I've gotten to the place where I resist pipe shopping to the degree possible, because I have a fairly large sufficiency of pipes. I have culled the herd about four or five times, to keep he numbers down. To date, I have not done commissions. I think about a third of my stable are artisan, artisan finished, or have artisanal features like a hand-cut stem. But I also have a distinct fondness for lower end pipes that are moderately or low priced, or on steep discount. Rigorous selection has made these turn out to be fine pipes.
When I go about buying a pipe, I like to shop widely without too much preconception. I only buy one pipe at a time, for focus. The process usually takes weeks or a few months. I develop a set of about five prospects, and narrow it down.
I have had some success at pipe shows and the local independent pipe shop, though at the pipe shop, I usually go back to buy a pipe after considering a group of them at the shop.
So I guess I am unusually deliberative. I enjoy that. I feel more committed and convinced when I finally make a purchase, and usually enjoy exactly those features I selected in shopping for it, and maybe some others.
I have a number of gift pipes that have almost all turned out well. If it wasn't love first sight, I grew to appreciate each of them. I don't think I have ever traded off a gift pipe or one I received as a prize.
