Hi Jen!
It's about a quarter to five and I just received and unwrapped the pipe stand. It's awesome! Love the whimsical carving, which makes it look almost as if it grew into that shape. No machine-turned radiuses (radii?) that would make it look mass-produced. The curves roll forth in a natural way, and the finish is positively the smoothest I have ever felt. You can see the smoothness of the finish, but you have to run your fingers over it to comprehend just how silky it really is. And without varnish, shellac, artificial sealer, etc. It's the kind of hand-rubbed finish you just don't see anymore.
The stand fits the pipe as if it were MADE for it! (That's a joke; don't take offense.) Seriously, the pipe just snugs down in the recess perfectly. Total, custom-made job.
The Myrtle worked out beautifully too. Love the veins of light and dark that appear everywhere through it. Many thanks!
I know it'll be a long time before you get to it, but I'm sending the lion castings and one of the pipe. It, too, is a bent Dublin shape; not so different from this one. The "pipe" I cast in plaster is just the bottom of the bowl and most of the shank - I simply made a mold of the part that will contact the pipe rest, basically.
Again Jen, many many thanks for the countless hours of painstaking work. Big, big payoff in beauty and quality!
Best, Mike
Hello Jon,
Just a brief Note to let you know, that your Pipe arrived at my place this morning. It is a really amazing pipe in a great color with a fabulous ring grain. I'm sure, that it will make a superb addition to my regular rotation. Thank you also for the sample of tobacco enclosed with it. (0210-10)
Best regards. Smoke in peace.
Steve
A Few Day Later
“Another short note, Jon”
The pipe smokes great and is extremely comfortable in the mouth.
I am looking forward to a smooth, but take your time, so it comes out as good as this one!!!
Best regards. Smoke in peace.
Steve,
Quebec, Canada
Dear Jon,
I received your pipe this weekend. I've only had a chance to smoke it a few times, but I can see it is well engineered and will be an excellent smoker. It is also very beautiful. It is a very good piece of wood with a good straight grain. I have been smoking and collecting pipes for over 50 years and have the good fortune to own hundreds of pipes. I am a very discriminating collector and have examined thousands of pipes. I only add special pipes to my collection. This pipe will stay in my collection.
For me, a great pipe has to have the following qualities:
Beautiful shape
Excellent workmanship
Careful engineering
Quality materials
That "certain something" - the touch of an artist that makes the whole more than the sum of its parts
This pipe has all of those qualities. Congratulations on producing a "work of art" that also works. (#0201-10)
If you have a list of people you notify of new pieces, please add me.
Thanks again,
Steve, PA.
PS/ I'll be attending a meeting of the Christopher Morley Pipe Club in Philadelphia this week and will be proudly showing everyone this new pipe.
Hi Jon,
I got my pipe this afternoon, it smokes divinely! Nice little snowstorm here, I had a nice time under the carport slowly puffing and watching the snow fall. I love the rustication and looks too, it's just what I have been looking for. Thanks for the sample of tobacco also, I will give it a spin. pipe-0202.Thanks!
Dave, Cincinnati, OH.
Hello Jon,
I just wanted to say how happy I am right now. This pipe is absolutely breathtaking. The shape and feel in the hand is perfect. So too is the mouthpiece which I strongly believe is superior to any of the "premium" pieces I currently own. And, of course, the finish is outstanding. It shines like porcelain! Pipe commission2.Not only have you crafted a pipe to the specifications of my original, you also vastly exceeded my expectations. I would have sent you an emailed earlier this afternoon when I first unpacked it. But I was so taken by its looks; I just had to straight away load it with the tobacco you sent (which, by the way, was delicious - thank you very much).
Now, after having enjoyed the full experience of my new "Rinaldi", I can honestly say that this Oom Paul is the finest pipe to date in my collection. Thank you again for the time and talent you put into it.
I hope you might consider doing other commissioned pieces, perhaps in a few months. I'm a great lover of Oom Paul’s, as well as most nose-warmers or full-bents, and I would very much like to have a variety of them.
Again, my many thanks to you, and best wishes for the New Year,
Casca,
Monterey, CA.
Greetings Jon,
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner, but I've been in & out of town. The new bent bamboo that you sent is just beautiful, like the last one I purchased. The smoke hole is perfectly at the bottom of the bowl, it draws beautifully. Pipe-#0196-09.php. I'm smoking Britt's Balkan that you sent. I like it. I told Rich at 4 Noggins that I was ordering his tobacco per your recommendation.
I was at the local pipe & cigar shop the other day and one of the guys thought it was a $1,100.00 pipe that he saw on the web. Yah, the pipe looks that good, and smokes just as good too.
Thanks for a superb job Jon,
Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Mike Parkes, Ohio
Hello Jon,
I'm so glad I came across your website. Pipe #0191-09 arrived in the mail today It is absolutely beautiful. I'll load it up after dinner tonight with the 4 Noggins Bald Headed Teacher that you sent along with the pipe.
Your professional photography of your pipes really shows through on your web site.
Thank you for such an outstanding pipe.
Thanks from a happy customer,
Mike Parkes, Ohio
P.S. - I smoked a bowl last night and one this morning. Jon your pipe smokes great. The smoke hole is opened just right in the stem and shank for a nice easy draw.
The 4 Noggins that you sent along is lovely, good flavor and mild. A test that I make for mildness is to blow the smoke through my nose to see if it burns. No burn with Bald Headed Teacher.
Your website looks to be sold out of your other pipes.
Hi Jon,
I'm sorry it took so long to let you know how much I'm enjoying your pipe. The wood quality is superior to any other of the pipes I have, which is around 50 plus pipes. I am very pleased with the way it evenly burns the tobacco, also I have given your web site to a few of my friends that have liked this pipe. The mouthpiece is also very comfortable and well designed. I'm looking forward for the next full bend pipe you design for me. Thank you for the tobacco sample you (sent, and) I already ordered some. Take care, hope to do business with you soon.
Thank you,
Carlos Acanda
Dear Jon,
I can honestly say that it was truly a pleasure meeting you at the Columbus show.
I am the individual who graciously admired your passion, the willingness to educate me about your craft and was welcomed the privilege to handle your beautiful artwork. Hands down, you where by far my favorite artisan. Your work makes me feel very fortunate to be a part of the pipe smoking/collecting community. One day, I have high hopes of enjoying my own J Rinaldi pipe.
Individuals like yourself inspire me to continue to become a life long learner and to constantly pursue my personal commitments. The quality and attention to detail of your pipes definitely reflect this.
Thank you so much for your contributions to this wonderful art.
Take care,
Matt Riegle
Two Jon Rinaldi pipes arrived in the same postal delivery (0179-09 & 0183-09). Definitely a calendar day and writing this testimonial praising their design and easy smokability will be easy. Both are black sandblasts, one a commission and the other a quarter bent bulldog purchased the moment I saw it on the website. They are simply terrific.
The commissioned piece is a wonderfully lightweight, easy smoker (from the first bowl) that reflects Jon's original and sculptural skills with a combination of materials that visually make perfect sense. The join of the stem to the body of the pipe is extraordinary and seamless. It is invisible.The quarter bent bulldog is a stunner. It features Jon's Navajo blast which, to me, subtly mimics the adobe brickwork seen in ancient Southwest Native American architecture. As I said, the effect is subtle, definitely not overwhelming, and the pipe is one of the most elegant interpretations of a classic shape I know. Perfect simplicity of form is very difficult to achieve, but the doing it makes for a treasure. Jon has done it.
Jonathan Green
Englewood, N.J.
Sir Jon,
A note that I receive my pipe (#167-09) a few days ago, and I must say that my first impression was a very gratifying one. As much as I love how wonderful your pipes look in the pictures on you web site, this pipe looks even better in person. Also, I smoked a few bowls and every one was a treat. I am very pleased and I know I will acquire another soon.
Sincerely,
Andre Broache
Paris, France
Hi Jon,
I thought I would write you a note and tell you how much I am enjoying the pipes and the matching stands that I purchased from you and Jennifer.
In the few months since I contacted you from your add in Cowboy's and Indians, I received 3 new pipes and matching stands and truly can not decide which one I like the most.
I would also like to thank you for refinishing the 20-year-old pipes I sent you. They look brand new.
I can't wait to see what my next pipe will look like.
Thanks Again,
Gary
Yardley, PA.
Hi Jon,
What a pipe… I am thinking as I hold it in my hand… and I do not smoke a pipe!!!! Yes am the kook who asked for this unusual creation. To say that I am pleased is an understatement. As my request for this design transpired I was not sure how my ideas would be put to wood with Jon's artistic license. After the first sketch was presented for approval I knew we were on the same page. Then came the roughed out image of the bowl and stem. We discussed a color scheme and what you see is the finished product. Jon is quite an artesian and it shows in the fine detail you cannot see with the pictures here. The detail in the bowl makes you imagine where you would set your anchors to attempt your climb, then there is the detail in the rope stem…
Jon could start another trade by hand checkering the grade (four) and better English walnut shotgun stocks on finest English guns by the example he showed on the detailed individual strands of fiber he carved in making the "climber's rope" Pipe stem.
Jon is quite a pipe maker. I am sure there is a more complimentary term for his trade but in any regards he is quite a master…give Jon an idea…he will come through for you as he did for me.
Ted Paffrath
Owatonna, MN.
Thank you Ted, making the “Devil's Tower Pipe” was a fun project. I look forward to hearing from your friend that you had this unusual pipe made for.
Hello Jon,
I was just browsing through your web site as I do quite often, smoking my latest J Rinaldi pipe, a terrific Volcano I purchased from you in Chicago, I suddenly felt embarrassed after I looked at your testimonial page. As a customer who has many of your wonderful pipes, and enjoy every one of them, I never expressed to you the pleasure it is to have such a nice relationship with you and Jennifer. As you know I have a large collection of pipes, many from some of the great masters. I think your pipes smoke as well if not better then most of them. I am particularly happy with the pipes that you custom made for me; you seem to read my thoughts in a design I might have in mind. I might also add that Jennifer’s pipe stands are truly a work of art; they all have prominent places in my den and office. Well my friend, I feel better now… Keep up the great work and I look forward to my next J Rinaldi pipe.
Marion Riley
Nottingham, MD.
Hi Jon,
Just a quick note to let you know I smoked the pipe I purchased from you Saturday at the Chicago Show. I only had to light it 3 times, which is the fewest I've ever had to light a new pipe, excellent smoker.
Tom Keenan
Illinois
Hello Jon,
I just had to write you to let you know how pleased I am with my latest acquisition from you. As you know I bought my first pipe from you about a year ago; it is one of the favorites in my rotation. However this new pipe is outstanding. You take great pictures but this pipe looks even better in my hand. Over the year of looking at your pipes, I must say I see such growth in your creative design; your pipes have a nice combination of materials and have a pleasing flow to them. Keep up the GREAT work. I look forward to seeing you at the Las Vegas Show.
Best Wishes,
Ned Miller
Nevada
Dear Jon,
As a collector of a few of your pipes, I thought it a good time to write you a testimonial.
I have been a pipe smoker for many years, and in that time have smoked many pipes from other very recognized artisans. Yours are defiantly my favorite. All of your pipes have a wonderful feel and balance and I love your use of materials. I always look forward to your update letters; keep them coming. I am waiting for your next bamboo shank with a sandblast!
Sincerely,
Brett Baker
Calumet, Illinois
Hello Jon,
I received the pipe yesterday. I am so pleased with the result! You were right about the grain of this beauty. It is perfect all the way around! The bird’s eye on the rim is magnificent. The pictures you sent me, could not have done this pipe justice!
I am waiting until Saturday to begin breaking her in. I have the perfect tobacco & port to enjoy. Thanks again for all of your help in designing this pipe for me.
Regards,
Robert Cummings
Saratoga, Wyoming
Dear Jon,
Thanks very much for sending out The GIANT. When it arrived, I knew it was just my speed. It's HUGE, but incredibly graceful. The long stem almost reminds me of a churchwarden, but that huge,chunky bowl is massive. This is a perfect pipe for a big guy like me.
I wanted to wait until I could sit for a while, with no interruptions, for the first smoke. I was very impressed. The pipe smoked cool and sweet from the very first puff. It's a beautiful piece of carving, and will occupy a place of honor in my collection. Even though it's large, the pipe is feather-light, and I could easily imagine smoking it all day long. It just hangs there...perfectly balanced in my mouth. My other pipe-puffing buddies are impressed, and I'm hoping that they will get in touch with you to order their own pipes.
For those of you who don't know the story, I found Jon by reading a testimonial he left on the Boswell web site. I noticed we shared the same name (only an "h" in the first name sets us apart). I dropped him a line to introduce myself, and say it's a small world that there are two pipe-loving Jo(h)n Rinaldis. We began a correspondence, and this culminated in my partner purchasing my first Jon Rinaldi pipe. It will definitely not be my last.
I'll keep my eye on your web site for new pipes, or perhaps we'll do a special piece, since you know my taste for large pipes.
Thanks for being a complete pleasure to work with, Jon. In addition to being a wonderful craftsman, you are an all-around good guy and I'm glad to know you.
With Warmest Regards,
John Rinaldi
Hello Jon,
I received my pipe and pipe rest (#012-08) as a Christmas gift from my son along with a beautiful letter. This set has a place of honor in our living room, as they are both pieces of great workmanship. I am enjoying a renewed interest in pipe smoking. Thank you for working with him to create such a memorable Christmas gift. And Jon, I was impressed with the way the pipe smoked on the first use!
William Snyder
Williston, FL
Hi Jon,
Just a quick note to let you know that I brought in the new year with that lovely pipe #0010-07 which recently arrived for my birthday. I've had nothing but fine, cool smokes from day one, and I can't be more pleased with the look and feel of this pipe. The colors and shape are so unique that it really sets itself apart. It also fits nicely in the pipe stand Jennifer sculpted #011-08. Who knew there were pipe stands out there that doubled as fine art sculptures? Together they are a wonderful combination that bring me pleasure every day. Thank you both for these wonderful works of art.
Sincerely,
Olie Sylvester
I received my new pipe today (#118-08). What a outstanding pipe and it smokes to nice and Jon thanks for The Cumberland by G.L. Pease, love it. Your site is a wonderful place to come and buy a pipe. See you again soon.
Teddy, Wilmington, DE
Dear Jon,
I received my pipe (#122-08) today and I couldn't be happier! The grain and styling are beautiful. The use of different woods something I have not seen on any other pipe.
And… This pipe feels like it was made for my hand. Simply amazing! I am relatively new to pipe collecting and smoking, but this was truly a relaxing and enjoyable pipe to smoke and hold, start to finish. I would (and will) recommend your pipes to anyone who wants something unique and truly hand crafted.
Sincerely,
Scott Snyder
Cape May, New Jersey
My first Rinaldi pipe is listed on Jon's website as a bulldog (shape). More accurately I own a mastif! The committment to craft is obvious as the construction is flawless, and the grain is stunning all the way up the bowl to the birds eye on the wide rim. Remarkably lightweight for such a large pipe.
Okay, so it's a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship, and a big burly chunky hunk of manly pipe. But how does it smoke? I ain't a pipe collector, I'm a pipe smoker. To own such a pipe and not smoke it to me would be unthinkable. No, it would be unfathomable.
It is as pleasing and satisfying to smoke as it is to look at. So far, the results have been excellent after a bit of adjustment to the way I fill so large a bowl. My hand just wants to grip that big comfortable bowl which stays invitingly warm throughout a long relaxing smoke. This was my Birthday pipe....I already have my Christmas pipe picked out!
Thanks Jon......
Gregg Moore,
Mount Vernon, WA.
Hello friends and pipe admirers,
I have got some words about Jon Rinaldi Pipes...not just to recommend Jon's pipes as nice-looking and elegant, but would like to say more…
I met Jon on his web site and asked for a pipe as a regular customer. Jon reserved-it for me and sent it oversea. I received the pipe in the best condition with a sample of tobacco. Every pipe-smoker can imagine how happy I was when touching-it for the first time. It /she is relaxing after I first smoke it.
I can and would like to recommend Jon's pipes; Jon Rinaldi Brand is easy to smoke and has friendly customer service. The same I would like to say about his wife, Jen, because she is giving a woman's charm to Jon's pipes when finishing them.
Thank You Friend And Best Regards, my pleasure to say that I am satisfied.
Pat Peacoq
Czech Republic
I buy and sell high grade pipes. Recently Jon made a large ball shape pipe for me. It is one of my favorite pipes! Jon has the skill and a love for making pipes that I believe, places him among Americas best Pipe Carvers. His use of extra high grade briar helps give his pipes a smoking quality that you will admire and remember."
Bruce Plumb, Oregon
I met Jon at the Phoenix Pipe Show before he started making his own pipes. We kept in touch. When he began making pipes, he sent me pictures. I could not resist. I am the proud owner of 3 Rinaldi Pipes! All of them works of art and great smokers too!
Sincerely,John Albrecht - Houston, Texas
Jon and I met at the Chicago Pipe Show in 2007. At that time, Jon was just beginning his odyssey into the world of pipe making. Over the summer he kept me apprised of his progress through emails & pictures. It wasn't long before I found one I couldn't live without. I am anxious to see your next sandblasted pipe!
Thanks for a wonderful smoke,Terry Brooks - Mesa, Arizona
Dear Jon,
I received the Pipe today, right on time.
My favorite tobacco came yesterday in the mail, so the timing was perfect. I could hardly wait to fill the bowl.
I was not disappointed. The feel of that pipe in my hand is the perfect end to my day.
Please put me on your mailing list.
I look forward to seeing your next pipes.