Recent content by Schmitzbitz

Agreed. The wife and I have watched the first two or three seasons of so many series now...and it's made even worse for us as when we get that "Available on DVD" message we are completely hooped - Netflix doesn't offer DVD service in Canada. Another one that frustrates me to no end is when they...

The way I repair a cracked shank is quite easy, and requires minimal tools. You will need a center-punch (a pair of fine needlenosed pliers will work here too), bottle of Crazy-Glue, toothpick, and if you choose to use one, a band. Insert the center-punch (or closed pliers) into the mortise to...

Mr. Steve Laug; pipe restorer extrordinaire and keeper of the briar for the Vancouver Pipe Club has recently launched a blog on the restoration process that is well worth a look. Reborn Pipes by Steve Laug

I'll attest to the quality of the four NYPC blends; I was fortunate enough to receive samples of each from Bill prior to the Chicago show - and have to admit to calling up Russ to pre-order healthy amounts of both the Bedloe' Island and Hells Kitchen Balkan. Another, very surpising straight...

Excellent review on one of my all time favourite tobaccos. Might I suggest you check out another of the Hermit offerings, Stimulus Package - I find that it offers an even deeper, richer "low-end" if you will than Ten Russians; very satisfying!

You are certainly correct about that - just like it's taxes that are artificially inflating gas prices for everyone. Certainly in Europe and Australia we are paying more taxes than in Canada, and this is due to the decisions made by our (supposedly representative) elected officials - but it...

You guys have it pretty darned good south of the 49th in my book. I rushed out to fill up last night on cheap gas at $1.359 per litre ($5.144/gallon); thereby avoiding todays jump to $1.421/l ($5.479/gallon) that hit Vancouver, British Columbia (prices for regular).

Duty varies province to province, and is based on weight and value of the product. For example, a 2oz tin with a declared value of $8.00 shipped into British Columbia requires a total of $17 duty. Of course, the same tin would sell at my local B&M (City Cigar, Vancouver, B.C.) for somewhere...

I've always heard that the Bulldog shape resembles a bulldog's (dog) head when viewed from (pardon the pun) head on. Rhodesians, I assume, have been given the name to differentiate between the shank and stem cut (taper vs. saddle); but what do I know? I know I like 'em, my favourite shape after...

I found this on the Brigham website regarding the move of manufacturing to Italy: The Brigham Filter System has always been a key feature of the traditional Brigham pipe. Another hallmark of ours, however, is providing a product for every budget. To achieve this, the Brigham System pipe was...

A little late to the game on this one, but I'll toss another vote in the "Brigham Corner". Although many people note that the newer Italian manufactured Brig's don't smoke as well as the old Canadian made ones (discernable at a glance by the tenon material - newer pipes are delrylin, while the...

One of my university professors (BSc. - Food Sciences) was fond of the phrase "You can't have flavour without taste..."; of course, he would usually follow this with, "...and you sir, have none!". A fun experiment to find out how well your tongue works - well, not so fun, but this thread...

A couple more blends that might be of interest to you. On the VaPer (with a twist) front, I very highly recommend the new New York Pipe Club / Habana Premium Cigar Co. (Pipes&Cigars) Bedlow Island blend. A wonderfully bright Virginia blend, tamed with a pinch of Perique, Russ Oulette and the...

When I'm craving Penzance and can't get my hands on any, I turn to Seattle Pipe Club Plum Pudding (available through P&C); although I do find it a touch sweeter, and more complex by leaps and bounds.

My better-half doesn't complain so much about the room-note (unless I'm smoking a Latakia bomb ala 10 Russians), but rather about the latent smell of smoke clinging to my moustache. The only exception to this rule seems to be when I'm smoking an aromatic, she doesn't mind the lingering wiff of...