To smoke or not to smoke..

**haiku44** · 04-15-2012, 05:04 AM

I bought a kirstin pipe a couple months back. When I was ordering in I was told that they probably wouldn't be making any more. So now that I've got it I've been afraid to take it out of the box and smoke it. I've found a place to get replacement bowls, but what if I crack the stem and I can't find a replacement? What if I love the way the pipe smokes and I lose it one day and I can't buy another one? I've never broke/lost a pipe before so why am I so scared to use this one?

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**Commander Quan** · 04-15-2012, 05:18 AM

What if it's a fantastic smoker and you never get the chance to experience it because you're worried about liking it too much?

**haiku44** · 04-15-2012, 05:28 AM

Originally Posted by Commander Quan

What if it's a fantastic smoker and you never get the chance to experience it because you're worried about liking it too much?

Good point. I'm not usually one to collect things I'm not going to use, but there's something about this being the last of it's kind that's messing with my head.

**jwhite** · 04-15-2012, 09:40 AM

About repair there are folks who can make new parts if needed. Used one's and some NOS will be found at auction sights. I wouldn't worry about it.

**rickcharles606** · 04-15-2012, 07:30 PM

It was meant to be smoked....help it fulfill it's destiny ;-)

**jdto** · 04-15-2012, 07:38 PM

Smoke it.

**haiku44** · 04-15-2012, 07:45 PM

Yeah I think I have to. Let y'all know if I regret it tomorrow night. Haha.

**rickcharles606** · 04-15-2012, 08:43 PM

you won't...I was given a Kirstin and it smokes like a dream ;-)

**oc_in_fw** · 04-15-2012, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by haiku44

Yeah I think I have to. Let y'all know if I regret it tomorrow night. Haha.

I don't think you will. Pipes, like vintage razors, are meant to be used.

**Truckie** · 04-16-2012, 01:30 AM

I was just in Kristen's last week (picking up a Peterson and two of their house blends

) and I was informed that they will in fact be producing pipes again and there might be another location opening up. Nothing confirmed though on the location, pipes though yes.

**haiku44** · 04-16-2012, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by Truckie

I was just in Kristen's last week (picking up a Peterson and two of their house blends

) and I was informed that they will in fact be producing pipes again and there might be another location opening up. Nothing confirmed though on the location, pipes though yes.

That's a fantastic news!! I smoked the pipe and it was pretty good. The bowl isn't a standard shape so it wasn't my greatest pack ever, but it smoked cooler than my falcons by miles. I'm not really great at writing reviews on things, and I really only smoke falcons, but I could see this becoming my favorite pipe pretty easily if I figure out how to pack it correctly.

Thanks guys for giving me the push I needed.

**rickcharles606** · 04-16-2012, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by haiku44

That's a fantastic news!! I smoked the pipe and it was pretty good. The bowl isn't a standard shape so it wasn't my greatest pack ever, but it smoked cooler than my falcons by miles. I'm not really great at writing reviews on things, and I really only smoke falcons, but I could see this becoming my favorite pipe pretty easily if I figure out how to pack it correctly.

Thanks guys for giving me the push I needed.

Now that you mention it, I remember my Kirstin taking a few packs to get it just right. After thinking about it I chalked it up to the draft hole being at the bottom of the bowl. I just packed it looser than I'd normally pack a bowl and just tamp a little more than I normally would and it works great for me. Good luck and enjoy that pipe ;-)

**Blade Boy** · 04-16-2012, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Truckie

I was just in Kristen's last week (picking up a Peterson and two of their house blends

) and I was informed that they will in fact be producing pipes again and there might be another location opening up. Nothing confirmed though on the location, pipes though yes.

That's good to hear, I emailed them today to get the story, hope to be able to get one of these, those full bents are so awesome looking.

**haiku44** · 04-16-2012, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by rickcharles606

Now that you mention it, I remember my Kirstin taking a few packs to get it just right. After thinking about it I chalked it up to the draft hole being at the bottom of the bowl. I just packed it looser than I'd normally pack a bowl and just tamp a little more than I normally would and it works great for me. Good luck and enjoy that pipe ;-)

I'll have to try that next time. Thanks for the tip.

**haiku44** · 05-02-2012, 12:54 PM

Thanks everyone for the help. Been smoking the Kirsten just about every night. Love the thing. Once I figured out the best way to load it (credit to rickcharles606) it is by far the most pleasant smoker I've ever used. Thanks for the push I needed

**rickcharles606** · 05-02-2012, 06:12 PM

Glad it's working out for you....I think I'll load mine up tonight and smoke it too ;-)

**Uncle Jackie** · 05-05-2012, 10:34 AM

For myself, a pipe that is not smoked is just a decoration. Would one buy a quality wrench and not think of using it when they needed a repair done? I think the pleasure you will get from smoking it will far exceed the pleasure you get from looking at it.