The Volcano shape....Love? Hate?

[juanmedusa]

I've seen many that I think are outstanding. Really artistic, almost statement pieces. That said, any time I have enough money to shop for a handmade or high grade I absolutely never consider a volcano. I voted neutral.

 

[alfredo_buscatti]

I used to love the concave volcano, stopped loving them, and now they're just ok. I prefer them if they're crossed with a poker, that is straight, sloping sides. Ah hell, I just like beautiful pipes!

 

[Zeno Marx]

I don't hate it - I just don't much like it either.

I feel the same.  It's certainly not a shape I'd seek.  There are a couple of makers with finishes that compliment the shape, and those are the best of the volcanoes to my eyes.  I like those makers' finishes, though.  The shape still pulls me away from the pipe despite the compliments.  Having said this, I do like a couple of volcano derivatives, specifically those that come out of Italy.

*I should add that I'm almost never attracted to Danish pipe archetypes.