My 1st Hardcastle pipe & my Blakemar Briars Collection

Check out these 2 great YTPC fellows:
Piper X1X • A bit more in depth fr...
Trucking Piper Bob • Hardcastles estate cle...
BLAKEMAR Briars blakemar.co.uk/about/history/

[@jacquesjoubert6793]

Beautiful Hardcastle pipe

[@oldandintheway1955]

Many thanks, I appreciate you dropping by and commenting. Have a wonderful weekend! Serene smokes

[@brianquilty687]

Nice Blakemar pipes Gary .... thanks for sharing.

[@oldandintheway1955]

Cheers Brian, they definitely have a special place in my rotation. I love the history and the fact that the 3 carvers are family. 134 years in business.

[@Stillypapabear]

Enjoyed the video Gary. The Blakemar pipes look nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@oldandintheway1955]

My pleasure Gary, thank you for stopping by, much appreciated. I do love my Blakemar pipe rotation, great value for the $

[@ThePipeSmokingKnifeMaker]

It's awfully easy to get drawn in to a pipe someone else brags on 😂 I enjoyed seeing ur blakemore pipes 👍

[@oldandintheway1955]

You are correct! Those 2 fellas got me going. I'm glad I got the Hardcastle; it only took a slight nudge.😉 Blakemar makes a fantastic pipe, especially for the money. Thanks for dropping by buddy! FEED the PAD Enjoy yer weekend.

[@progresspiper]

What a beautiful Hardcastle. I have been looking at straight pots lately. Thanks for sharing your collection of Blakemars. I was smoking my Blakemar as I watched. You can't go wrong with a Blakemar!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thanks Mick, it is a super nice Pot, perfect for flakes and Virginia forward blends. You are so correct, you can't go wrong with a Blakemar. Nice to hear from you buddy, take care.

[@gumbytheonetheonly9089]

Happy Birthday !!! And many more ... great looking pipe ... may u have many pleasant smokes .... I like your pipe stand too !!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you for stopping by and your kind words, very much appreciated. I made the stand from some left over home project pieces. Serene smokes!

[@The-man-with-the-many-pipes]

Hello! Congrates on the new pipe,thanks for sharing. Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹 👋 🔥☁️☁️

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you for watching and your kind words my friend. My pleasure to share those well crafted, venerable pipes with you. Sublime piping!

[@pipetobak]

Beautiful Hardcastle Gary, I would pick that one too. Nice collection of Blakemar pipes. Have a pleasant weekend, Janez

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Janez. It smokes like a champion and it feels good in the hand as well. Blakemar pipes occupy a very special place in my pipe rotation. A very pleasant weekend to you too my friend.

[@PeacePipeMan]

Happy Belated Birthday! What a great price point for Blackmar pipes. They are definitely gorgeous! I’m glad you’re enjoying HOTW. Cheers & have a wonderful weekend. Art

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Art, 69 for me this month. Blakemar Briars are wonderful pipes and a great deal for the $. 134 years in business and only 3 carvers, all from the same family. How cool is that! I'm loving the HOTW. I'll do my very best to keep my hands off of the cellered jar!! Have a super weekend my friend and happy piping!

[@TheBalconyPiper]

Hope you enjoy your new beautiful English delight in great health Gary. I got my first Blakemar a couple of years back and it is smoking great. I got the small pot after reading that Mike had made one for the TV series the peaky blinders. It was great to see you again!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hello my friend, so good to hear from you! I hope all is well with you and yours. I do love my Blakemar rotation, 9 down and a few more to go; that's the plan. I do really like the Pot shape; it handles flakes and Virginia forward blends with ease. Those TV folks knew what they were doing when they hired Mike to provide the pipe for the Peaky Blinders series! I hope you have a very pleasant weekend. Serene smokes

[@dalepiper6693]

Well done for acquiring one of the last available Hardcastle…and a fine Pot it is. Great selection of Blakemar..in my opinion one of the best reasonably priced pipes out there. Best wishes and happy smokes my friend.

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you John, I am so glad I picked up a Hardcastle, it smokes like a champion. I'll continue to search for older models; this won't be the first & last Hardcastle for me. Thanks to you, good sir, I bought my first Blakemar Briar, then 8 more and counting. FEED the PAD!!! I hope you have a pleasant weekend, serene smokes.

[@RedcoatsReturn]

A wonderful pipe Gary 😊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Great value and good smokers too 😊👍👍 Enjoy pleasant smokes my’ol mate 😉💨💨💨

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Lester mate, agreed, I am very pleased with the Hardcastle pipe. I'll be keeping an eye out for more. FEED the PAD! I hope you have a very pleasant weekend my dear ol' mate.

[@ParsimoniousPiper]

Some very nice pieces there Gary. I hear nothing but praise for both marques.

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Ethan. I've been looking for older Hardcastle's. The most numerous and best finds are located in the UK and shipping adds appreciably to the overall cost. The search continues though. I really enjoy and appreciate the Blakemar pipes I own and the history of the company is fascinating. 134 years in business and only 3 carvers, all from the same family. That is fantastic legacy, session planning!!

[@CurmudgeonPiper]

Very nice, Gary! That’s a beautiful pipe! All the best!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Doug, My raging PAD really kicked in gear and I'm glad it did. Always good to hear from you buddy.

[@thepipesmokingbeekeeper8917]

Hi Gary Lovely pipe and the tobacco sounds tasty Enjoy my friend and have a great weekend

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Terry mate. I'm very pleased with the Hardcastle and Rattray's blends are so very tasty and well crafted. I hope you have a very pleasant weekend my friend.

[@Nighttrainpiper]

Excellent pipes, Gary. At the Blakemar page, I fell in love with a calabash.

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Scott, yes, it is so easy to fall in love with a Blakemar pipe!!!

[@Nighttrainpiper]

@@oldandintheway1955 and I just went ahead and ordered it! Thanks for the head's up on that pipe, I am excited.

[@oldandintheway1955]

I hope you love it Scott, looking forward to its debut.

[@strollandabowl]

Thanks for sharing. What a great collection of pipes. Always special with a new pipe too, enjoy!

[@oldandintheway1955]

My pleasure, thanks for watching and you kind words, they are much appreciated.

[@paterlehnert3929]

Thank you for the video! Enjoyed the pipes and blend! I’m trying to open up my video rotation and enjoyed your video. Be Well!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you for watching and commenting, your kind words are appreciated.

[@ericthebluecollarpipesmoke3656]

Gary I love that Hardcastle! Gorgeous pipe! I have a nice collection of Blakemars too! I consider his pipes to be one of the best kept secrets in the pipe world. The quality of pipe for the price is a steal!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Eric, I just had to have a Hardcastle, a venerable Yorkshire company. I agree with you wholeheartedly regarding Blakemar pipes, a high level pipe at a very reasonable price. I'm glad he updated his website, so much easier to order more pipes!!! FEED the PAD. Thanks for stopping by buddy.

[@jbafternoonpiper404]

Congrats on the new pipe Gary. It looks good on you.

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thanks Jerry! I'll see yas tonight at Arlington. Bring the Granger and I'll bring my asbestos lined pipe. 😉

[@jbafternoonpiper404]

@@oldandintheway1955 U got it.🤢

[@4one6Piper]

Happy belated birthday Gary! Some beautiful pipes! Will have to check out the website. Hope you and family are all doing well! 🍻💨💨

[@oldandintheway1955]

There he is! Hiyas Jorge, I hope you and yours are doing great. We are good here, enjoying a somewhat mild winter. Thanks for stopping by buddy, always nice to hear from you. Blakemar Briars is a fantastic option for feeding your PAD!!!!!!

[@PolyporePiper]

Wonderful video, Gary! Now you've got me looking at Hardcastles. And such a treat to see all those beautiful Blakemars. I've been meaning to get one over the past couple years but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Soon!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hahaha FEED the PAD! I'm very happy that I picked up the Hardcastle; it smokes like a champion and I do like the Pot shape. It handles flakes and Virginia forward blends with ease. I highly recommend checking out Blakemar; his pipes are superb and a great deal for the money £

[@DryFlyFisher11]

Gary! Beautiful new pipe, and a wonderful collection of Blakemar pipes! I have to admit, I found myself on the Blakemar and my smoking shop websites a little too quick, even more so because I’ve told myself “no more pipes”! It’s contagious this PAD I tell ya. I have found Rattary’s Red Rapparee really good as well. Cheers! Alex

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hiyas Alex, The Hardcastle smokes like a champion. £33.00 + shipping. I do love my Blakemar pipes; great pipes for the $$. Founded in 1890 and only 3 carvers, all family. FEED the PAD. I too love Red Rapparee and Black Mallory, Stirling, Marlin & Wallace Flakes. 😉 Take Care my friend, serene smokes!

[@timberdrifter8225]

Fantastic accumulation of British smoking instruments

[@oldandintheway1955]

Cheers TD, I do have a soft spot in my heart and pipe rotation for 'em. Blakemar never fails to satisfy. Ta for stopping by and commenting, much appreciated.

[@Mastiffpiper]

Really nice pipes from blakemar. The hardcastle looks like a great smoker. I’m definitely a fan of Rattrays blends always try to keep stock in them. Have a good one.

[@oldandintheway1955]

My Blakemar pipes hold a very special place in my pipe rotation. FEED the PAD!! The inaugural Hardcastle smoke was great, it performed like a champion. A Rattray's blend, Accountant's Mixture, was my very first non-codger blend back in 1972; it blew me away, never tasted anything like it before. "Wow Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore" have a great weekend.

[@crazy-legged-piper]

Good afternoon Gary. Wishing you an early 'Happy Birthday'. That Hardcastle makes a fine gift from your wife, I've not smoked one but, like you I hear only good things. I do have a couple of Blakemar's. One is an Aristocrat Pot, made by Mike and, a much older pipe made by his uncle. I adore them both, they're such unbelievable value and quality. I will no doubt get more. Thanks for sharing your collection with us. Take care.

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hiyas Jamie, I'm so glad that Jonathan's and Bob's various videos nudged me into picking up a Hardcastle. It is a champion smoker and a great value. I understand that the new ones aren't at the same level as the older ones, but I'm pleased none the less. Very cool that you've got a Blakemar made by Mike's uncle Richard. Perhaps you could showcase it on one of your videos, if you haven't already done so. Thanks for watching and commenting, always appreciated. Have a very pleasant weekend!!

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Morning 😊 Happy Belated birthday Mate 🎂Beautiful Pipes 😍 Thanks for showing and sharing 👏🏼👏🏼 Have a great weekend & Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Yusuf!! My pleasure, they definitely have a special place in my pipe rotation. Have a super weekend my friend.

[@J-DSPIPEDREAMS]

great pipe and we love Rattrays bacci, we did a week long review on there blends. Thank you have a good night.

[@oldandintheway1955]

So many great Rattray's blends! Impossible for me to pick a favorite. Thank you for stopping by and your kind words. have a great weekend.

[@tonynapoli5549]

Definitely nice pipes I had the pleasure of meeting Mike at his work shop , an eye opener purchased two pipes the Matador and a Aristocrat. Price wise can’t beat it , beautiful briar pipes , and yes I’m only 45 minute drive to his shop. A true craftsman.

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you for dropping by Tony. I must say that I am extremely jealous that you live that close to Mike's shop. Of course if I did live that close; I'd probably be broke, or beaten to a pulp by my darling wife. All joking aside his craftsmanship is incredible and his prices are very reasonable. Great value for the $ or £ Serene smokes, Gary

[@tonynapoli5549]

@@oldandintheway1955 Mike same here it’s an addiction I’ve got more pipes that I can smoke but everyone is different. Yes Mike is a true craftsman and every pipe is unique. Keeping piping mate 👌👌

[@tonynapoli5549]

Apologies ment to say Gary 👍

[@SouthAlabamaPiper]

Great looking Hardcastle, and nice blakemars pipes

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you, and thanks for stopping by, much appreciated. They are both well crafted and reasonably priced. Blakemar's history is an interesting read as well. 134 years in business and only 3 carvers, all from the same family.

[@PiperX1X]

Evening Gary, hope you enjoy the Hardcastles as much as I do and note I said Hardcastles and not Hardcastle because you just may start to like them as much as I do! Some lovely Blakemar’s you have there too. Well I’ve done next to nowt today, I knew yesterday what was coming which was spasms and pain down my leg. I look an old fart as it is and I’m now moving like one too! but this is the key to try and keep moving otherwise it just gets worse. Glad you like the Hardcastle pot, I have the same one. Enjoy your weekend whatever you’re doing.

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hiyas Jonathan, If all my bowls are as good as my first one; I'll be one happy piper. It was a grand smoke indeed. You are so right to keep moving about, even though it's painful, its still better for you than staying still. Man, I hope the pain eases off soon for yas. Take Care and I hope yer weekend is pleasant in spite of your back. I've got a Chicago Pipe Club, monthly meeting tonight to attend. That's my Saturday evening.

[@PiperX1X]

@@oldandintheway1955 sounds a perfect Saturday evening to me, enjoy

[@TruckinPiperBob]

Morning Gary, Hardcastle wonderful, it is also a great Yorkshire name from medieval times around the Harrogate area 😊. Another reason for me liking the pipes 😉. So nice to see your Blakemar pipes truly an excellent pipe maker the two I’ve got smoke superb, one I won in the raffle at the pipe show and the other is the gifted one from Bigsmokephill the peaky blinders pipe. Really liking the Cairngorm and the lumberman, and we will be trying to get that visit in to blakemars this year, have a great weekend Gary

[@oldandintheway1955]

Good Morning Bob, thank you and Jonathan for nudging me to pick up a Hardcastle, it won't be the last one if I can help it. Regarding Blakemar's both the Cairngorm and Lumberman are stellar pipes. I saw on the PCoL site that the members have a date lined up to visit Blakemar; I'm beyond jealous. I'd be skint if I lived within 100 miles of Billington's shop so it goes. Have a super weekend pal, thanks for stopping by.

[@TruckinPiperBob]

@@oldandintheway1955 my pleasure, the old estate hardcastles are truly superb, look for British made stamping if you can pre WW2, family era before dunhill got involved

[@edwardhobbs5741]

Beautiful Hardcastle! I'm starting to really love Hardcastle after Willie gifted me one. Blakemar pipes are handsome looking. I especially like the Zulu and the bullcap. You have a great week Gary 😊

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hiyas Edward, The Hardcastle's inaugural smoke was great, it got a little warm but not hot, even though Hal O' the Wynd has a good % of Virginia in it. I do like the Pot shape as well, it handles Flakes and Virginia's with ease. I thought you'd appreciate Blakemar's Zulu, it's a smashing looker and smokes like a champion. The Bullcap is a great featherweight, perfect for stronger tobaccos. Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your Sunday.

[@chillaxe9603]

Very nice, a belated Happy Birthday 🎂 enjoy your new pipe and love the Blakemars

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Chill, much appreciated. Mike Billington makes a fantastic pipe, 9 down and a few more to go! Feed the PAD

[@PipeAndAPour]

Awesome! Appreciate the heads-up on Blakemar Briars - I’m checking out their site now! And I do like that Hardcastle too! Great call on the Hal O’ The Wynd too - of course! Cheers to you sir!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you for watching and your kind comments Donnie, much appreciated. I just happen to like everything about the Blakemar Briar brand, from the unique history of the family owned company; to the lovely pipes that Mike Billington crafts by hand. IMHO you will not find a better new pipe for the money. The Hardcastle performed beautifully on its maiden smoke; it warmed up but never approached hot; even though HOTW has a healthy % of Virginia in it. Serene smokes!

[@TamperJim]

Congrats on giving the Hardcastle a good home, Gary. That's a great looking pipe. So too are the Blakemars. It would be an awful thing to have to pick just one out of the collection; good thing you don't have to. Hope they give you many pleasant smokes. Take care my friend. - Jim

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hiyas Jim, thanks for watching and commenting my friend, its always a pleasure to hear from you. For me, Blakemar Briars offers a nice variety of beautiful, well crafted pipes and a 134 year company history with only 3 carvers!! Amazing. I'm very pleased with the Hardcastle; its inaugural smoke was excellent. It got a little warm but not hot, even with HOTW packed in it. Take Care and serene smokes! Gary

[@backcountrypipe]

Great video Gary. Very nice Hardcastle pipe, I am looking forward to mine arriving also. Problem will be deciding what to smoke in it. Great pipe collection also, I have not heard of that pipe maker, but will certainly check them out. Happy Birthday Regards Mark

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Mark, much appreciated. I had a wonderful inaugural smoke in the Hardcastle. It's definitely a keeper. Blakemar Briars is truly a fantastic shop IMHO; if I lived anywhere nearby it; I'd be broke. It's worthy of a looksee and maybe there's a trusty Blakemar in your future. Feed the PAD. Serene smokes my friend.

[@rpmartin93]

Well thanks to this I found myself on the Blakemar Briars website and I may have a new filtered Pot on the way across the pond. 😮

[@oldandintheway1955]

Excellent decision and choice of pipe. I hope you love it and it serves you well for many years. Thanks for dropping by, much appreciated. Serene smokes

[@b-dogpiper1499]

Thanks for sharing, Gary. Nice collection. I’m going to take a look at them. Happy smokes!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thanks for dropping by and the kind words, much appreciated. Blakemar pipes are great smoking machine and an excellent value.

[@Gspitaletti]

Nice collection, i do have 2 blakes as well. Regarding to the blends Its really good true, but i put aside a some for aging to see how would taste in a few years. Time capsule Gary Have a great weekend

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Giulliano, I do love my Blakemar pipes. I think those Rattray blends will age wonderfully. I always have a problem keeping my hands off them. 😉 I have to hide them.......

[@13pipes]

Beautiful pipe! I’ve got 4 hardcastles, love them all, one of them is a clay, a “twin billiard” present fromStonehenge Minstrel, a bulldog and of course I have a pot too! 😄 I’ve yet to get a Blakemar briar! Enjoy your smokes!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you my friend! I don't know why it took me so long to pick one up; I'm very happy that I did. Better late than never. I reckon that clay Hardcastle must be a rarity. Have you showcased it on a video? I would very definitely check out Mike's pipes; they are a great value and so well crafted. 134 years in business and only 3 carvers, all from the same family. Wonderful history. I hope you have a very pleasant weekend, sublime smokes, Gary

[@13pipes]

@@oldandintheway1955 Yes I did a video on that Clay Hardcastle… it was called “the driest smoke you can get” and that’s the absolute truth. They sell them at MSShop for £8😄

[@oldandintheway1955]

Yes! I posted a comment on that video. It just didn't register with me that the clay you had was a Hardcastle. Well, I was planning to revisit MSShop anyway, now I must also add another clay to my rotation. They are wonderful pipes to smoke. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@SmokingCardboard]

Nice pipes Gary, great to see you. happy smokes!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thanks for stopping by Steve, always a pleasure to hear from you.

[@s.m.r.1202]

Now you've gone and done it!! My PAD is kicking in big time. 😂 Beautiful Hardcastle! And those Blakemar pipes are so good. Do you know if he makes filter versions? It was nice spending time with you, Gary. Have an awesome Saturday. 😊

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hahaha, I know the feeling. Bob and Jonathan really got me going on the Hardcastle. FEED the PAD!!!!! Mike Billington does make filtered pipes as well. They are well crafted and a great deal for the money. Thanks for stopping by bro, I always enjoy hearing from you. Have a great weekend!

[@Smartiebob317]

Great looking pipe. Is it a cure for PAD? Inquiring minds 🧠 want to know. 💨💨 Happy Birthday in advance.

[@wrkane]

Beautiful Hardcastle and I really appreciate you sharing your Blakemars, I hope to get one. I'm particularly blown away by his ring grain free hands 😊

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you William, my pleasure. I absolutely love all of my Blakemars, so well crafted and they smoke like a dream. Feed the PAD!!

[@jespiping]

Heya Gary! Nice Hardcastle, the info behind it is interesting as well. Great collection ya got there, if I had to choose it'd be the deluxe Bullcap is it? I think I heard Bullcap. First I've learned of this shape in my piping journey infancy. I find the Prince to be an attractive looking shape at the moment and that is very close in my eye. Happy almost Birthday 😄👍 take care

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Jesse, it is a very nice pipe. Yes, Mike Billington calls that style a Bullcap. It is an excellent lightweight clencher. It is a very close cousin of a Prince style. Typically a Prince will have a slightly bent stem. Mike does also makes Prince pipes. Almost 69 😉

[@dominiksapper5807]

Hello Gary! Wonderful new Hardcastle,want to buy some of them too! Great Blakemare Briar collection👍! Thank's for sharing! Have a nice weekend, Dominik👍🤝

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Dominik, I'm very pleased with the Hardcastle, a very good value as well. Blakemar Briar pipes hold a very special spot in my pipe rotation. I appreciate you watching and commenting my friend, I hope you have a very pleasant weekend.

[@BBPotluck]

Hi Gary, wonderful video! You have piqued my interest with the Blakermar Briar Pipes. Now comes the hard part, trying to find just one to order! Cheers!

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hahaha, I'm pleased to bring Blakemar to your attention. Mike makes a great pipe and for the $, it's a super value IMHO I know the feeling, which one do I buy? That's why I'm up to 9 Blakemar's 😊 Thanks for dropping by, much appreciated.

[@pipesofold8066]

Now you have infected me. How much was shipping to the states? I have my eye on a couple. Thanks. Pipe On

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hahahaha FEED the PAD!! So, the butchers bill: pipe=£33.00 ($41.60) + £15.00 ($19.00) shipping total £ 47.98 ($60.46) buy 2 or 3 and save on shipping! 😉 Shipping has nearly doubled, it used to be £ 8.00 His pipes are worth every penny IMHO

[@pipesofold8066]

@@oldandintheway1955 thanks. Much appreciated

[@pipesofold8066]

I hope you are happy now. I hope to be. I ordered a super grain Zulu. I will do a video when I get it. Pipe On

[@oldandintheway1955]

Hahaha.. I hope you love it Paul!! The Zulu shape is very handsome; mine smokes like a champion as well. I look forward to watching that Zulu unboxing!