Placed my order

Flycruiser · Placed my order

I mailed out my order for a smooth Dr. Grabow Golden Duke this morning. I also ordered a couple of boxes of filters. I can't wait to get it in. I hope that it reminds me of my first pipe as I really do miss that thing.

I bought that first pipe back in 1999. I was fresh out of high school (yep, probably the youngest here) and working on my uncle's farm in East TN. I drove a tractor all day and to be honest got kinda bored, lol. So I was looking for something to do. Couldn't afford a decent radio, but I could afford a pipe to smoke to pass the time. I went down to Lambert's Tobacco Road in Maryville, TN and came back with a Dr. Grabow _____ Duke (can't remember which one) and a pouch of Captain Black Royal. I was so excited I could barely stand it! I'd wanted to smoke a pipe for so long and I finally had one. Well, I drove up the road to the Little River in the Smokies (I went fishing most afternoons) and plopped myself down on a rock in the middle and lit up. About 30 matches later and 10 or so odd stares from passers by I finally got the thing lit. Man it was good. Then it went out.... 10 or so more matches and there it was again, then it went out. So I smoked about half a bowl and decided that was a good start and headed back. The next day I went back to the tobacco shop and asked what my problem was and came back with a pouch of Edgeworth and a lesson in how to pack a pipe. I loaded up a bowl of Edgeworth the next day on my tractor and smoked the whole thing with only 2 matches. I was hooked from then on. I lost that pipe about a year later and still miss it to this day. Hopefully this new one will take me back!

drbridges

So you stuck with it, despite the rough start? Hope you enjoy your new one. I assume it will be either #49 medium pot or #45 large pot. I bought 2 of those carved last year.

ted, tell them to add the #45S large pot saddle bit.

Flycruiser

Reckon I could ask for the large pot? The mailman hasn't been here yet, lol.

I did stick with it. Really only the first day was rough. After that the guy at the tobacco shop gave me a really good lesson on packing a pipe. He actually made me load it instead of just telling me how to do it. The first few pipe fulls he dumped out, lol. Of course I didn't have it figured out then and there (still don't), but it did give me a good sound start.

EDIT: I called and they did let me request a large or medium pot. Woo Hoo! Very nice lady too.

drbridges

Fly wrote:

ted

Rev. Avery

I enjoyed your story Fly. I'm sure you'll enjoy it when it arrives. It's fun to wait for them to arrive. The anticipation is half the fun Smile

Rev. Avery

Fly, did your pipe arrive yet?

drbridges

If Fly ordered by mail, I expect delivery 10-15 days. Another week.

Rev. Avery

Thanks DR. I'm looking forward to hearing what he thinks.

Flycruiser

I did order by mail. I'm guessing late next week or the following week is when it should arrive. I can't wait to get it. I'm going hunting next weekend and will be gone for 2 days so of course it'll get here then, lol.

LokoMac8

I got my order in a couple of days ago (QUICK!) just before I left for work.

I received exactly what I ordered: a smooth ROYALTON (note that it still has the HL&T SHIELD!) and a carved FREEHAND.

I don't have any complaints about the quality, finish or workmanship of either pipe. Both are good pipes and both smoked well on the first bowl.

The staining of the Royalton (#83 shape, without the rings, etc.) wouldn't be among my favorites, but it IS an interesting addition. I LOVE the lucite bit though. I didn't think I used to like them, but with this pipe, another Royalton I have and an odd #84 I bought at the factory, I have really come to like the bits.

The Freehand appears to be a #08 shape and has a HUGE bowl!!! The outside is large, but is rather deceptively small looking as to the size of the interior of the bowl. Has fairly thin walls, so that accounts for some of the size, as well as it's very DEEP. Not all tobaccos will burn well or stay lit easily in this sort of bowl. The bit isn't bent quite enough for my tastes, but I don't know if they are all that way or mine is just a fluke.

I WAS pleased with what I ordered. I still wish the enclosed pipe chart WAS IN COLOR rather than B&W though, and also that the "special offer" offered something truly "special". Maybe it does and I don't realize it (like not all the pipes in the offer are available in ANY retail outlet). --RJ--

ozark southpaw

Both are good looking pipes Mac! I like the Royalton especially. Sure would be nice if they would cut the beads on the bulldogs though. They seem kinda nekked without them!!

LokoMac8

steverino

LokoMac8

Rev. Avery

Your Royalton is really nice looking! Glad you got it.

steverino

LokoMac8

steverino

I'm about the same way, everything I write for work ends up having about five drafts before the final is ready.

Flycruiser

Well fellers it's here! In my mailbox was a beautiful little box addressed to yours truly. Inside was a great looking Dr. Grabow Golden Duke and a pack of filters along with the same paperwork they mailed out earlier. I have it loaded up and will be smoking it tonight on the back porch by the fire pit. Can't wait!

ted

Great looking pipe Cruiser. Bet you will enjoy the pipe, the fire, and the wind......ted

steverino

Bravo! Smoke good.