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About my grading system - how and why - Winslow · PDF filePOUL WINSLOW About my grading system ... smoker a way to choose his pipe ... Flame grain – minor sandpits may occur Group

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Page 1: About my grading system - how and why - Winslow · PDF filePOUL WINSLOW About my grading system ... smoker a way to choose his pipe ... Flame grain – minor sandpits may occur Group

POUL WINSLOWAbout my grading system - how and why

It’s not an easy job to make the final grading of a pipe. A large number ofdetails 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 thesmoker a way to choose his pipe – but more as a system for the retailerto 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 gradings only has to do with the density and patternof the grain of the briar (and the appearance of sandpits) the chosenfinish, and what kind of applications in terms of rings and the like I haveused, if any at all.This also means that no matter which Winslow pipe you may choose youwill always be certain that you get a great smoker.

So rest in peace and let your hart and valet decide on your next Winslowpipe.

Sorting and gradingWhen 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 dividethe blocks in the two groups further.

These two groups (and their sub-groups) of briar will all becomehandmade pipes in one of my two main categories: “The CROWN ofDenmark” and the “Winslow Handmade”.Now – this is where I must clear out any misunderstanding: There are thesame amount of “hand work” in every pipe from my workshop and a“Winslow Handmade” is not “more handmade” then a “Crown ofDenmark”.

Page 2: About my grading system - how and why - Winslow · PDF filePOUL WINSLOW About my grading system ... smoker a way to choose his pipe ... Flame grain – minor sandpits may occur Group

Winslow HandmadeThe “Winslow Handmade” pipes come from the pile with the very bestbriar 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 higherprice.The pipes in this group will often need more time and attention since theyfor the most are fitted with silver ferules and other kind of decoration.

The Winslow Handmade are divided into the following groups from lowestto 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 jewelry

CROWN of DenmarkThe bigger pile of blocks is turned into handmade pipes under the brand“CROWN of Denmark”. They are as great smokers as the “WinslowHandmade” and as well designed, but with no rings or other kind ofapplications. The grains will not be as dense and precise but stillsurprisingly good - I have very good suppliers of Briar....

The “Crown of Denmark” pipes are divided into the following groups fromlowest to highest grading:

VIKINGCrown 200Crown 300Crown Collector

Thank you for your timePoul Winslow