POUL
WINSLØW
About my grading system - how and
why
It’s not an easy job to make the final grading of a
pipe. A large number of details determine in which group the pipe will fit into,
and you must know, that the grading system is not made with the purpose of
giving the smoker a way to choose his pipe – but more as a system for the
retailer to organize his inventory after.
I have one overall role that applies to all
of my pipes
- from the lowest to the highest grade:
They all have equal smoking capabilities
–
and always only the best!
This means that my grading only has to do with the
density and pattern of the grain of the briar (and the appearance of sandpits)
the chosen finish, and what kind of applications in terms of rings and the like
I have used, if any at all.
This also means that no matter which Winsløw pipe you
may choose you will always be certain that you get a great smoker.
So rest in peace and let your hart and valet decide
on your next Winsløw pipe.
Sorting and grading
When I get a
load of briar I spend a long time sorting the blocks. I start by sorting into
two piles and after the first round I will sub divide the blocks in the two
groups further.
These two groups (and their sub-groups) of briar will
all become handmade pipes in one of my two main categories: “The CROWN of
Denmark” and the “Winsløw Handmade”.
Now – this is where I must clear out any
misunderstanding: There are the same amount of “hand work” in every
pipe from my workshop and a “Winslow Handmade” is not “more handmade”
then a “Crown of Denmark”.
Winsløw Handmade
The “Winsløw
Handmade” pipes come from the pile with the very best briar blocks in terms
of grain, density of pattern and less pits. This pile is clearly the smallest of
the two, so that alone calls for a higher price.
The pipes in this group will often need more time and
attention since they for the most are fitted with silver ferules and other kind
of decoration. The Winsløw Handmade are divided into the following groups from
lowest to highest grading:
Group E:
Mostly sandblast or
full/partly rusticated.
Smoking capabilities equals my highest grade
Group D:
Flame grain – minor
sandpits may occur
Group C:
Good Flame grain –
minor sandpits may occur
Group B:
Good Flame grain and
Straight grain – minor sandpits may occur
Group A:
Almost perfect
Straight grain
Private Collection:
Perfect
Straight grain
Unique:
Perfect Straight grain
with specially made Gold ornaments or jewels
CROWN of Denmark
The bigger pile
of blocks is turned into handmade pipes under the brand “CROWN of
Denmark”. They are as great smokers as the “Winslow Handmade” and
as well designed, but with no rings or other kind of applications. The grains
will not be as dense and precise but still Surprisingly good - I have very good
suppliers of Briar....
The “Crown of Denmark” pipes are divided
into the following groups from lowest to highest grading:
VIKING
Crown 200
Crown 300
Crown Collector
Thank you for your time
Poul
Winsløw
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