Savinelli Italian Tobacco Smoking Pipes, Tortuga Smooth 614

The Savinelli Tortuga 614 is a smooth smoker in an elegant package. The fire proof cap prevents ash or tobacco from spilling out when you smoke half a bowl and put the pipe in your pocket. The pipe is light and easy to carry in your mouth, and the shape of the bowl is pleasant to hold in your hand. The balsa filter system works well and stops any wayward bits of tobacco or ash being drawn up through the stem.

I want to start by saying I have several Savinelli pipes and have never had an issue with any others. This is a beautiful pipe that the pictures do not do justice to. When I took it out of the box and removed the bowl cap I instantly saw a small defect in the top of the bowl. It looked like it was hit by a high speed sanding tool/wheel or something of that sort. It was blackened a bit that to me indicated it got hot. I knew this would not affect how it smokes so I kept the pipe. I know these pipes are inspected prior to leaving the factory in Italy so I do not know how their quality control inspector missed this as it stood out immediately to me. I smoked it that night and it smokes fine. It is comfortable hanging as it does and instantly became one of my favorites. I liked it so much I may never buy another pipe style other than this again. I took several pictures before smoking it and one picture after I smoked it to show what the defect looked like before and after smoking. I deducted two stars from the rating: one for the actual defect and one for the quality control inspector not catching this. I expect better from Savinelli.

I have enjoyed this for over 30 uses and it has only improved in my experience.

I was a little hesitant at the price but then it is a Savanelli and they are fantastic smoking and beautifully made. It takes a while to break it in and you cant rush it. Be patient! It will be a freind for life.