes.
>
They do seem to be rather a shorter smoke. I found that I can light it
more easily, and keep it lit by:
Using slightly dryer tobacco. I particularly like it with mild latakia blends.
packing loosely - I cup my hand above the bowl, pour in the tobacco
to about 1/4 inch above the top of the bowl, then pack to about 1/8"
below the top of the bowl. Seems to light easily, and stay lit with
just a bit of tamping. A first charring helps, too.
steve
MSFTMAN
> Ifyou call
>them, ask for Gene.
Gene is an great man... and a blast to talk to. But... if you talk to
Sally-Kirsten (who's worked in the biz since she was a teenager), or Rick...
you'll get great advice also!
Steve
Richard E. Lynch
In article <01bd238f$40a9b080$0ae18acd@croyle>, "Gene Croyle" <ge...@jps.net>
says:
>
>it took me a while to get used to but i really love my kirsten now. be sure
>to buy a large or x-large bowl, however, the others are to small (imho)
>you can really taste the tobak using a kirsten, no wettness & no bite....
Agreed. That's my main gripe with it. They don't offer a small bowl, only
med, large, and x-large. I figured a medium would be about right. Wrong.
It's way too small. Why not call them small, med, large? That would have
given me a better idea of what to get. As it is, I don't use it much
because of the bowl size. I intend to order a larger one but I shouldn't
have had to do that and I essentially wasted my money on a bowl that will
not get used. The med is so small I get the impression it's intended for
other similar non-tobacco substances that some people smoke.
-- Rich
Chris
Richard E. Lynch wrote:
>
The med is so small I get the impression it's intended for
> other similar non-tobacco substances that some people smoke.
Well, let's not get carried away ;-) It is the same capacity as a
Peterson "medium" by their nomenclature give or take. Keeping in mind
that Kirsten started in 1936 you must remember that many people used to
prefer smaller bowls, and also that tobacco was a much nicer strength
generally in those days.
I will add having a medium sitting right here, that it doesn't get
smoked all that often due to my personal preference for capacity, I
really like their large bowl, best proportions of the three for both
utility and even burn IMO.
If somebody is looking for a quick smoke (25-30 min) the med. may do it
for them. Would probably make a nice lunch hour smoke if I had normal
work hours ;-)
Patrick Stickler
>If somebody is looking for a quick smoke (25-30 min) the med. may do it
>for them. Would probably make a nice lunch hour smoke if I had normal
>work hours ;-)
>--
>________________________
>Chris Esser
>mailto:ksq...@erols.com
>http://members.aol.com/krstnpiper <Kirsten pipe pics>
I love my kirsten, and have a medium bowl -- which I find is perfect
for me as I rarely have hours to spend smoking. Depending on the
tobacco, I usually average around 45 minutes per smoke.
I'll add that, at first, I wasn't sure I liked the V shaped bowl, but
after learning how to pack it properly, I wish that some of my other
pipes were like that. I find that it works similarly to a pyramid
cigar shape -- providing more smoke, and hence flavor, at the start
and less near the end, when most tobaccos can strengthen somewhat.
I may order a model with the large stem and bowl next, for the occasional
longer smoke, but I still expect to use the medium bowl most often.
Cheers,
=================================================================
Patrick Stickler * stic...@infospring.com * www.infospring.com
=================================================================
Todd Bezenek
Does the "black" on the black colored Kirsten stems scratch off? If it
does, how easily?
-Todd
p.s. I own a silver Kirsten stem, and I am thinking about getting a
black one.
--
Todd M. Bezenek | Computer Architecture
E-mail: bez...@cs.wisc.edu | Department of Computer Sciences
Web: www.cs.wisc.edu/~bezenek | University of Wisconsin--Madison
Alan D. Peschke
On Thu, 22 Jan 1998 23:29:45 -0600, az...@azzy.com (Azzy) wrote:
>
>I just really think all the problems with Kirsten pipes lie in the
>bottom-draw cone bowls. I'll keep whining about it until this thread is
>dropped. :-)
That design has never caused any problems with me.
--
Alan D. Peschke
http://www.flash.net/~alandp/
Please note spamblocker in email address.
"Oh, my pipe! hard must it go with me if thy charm be gone!"
Alan Adelman
Personally, I like the small bowl as I am a very slow smoker. It is
also good for smoking strong perique blends so I don't smoke too
much and can't walk straight. The Kirsten medium usually lasts me
around an hour. A medium sized bowl "normal" pipe which most people
will smoke in 45-60 min. lasts me 2 hours. A truly large bowl pipe
will last me all day.
Patrick Stickler wrote:
> I love my kirsten, and have a medium bowl -- which I find is perfect
> for me as I rarely have hours to spend smoking. Depending on the
> tobacco, I usually average around 45 minutes per smoke.
--
Jack Fox
Chris wrote:
> Azzy wrote:
>
> > So I suppose the next logical question would be 'how to pack the Kirsten
> > properly to enjoy the full smoke'?
>
> > I have an x-large bowl and I don't think I can get anywhere near 45
> > minutes smoke time on a full bowl...
>
> The XL bowl is tough to get going evenly, but you must pack the tobacco
> very solidly in any Kirsten bowl for it to burn properly, as per the
> simple instructions that come with the pipe. The XL being so broad at
> the top requires a nice thorough initial and followup lighting. Be sure
> to get the bowl started with a complete ash layer and you'll have a
> better smoke. Incidentally, my XL will burn well over an hour, and with
> flakes nearly 90 min. so either you are smoking very briskly, or not
> packing nearly firm enough (should be hard to the touch).
>
> Chris Esser
>
I have found that pushing the ramrod down the center of the packed tobacco
through to the air hole will help the draw and make lighting much easier.
Jack Fox
Chris
Azzy wrote:
> So I suppose the next logical question would be 'how to pack the Kirsten
> properly to enjoy the full smoke'?
> I have an x-large bowl and I don't think I can get anywhere near 45
> minutes smoke time on a full bowl...
The XL bowl is tough to get going evenly, but you must pack the tobacco
very solidly in any Kirsten bowl for it to burn properly, as per the
simple instructions that come with the pipe. The XL being so broad at
the top requires a nice thorough initial and followup lighting. Be sure
to get the bowl started with a complete ash layer and you'll have a
better smoke. Incidentally, my XL will burn well over an hour, and with
flakes nearly 90 min. so either you are smoking very briskly, or not
packing nearly firm enough (should be hard to the touch).
Chris
Todd Bezenek wrote:
>
> Does the "black" on the black colored Kirsten stems scratch off? If it
> does, how easily?
It probably would if scratched deeply enough, but I carry my black one
unprotected in a nylon jacket pocket all the time and it shows little
wear other than dust ;-) I like the black personally because it is less
obviously different in appearance to the non-pipe smoker and invites
fewer idiotic questions than the silver ones.
I get morons always asking "what is that heh heh heh a bong?" if I take
the silver ones with me.
Chris
Azzy wrote:
> Am I then to understand that I would pack it firmer than I would one of
> my regular briar and meerschaum pipes?
Yup, 1/3 more firmly in my estimation.
Alton J. Savoy
I that they did have a small.
--
Alton J. Savoy AKA Lame Wolf
Homepage: http://www.sstar.com/a_j_savo/savoy.htm
ICQ : 2931783
Motto: Don't take life seriously. You'll never get out of it alive.
Laissez les bon temps roulez!
Patrick Stickler
In article <MPG.f32789ba...@news.alt.net>,
Azzy <az...@azzy.com> wrote:
>Patrick Stickler wrote:
>> >If somebody is looking for a quick smoke (25-30 min) the med. may do it
>> >for them. Would probably make a nice lunch hour smoke if I had normal
>> >work hours ;-)
>> >________________________
>> >Chris Esser
>> >mailto:ksq...@erols.com
>> >http://members.aol.com/krstnpiper <Kirsten pipe pics>
>>
>> for me as I rarely have hours to spend smoking. Depending on the
>> tobacco, I usually average around 45 minutes per smoke.
>>
>> after learning how to pack it properly, I wish that some of my other
>> pipes were like that. I find that it works similarly to a pyramid
>> cigar shape -- providing more smoke, and hence flavor, at the start
>> and less near the end, when most tobaccos can strengthen somewhat.
>
>properly to enjoy the full smoke'?
For all my other pipes, I fill in 3 layers with the bottom layer fairly
loose. For the Kirsten, I shovel the tobacco into the bowl until overflowing
and pack much more tightly overall.
I suspect that the V shaped bowl both needs a tighter pack and can
work well with a tighter pack as any expansion in the tobacco from
the heat causes it to rise in the bowl slightly rather than just
get dense and press against the sides, cutting the draw.
So, in a nutshell, pack tightly and you'll get a better burn.
>> I may order a model with the large stem and bowl next, for the occasional
>> longer smoke, but I still expect to use the medium bowl most often.
>
>I have an x-large bowl and I don't think I can get anywhere near 45
>minutes smoke time on a full bowl...
I'm sure it has alot to do with smoking speed, tobacco, etc. I only
can reassert my own experience.
Cheers,
Patrick
Alan Adelman
I pack mine a bit tighter than my regular pipes but not a lot. If
the draw seems too tight, I unscrew the bowl, insert the poker of a
pipe tool up through the bottom a bit to clear it, and then it
smokers fine.
Patrick Stickler
In article <6aioci$i...@snews3.newsguy.com>,
Michael George <geo...@im4u.nospam.net> wrote:
>On 24 Jan 1998, Patrick Stickler <stic...@sirius.infospring.com> wrote:
>>In article <MPG.f32789ba...@news.alt.net>,
>>
>>>So I suppose the next logical question would be 'how to pack the Kirsten
>>>properly to enjoy the full smoke'?
>>
>>For all my other pipes, I fill in 3 layers with the bottom layer fairly
>>loose. For the Kirsten, I shovel the tobacco into the bowl until overflowing
>>and pack much more tightly overall.
>
>tight, then sprinkling full again and packing tight, etc, until the bowl is
>full. But I can't get enough of a draw on it to light it nicely. So I poke
>the hole, but then it wants to only draw in the hole and I don't get a nice
>burn...
>
>If I pack it like my other pipes, it works okay, but there are SO MANY who say
>that they need a tight pack that I want to find out the correct way to tightly
>pack so that I hopefully find that they decent smoke of the pipe becomes an
>excellent (and long duration) smoke when tightly packed.
>
>Any ol' Kirsten pro's have any suggestions? Maybe I'm packing too tight to
>the bottom? Maybe I should fill, pack lightly, fill, pack tighter, etc. like
>in a regular pipe, but have the final packs be much tighter?
>
>I'm new to pipesmoking, so I'm not going to be offended by simplistic
>responses, that's for sure. Like I say, I'm just looking for how to properly
>pack the Kirsten to get the optimum smoke out of it...
It will of course depend on the tobacco you smoke. I don't smoke
aromatics, and mostly smoke C&D blends, which tend to be on the dry
side, so if you have a moister tobacco, "tight" may not be the right
word. Also, I don't find that the layering method works best for a
kirsten because of the V bowl, and for straight bowled pipes, if you
use the layering method to pack your bowl, be sure to pack the first
layer lightly, the next layer a bit less lightly and only the top
layer firmly. This is to compensate for the lower layers both expanding
more during smoking and absorbing more moisture from the downward
travelling smoke, etc.
The key issue here with the kirsten, as I see it, is that the V shaped
bowl causes the tobacco to rise and separate as it heats up whereas
in a straight sided bowl it will expand against the sides of the bowl
and become more dense. So it is better to have a uniform density in
the packed bowl rather than looser at the bottom and firmer at the
top. Of course, this is merely speculation based on experience. I've
not done any controlled experiments as such. Still, it works for me.
No matter what the pipe, always test the draw while and/or after
you pack it and if you can't get a good draw, it is definitely too
tight. And after you've got it lit and burning well, tamp down while
drawing lightly to be sure you don't tamp too hard. I think that this
basic practice will be useful for any pipe, V or straight bowled.
I guess in summary all I can say more is that Kirsten's tend to
require in general, for the tobaccos I smoke, a tighter initial
pack and a firmer tamp -- but the deciding factor as to how tight
and how firm is ultimately decided by monitoring the draw.
In any case, making a hole down to the bottom will only cause the
tobacco to burn down the center and hence unevenly and will certainly
result in a less than optimum smoking experience.
Good luck in your own experiments...
Michael George
On 27 Jan 1998, Patrick Stickler <stic...@sirius.infospring.com> wrote:
>
>It will of course depend on the tobacco you smoke. I don't smoke
>aromatics, and mostly smoke C&D blends, which tend to be on the dry
>side, so if you have a moister tobacco, "tight" may not be the right
>word. Also, I don't find that the layering method works best for a
>kirsten because of the V bowl, and for straight bowled pipes, if you
>use the layering method to pack your bowl, be sure to pack the first
>layer lightly, the next layer a bit less lightly and only the top
>layer firmly. This is to compensate for the lower layers both expanding
>more during smoking and absorbing more moisture from the downward
>travelling smoke, etc.
I also smoke C&D blends -- some English, some aromatic -- so I'm dealing with
fairly dry tobacco. Thanks for the explanation, that is interesting, I hadn't
thought of that. However, if you do not pack in layers in the bowl, what do
you do? I mean, if you fill the bowl heaping full with tobac and pack it
tightly, it'll only be 1/2 full when finished. It would be necessary to put
another layer on it to fill 'er up.
Or, do you fill the bowl, pack a little, fill more, pack a little more, etc,
so that there really aren't "layers" so much as a continuous pack?
>The key issue here with the kirsten, as I see it, is that the V shaped
>bowl causes the tobacco to rise and separate as it heats up whereas
>in a straight sided bowl it will expand against the sides of the bowl
>and become more dense. So it is better to have a uniform density in
>the packed bowl rather than looser at the bottom and firmer at the
>top. Of course, this is merely speculation based on experience. I've
>not done any controlled experiments as such. Still, it works for me.
>
>No matter what the pipe, always test the draw while and/or after
>you pack it and if you can't get a good draw, it is definitely too
>tight. And after you've got it lit and burning well, tamp down while
>drawing lightly to be sure you don't tamp too hard. I think that this
>basic practice will be useful for any pipe, V or straight bowled.
>
>I guess in summary all I can say more is that Kirsten's tend to
>require in general, for the tobaccos I smoke, a tighter initial
>pack and a firmer tamp -- but the deciding factor as to how tight
>and how firm is ultimately decided by monitoring the draw.
Thanks again for the advice, I'll keep messin' with it. Darn, I hate that :)
>In any case, making a hole down to the bottom will only cause the
>tobacco to burn down the center and hence unevenly and will certainly
>result in a less than optimum smoking experience.
I agree, that's why I don't like overpacking it...
-Michael
--
To reply to me, remove the "nospam" from the return address.
--
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-- Benjamin Franklin, 1759
Joseph Krakol
Michael, I pack my Kirstens normally. Then after the first light, I
tamp the tobacco down while puffing until I get the draw I want. You
may also experiment with the valve on the bottom. Sometimes, for the
heck of it, I'll turn the valve while smoking to change the draw. Good
smoking, Joe Krakol
Michael George
Thanks for the input, Joe. After smoking my Kirstens a couple days with tight
packing, I think I'm going to stick with normal packing also. It just works
better for me (anyone else's mileage may vary). When I pack it tight, I
either can't keep it lit (pain), have to jab a hole through it (makes for a
"center-out" burn rather than top-down, not optimum), or I have to draw so
hard that I don't enjoy it (and I *still* can't keep it lit).
I have a friend who also said he packs his like any other pipe, so I think I
will stick with that. It seems to give a good enjoyable smoke. I doubt it
will harm the pipe, so I'm not going to worry about it.
Thanks to all who replied to my question. It's always interesting to hear/see
the variety of opinions on this list...
Bill Triplett
I have a Savenelli with a cone shape bowl like you describe the Kirsten. I
find the easiest way to light it is with very rapid short puff while
applying the flame.
--
Bill Triplett
Todd Bezenek
In article <6aku2l$r...@snews3.newsguy.com>,
Michael George <geo...@im4u.nospam.net> wrote:
)
)Or, do you fill the bowl, pack a little, fill more, pack a little more, etc,
)so that there really aren't "layers" so much as a continuous pack?
This is what I do and I always get a good full smoke. But, it takes two
tamps and instead of ending up with a nice cool grey ash, I end up with
a hard ember that I have to knock out before it eats the sides of my
bowl.
If left, you can hear the ember sizzling as it boils the moisture via
conduction through the aluminum at the bottom of the bowl. I assume
that this is a function of that aluminum bottom, as opposed to a nice
round briar bottom.
-Todd
Brian Hirose
Anybody out there have any experience with a Kirsten pipe, the ones
with the aluminum shanks and screw off bowl. Saw a couple of them a a
cigar shop the other day and was thinking about trying one. Any thought
would be appreciated.
--
May God help my words to be graceful today,
For tomorrow I may have to eat them :-)
Brian K. Hirose
Joseph Krakol
Brian, Try a Kirsten. I bought a cheap one in a pipe shop & liked it
so much, I ordered 2 more right from Kirsten. Look at the Kirsten web
site for their sizes, shapes & prices. Then phone Gene Kirsten at the
shop & ask him any questions you might have. His Dad invented the pipe
because his doctor told him to give up smoking because it aggravated
his stomach condition. Instead, Prof. Kirsten invented the driest
smoking pipe you'll ever have. And you can clean it in a jiffy. I
would recommend a Kirsten to every pipe aficionado. A lot of people
refer to it as a gimmick pipe but I think that's a bad rap. Let's face
it, how many gimmick pipes last for over 50 years of production & stll
going strong? Good luck & let me know how you like it. Best regards &
good smoking, Joe
Chris Esser
Brian Hirose wrote:
>
> Anybody out there have any experience with a Kirsten pipe
Check the link below
http://members.aol.com/krstnpiper
They make a great pocket pipe because they don't need pipe cleaners, and
by design the bowl doesn't retain the same level of moisture as an all
briar therefore they can be smoked many many times in one day.
John D. Wilson
I followed the Kirsten thread with great interest, got on the Kirsten
web site and requested a catalog. I was very pleasantly surprised at
the speed with which it arrived.
I called them about three weeks ago on a Friday, and ordered a
quarter-bent Regent with the large stem and extra large bowl. It
arrived on the following Monday. That's service! I love th pipe.
It's the coolest smoking new pipe I've ever owned. It's not the
easiest to get fired up, but I did have the benefit of all the
comments here on ASP to help. Last week, I decided that I needed
another one, so I ordered one via e-mail--the little Jewel. I figured
it would smoke a bit hotter, but if it does, I can't tell it.
Kirsten's service is simply super. I will buy a couple more to tote
around with me.
><}}}}(°>
Lester Diamond
How much do these wonders run? I'm waiting on a catalog, so I'll find
out soon, but I imagine others would appreciate the info too.
Thanks.
Michael George
On Thu, 12 Feb 1998, Lester Diamond <diam...@erols.com> wrote:
>How much do these wonders run? I'm waiting on a catalog, so I'll find
>out soon, but I imagine others would appreciate the info too.
Like so many other things, it depends on what you want. You can get the
smallest and least expensive for $37 shipped, or you can get the nicest for
about $84 shipped with a briar bowl and $140 with a meerschaum bowl. I would
say you can get a middle of the road model for about $50, though... Or you
can find them once in a while used for about $20-30... But, YMMV.
-Michael
--
To reply by mail, remove "nospam" from mail address.
Louis J. Giliberto, Jr.
Kirsten pipes are great. They smoke as well as Meerschaum (IMHO), and are
a lot more durable. They are a resevoir pipe like the Peterson System
Pipes, but they are really easy to clean -- you just ream them like a gun
barrel. Also better than peterson, you can twist the valve when you aren't
smoking it, so if it tips over the spit doesn't run all over.
They're more sanitary, too, for holding spit since they're metal.
I recommend getting *at least* a medium bowl if not a large. I smoke large
pipes in general, so I prefer the extra large which is still small by my
standards. Their bowls tend to be small in general.
They are definitely one of the best smokes around, but I think they aren't
as popular as they should be because people like the look and feel of a
traditional briar.
If you smoke wet or hot, especially if you smoke aromatics or other "wet"
blends, these pipes will save you a lot of tongue bite. Also, they are
very consistent from one pipe to another since they are manufactured like a
metal part rather than handmade. I've had petersons or savinelli's that
are good and others that are bad. Since these are machined more than
crafted, they're very consistent.
If you want a good smoke, definitely try one. I don't think you will
consider it money wasted.
If you buy one, let me know what you think. I'm curious if others will
like them as much as I do.
-Lou
Lester Diamond <diam...@erols.com> wrote in article
<34E3C179...@erols.com>...
> How much do these wonders run? I'm waiting on a catalog, so I'll find
> out soon, but I imagine others would appreciate the info too.
>
Michael George
On 13 Feb 1998, Louis J. Giliberto, Jr. <nospam_...@halcyon.com> wrote:
>Kirsten pipes are great. They smoke as well as Meerschaum (IMHO), and are
>a lot more durable. They are a resevoir pipe like the Peterson System
>Pipes, but they are really easy to clean -- you just ream them like a gun
>barrel. Also better than peterson, you can twist the valve when you aren't
>smoking it, so if it tips over the spit doesn't run all over.
>
>They're more sanitary, too, for holding spit since they're metal.
>
>I recommend getting *at least* a medium bowl if not a large. I smoke large
>pipes in general, so I prefer the extra large which is still small by my
>standards. Their bowls tend to be small in general.
>
>They are definitely one of the best smokes around, but I think they aren't
>as popular as they should be because people like the look and feel of a
>traditional briar.
>
>If you smoke wet or hot, especially if you smoke aromatics or other "wet"
>blends, these pipes will save you a lot of tongue bite. Also, they are
>very consistent from one pipe to another since they are manufactured like a
>metal part rather than handmade. I've had petersons or savinelli's that
>are good and others that are bad. Since these are machined more than
>crafted, they're very consistent.
>
>If you want a good smoke, definitely try one. I don't think you will
>consider it money wasted.
>
>If you buy one, let me know what you think. I'm curious if others will
>like them as much as I do.
And if you buy one and DON'T like it, let us know, I'm sure there are many
here who will bid on it.
One caveat, though... While I like the Kirstens, as does Mr. Giliberto, there
are many who find them merely acceptable rather than excellent. I have never
heard anyone who hates them, but be warned, you might prefer briar/meerschaum
to the Kirsten. But even if that's the case, you will still have a good
knock-arounder.
I'd also recommend the large or XL bowls. Actually, once you get the catalog,
you might have more questions w.r.t. stem and pipe size. If so, just ask us
here...
Toolman
In article <MPG.f4e4d9bf...@news.alt.net>, az...@REMOTETHISix.netcom.com (Azzy) wrote:
:Lester Diamond wrote in article <34E3C179...@erols.com>:
:> How much do these wonders run? I'm waiting on a catalog, so I'll find
:> out soon, but I imagine others would appreciate the info too.
:About $50 or so for most of em... a few are more expensive/cheaper..
Actually, that would be just for the first one, unles one wanted more thatn
one stem/valve/mouthpiece.
Because of the modular design, the bowls are $32-40 each for a decent
size/shape one after that.
The exception is the Meerschaum bowl, $85.
-Joel
Brian Hirose
Just got my new catalog from the Kirsten people and it was a fast turn
around as I placed the order for the catalog three days ago and got it
this morning. Now that's service if you ask me. I will be buying my first
Kirsten thanks to the many responses that I have gotten from My original
post thanks for the good words guys. Will also let you guys know how I
like it as compared to the rest of the pipes in my collection.
Cheers and Happy Puffing.
Michael George
On Sat, 14 Feb 1998, Brian Hirose <spec...@lava.net> wrote:
> Just got my new catalog from the Kirsten people and it was a fast turn
>around as I placed the order for the catalog three days ago and got it
>this morning. Now that's service if you ask me. I will be buying my first
>Kirsten thanks to the many responses that I have gotten from My original
>post thanks for the good words guys. Will also let you guys know how I
>like it as compared to the rest of the pipes in my collection.
Which Kirsten did you get? Stem, finish, bit, bowl...?
Brian Hirose
Michael George wrote:
Didn't get one yet but I think that I want to get a small one first to see if
I like it and then go for the gusto. After all 35.00 is a small price to pay
if I don't like it. Will keep you posted! :-)
--
Michael George
On Mon, 16 Feb 1998, Brian Hirose <spec...@lava.net> wrote:
>
>
>Michael George wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 14 Feb 1998, Brian Hirose <spec...@lava.net> wrote:
>> > Just got my new catalog from the Kirsten people and it was a fast turn
>> >around as I placed the order for the catalog three days ago and got it
>> >this morning. Now that's service if you ask me. I will be buying my first
>> >Kirsten thanks to the many responses that I have gotten from My original
>> >post thanks for the good words guys. Will also let you guys know how I
>> >like it as compared to the rest of the pipes in my collection.
>>
>> Which Kirsten did you get? Stem, finish, bit, bowl...?
>
>I like it and then go for the gusto. After all 35.00 is a small price to pay
>if I don't like it. Will keep you posted! :-)
Ah yes, I see I misread your mail. I thought you'd said that it was a fast
turnaround *after* you placed the order *from* the catalog... I don't even
remember where I first heard of Kirsten, but I do know I had about a 2-3 month
wait until my birthday before my wife got me my first. And that was one of
the closer-to-$50 ones...