Meerschaum dilema when kilted.

[Bruno]

The rustic afrtcan finish is a lovley looking pipe, it would be a shame to use it.

To be honest the beauty of the meerschaum is they go better with age. They take on the impurities in the tobacco (actually making for a healthier cooler smoke) I used to have one near a cherry red when I smoked a different brand of baccy now these ones are going like an ivory yellow due to mostly smoking Erinmore Mixture. Kind of like an aged dark Ivory yellow.

[Bruno]

Well alright, I have seen them in the past, never handled one though. So, what are they made of?

Meerschaum is a mineral deposit mined mostly around Africa and underwater. Its a bit softer than limestone but a bit harder than a pumice stone (not by a hell of a lot) I once saw a old man in Africa carving one with a pen Knife like he was whittling wood.

[Bruno]

Bruno, how do you carry your pipes when not kilted? I mean is it the kilt accessory option that's troubling, or transporting the meershaums in general that's at issue?

When not kilted I carry a large satchel with everything but the kitchen sink in it. I usually have a book, pens, phone, sunglasses, hat etc in it, so that's easy. In a kilt I get a bit desperate trying to cram it all in my pockets & sporran.

[sydnie7]

When not kilted I carry a large satchel with everything but the kitchen sink in it. I usually have a book, pens, phone, sunglasses, hat etc in it, so that's easy. In a kilt I get a bit desperate trying to cram it all in my pockets & sporran.

I understand the desire to be "hands-free," but why not a messenger bag or similar slung over your shoulder? Seems we are edging into "function follows form" territory when form should follow function. If you need to carry more than will fit into pockets or sporran, then add a suitable carrier. Hanging too many things off the belt begins to look LEO or just plain clunky/cumbersome IMHO.

The last pipe smoker I knew made his wife carry all his "stuff" in her purse (as has been mentioned). I'd have told him to carry his own purse

Thanks for the definition of meerschaum, too lazy to Google! But it looks from your pictures as if some are covered by decorative/porcelain outer? Or is that first one just exceptionally polished and painted?

[Friday]

I understand the desire to be "hands-free," but why not a messenger bag or similar slung over your shoulder?

I learned a long time ago that I needed to have a book, tape player (that long ago) and other odds and ends with me when out with my wife. 10 minutes and I had shopped till I dropped and she still had hours to go. I have carried some type of shoulder bag for at least 25 years. Normally not at larger as a messenger bag more on the line of the bag carried by Indiana Jones.



Sportsman's Guide

or a little fancier for Eagle Creek



I find that these hold a book, sun glasses, pipe (when I smoked) and enough to keep my pocket light but have every thing I needed.

[Bruno]

I understand the desire to be "hands-free," but why not a messenger bag or similar slung over your shoulder? Seems we are edging into "function follows form" territory when form should follow function. If you need to carry more than will fit into pockets or sporran, then add a suitable carrier. Hanging too many things off the belt begins to look LEO or just plain clunky/cumbersome IMHO.

The last pipe smoker I knew made his wife carry all his "stuff" in her purse (as has been mentioned). I'd have told him to carry his own purse

Thanks for the definition of meerschaum, too lazy to Google! But it looks from your pictures as if some are covered by decorative/porcelain outer? Or is that first one just exceptionally polished and painted?

As to the handbag. I usually end up carrying all her junk in my bag and her ones have got smaller as she unloads it on me. If I did carry a bag she would only fill it anyway)

The coloured pipe is a result of natural dicolouration in the Meerschaum laid in the sediment and is just polished to a shine. Makes them all unique so that's nice.

As for a bag over the shoulder that would not really do for a posh event would it. Any way I need one hand to hold my churchwarden and another one for my drink.

[Rex_Tremende]

To be honest the beauty of the meerschaum is they go better with age. They take on the impurities in the tobacco (actually making for a healthier cooler smoke) ...

Now, I smoke a pipe every once in a blue moon, but I'm afraid I rather doubt the notion of a healthier smoke. Really, if we're going to indulge our vices, I think it's best to just wallow in them.

Anyway, I don't know that I can help with the bag-and-carry issue, but I do love that multi-colored number you showed. Makes me want to get one.

Regards,
Rex.

[Tony Miles]

you could tie it around you neck like eyeglass -

[svc40bt]

Sounds like a custom pocket on the underapron would work. Interior chest pocket of a jacket should work as well, for those posh events.

[Streetcar]

If it's just a new case style, you might want to look at someplace like Maxpedition - Their knife cases appear to have a soft lining to prevent scratches. They also carry an assortment of bag sizes. (link)

I realize you may not want something quite so "tactical" in appearance, but this might be a good place to start.

Also, there are a number of soft cases out there for those who choose to smoke from glass pipes. The patterns tend to be pretty psychadelic, but there may be some tamer options out there.