From: ??????????????????
Subject: (1) Information re.: KABIK ; (2) DRUG STORE PIPES

1. Michael V. Kabik a pipe maker for some 17 years when listed in DIRECTORY
OF AMERICAN PIPEMAKERS in 1987. Among the pipe brands for which he crafted
are: CHP-X PIPES, KANE, GRAN-HILL, TOBAK LTD., SVEN-LAR, DANE CRAFT, WENHALL
PRESIDENTIALS, SCULPTUR, and his own name.

2. DRUG STORE PIPES
    A subscriber wants to know if there's a difference between his Dr. Grabow
drug store pipes and more expensive ones. He then goes on to answer his own
question, perhaps unknowingly, when he complains about the moisture build-up
and "gurgling" sound when he smokes his Dr Grabows. The difference of course
is that the cheap drug store pipes are made from the interior of the briar
burl which is dense and relativeatly grain free.Consequently it doesn't
absorb moisture like the outer surface of the burl (plateau) which is
lightweight, porous and beautifully grained. It's the latter that's used for
more expensive pipes and as any seasoned pipe smoker will attest, well worth
the extra price.
                                               Al Baier


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