I am weak...

[webjunkie]

I was looking to get some pipe tobacco, but apparently I'm getting a pipe instead.:doh:

I've been wanting a classic bent billiard for a while now as well as one in a natural finish. So when I noticed that smoking pipes had a Tsuge Natural Rusticated (https://secure.smokingpipes.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=59292) on sale it seemed like the perfect confluence of my pipe hobby and my Japanese studies.

Actually, if we don't count a really bad basket pipe I got before I knew any better this the first new briar that I've bought. I'm actually really looking forward to it.:dance3:

[physiognomy]

Great choice Daniel... I think Tsuge pipes (excluding Ikebana) are one of the great value for money pipes out there. I have a couple from the last round of sales and they smoke very well considering the price paid. Fit and finish is also much higher than I expected. I'm guessing you are really going to enjoy it! Watching the natural finish darken is really cool as well...

[webjunkie]

Just arrived today, it is a beaut.

Just finished my second half bowl. I thought breaking in new pipes was supposedly to be a pain in the neck. So far it's been smooth sailing. Pipe doesn't get hot, smokes dry, no gurgle, and both bowls of baccy smoke down to a fine ash. I am loving this pipe.