Reviews and Feedback of S.E.THILE pipes

Pipe: Freehand #118, Smooth Apple, purchased June 2010, at the Kansas City Pipe Show:

Neill Archer Roan wrote about this pipe on his blog, A Passion for Pipes,

"This Thile pipe surprised me in some ways. For example, I generally do not like square-shanked pipes, especially with billiard or apple bowl shapes; they seem clunky to me. However, the square shank on this pipe is elegant and creates an interesting geometrical counterpoint to the sweeping arc of the shank bottom and the bowl curvature. I quite like how Scott used the delicate boxwood floc to transition to the stem.

I am also very impressed by the exquisitely articulated transition from bowl to shank. Both the shank and bowl edges are sharply defined and the curved line marking the border between the bowl cheeks and the shank end is clean, sharp, and continuous. I understand from conversations with other artisans that this is not simple or easy to accomplish, and Thile got it right.

This pipe is a very good smoker–cool, dry, and flavorful.  The draw has that barely noticeable resistance that I personally prefer because I find it helps concentrate the smoke flavor to my palate. Obviously, its weight is amenable to clenching, and the hand feel is what one would expect from a bent apple; it is comfortable."

Click here to see the post in its entirty.

Pipe: Long Shanked Billiard #100, Commisioned October, 2009:

Spending a rainy Tuesday evening doing my "homework" for tomorrow's meetings, and effortlessly puffing away on my newest S.E. Thile arrival; #100.  Truly a pipe of double pleasures... Admiring it's beautiful ringed looks, and enjoying it's great smoking nature.

I now have four of your creations.  Four additional friends.  Thanks for the pleasure of getting to share the rewards of your craftmanship. M.H.

Pipe: Freehand Volcano Natural Blast #82, purchased September, 2009 from the website:

Resisted my natural urge to leave (number) 47 unsmoked, and fulfilled my promise "to enjoy" it. Smoked it twice on the way home from St. Louis, and again this morning. Taste of the briar is really starting to come through. Lovely! Still remembering the nice feel of your Pokerbash, and also attracted to the looks of the Belge shape you are developing.

....Buying from you was a pleasurable experience.....
--Mark Hendrickson--

Pipe: A.S.P Pipe of the Year #1 (S.E.Thile #49), purchased February 10, 2008 from the website:

I got the Belge today, and as soon as I opened the box, I knew that I would love this pipe. It is so light and well balanced. The workmanship is as good as my best.... I have it loaded up with some aged PSLNF and it is smoking like an old friend. If this one is only the prototype, I can not see what you did to improve later models. This one is as perfect a pipe as I have had. It will be knocking my Bing's Favorites out of rotation for some time.

Thank you so very much for carving this pipe.

...by the way, after almost a week, it is still my favorite pipe...
--"A satisfied customer"--

Pipe: Opus 1 PokerBash Blast #36, purchased May 2007 at the Chicago Pipe Show:

So, here's a pipe diary for you:

Delighted in seeing you at the show - had hoped you might be there.
Thrilled to be able to purchase the pipe - so cool looking.

That evening we went to dinner with my family (those still living in the
Chicago area).  When I get a new pipe I am attached to it obsessively.  I
walk around dry smoking it when it is not lit.  It is quite the joke of my
orchestras and family - one guy actually asked me if I ever smoked the damn
thing.

Of course, when I offered to light it up in front of him, he ran the other
way.

Visuals reviews are in - everyone thinks the pipe is 'gorgeous'.

I smoked it for the first time that night after dinner.  Smoked perfectly
and I love the stem - feels good between the teeth and the pipe is not too
heavy that it strains my jaw.

Also the stem has no taste to it unlike the vulcanized rubber stuff that
always tastes - rubbery.

Good choice.

I am currently on an Erinmore kick so it is only tobacco I have smoked in it
with the exception of some Virginia flake from Mac Baren.

The pipe cleans easily and the stem as well.  I have noticed no wear when
moving the stem in and out of the shaft.  Nice fit, by the way.

I am currently in Kiev, as I said - but, on the way over, I typically had my
pipe in my mouth the entire three flights over here.  (It is always good to
me to taste tobacco and briar - even when not lit!)

I was standing in customs in Amsterdam when a woman approached me and said:

"Nice pipe!"

I thanked her and we got to talking.  Seems her father smoked and had quite
a collection.  She admired the pipe and seemed to know what she was doing
and talking about.

Turns out she is a soprano with the Bulgarian National Opera and was on her
way there to perform.

Small world.

I also brought one of my favorite Savinelli's with me and a Jirsa that I
picked up in Prague last month.

I might not have bothered as all I seem to want to smoke is my Thile!

I'm really enjoying the pipe - it may become my favorite.

Keep up the good work - I hope to see you at other shows and increase my
collection!

--Robert--

Pipe: A commission made to specs, completed December, 2007:

Merry Christmas Scott:

I am sitting here smoking the pipe that you made for me and wanted to drop you a brief note of thanks again for your participation with my Personal Series. The pipe is coming along quite nicely and I find it very enjoyable.

I have dedicated this particular pipe to (aged) Mac Baren Navy Flake, the only non Virginia tobacco I smoke regularly and enjoy. This particular tobacco has fond memories for me as it was one of the only (and better) tobaccos that I could buy anywhere some thirty years ago when I befriended the pipe. Two other pipes from my Personal Series have also been dedicated to Mac Baren Navy Flake as well including those made by Mark Tinsky (novel in that Mark smokes Mac Baren Navy Flake near exclusively) and Peter Heeschen, so you can see your pipe will hold a special place.

My best wishes for a Prosperous 2008.

More feedback will be posted soon--we're waiting for permission.