What are "basket" pipes and are they any good?
Many pipe shops offer entry-level pipes for those who are new to the hobby or who simply want an inexpensive option. These low-cost pipes are typically displayed in a bin or basket through which the customer must rummage. Hence the name, "basket" pipes.
Typically, basket pipes are lower quality pipes made from inferior briar or which have minor flaws in craftsmanship. These pipes are often "seconds," which are pipes made by well-known companies but which didn't qualify to bear the company name or logo (that's why many basket pipes are unidentified by any markings).
In the eyes of many smokers, these pipes should be avoided like the plague. But as with many things, a more balanced assessment may be helpful. If you need a pipe for utilitarian purposes, they can provide a cost effective alternative to more expensive pipes. While things like drilling precision and design aesthetics may be lacking, basket pipes usually function acceptably well if you're just looking for a pipe that you don't have to worry about if it gets damaged or lost.
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