I first heard the mention of a pipe maker named Freddy Prieto, as well as many others from one of the Dagner's YouTube videos and when they drop names, I try to remember them so that I can see what they are all about. Well, since I started this new hobby back in August and began to get on Instagram a little more, that is when I started to see more photos of Freddy Prieto's pipes who lives in Visalia, California.
Mr. Prieto has an Etsy site (http://www.etsy.com/shop/freddyprietopipes) which showcases pipes he has sold in the past, but good luck finding anything new there because he's been posting his new pipes for sale on IG. Once it's posted, it's practically gone in minutes. It's a fantastic way of selling your merchandise because your customers are usually on IG where the pipe community is strong. I'm sure they're on Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook as well, but IG is my favorite social media site. Well, the bad part would be if you, as a potential customer, is at work, asleep, or just not on IG when the post is made by Freddy. This has happened to me a few times where I see one of his pipes and it's already sold...but not this time!
When I saw this Short Stubby Cutty, I sent my email as a potential buyer. About a half hour had passed and I hadn't received a response. I checked IG and someone had posted a comment about its availability and Freddy responded that it hasn't sold yet. I was like, "what!?". I know I sent an email but it must have been lost in the ether. I posted my comment indicating that I too had sent an email and before you know it, the email from him rolled in and I was the lucky buyer! I was stoked! Not only was it going to by my 1st Freddy Prieto pipe, but it would be my very 1st cutty! PayPal payment was sent and the pipe was on its way to me within days!
Now that the package arrived, I decided to make a YABO video on Vimeo. This would be my very first YABO and only my second video related to pipes. Freddy included a box note on the box flap thanking me for the purchase and to enjoy the pipe!
The pipe came with a pipe sock made of thin canvas material with his unique "FP" initials in the lower right-hand corner. Now this pipe is such a neat little booger...a nose warmer for sure! It measures 1-5/8" tall, 3-3/4" long, and has a 7/8" bowl. His signature rustication is just awesome and reminds me of a pinecone. It has a cumberland stem that is just beautiful. The button slot is perfect and the mortise & tenon fit is also perfect. His initials are etched at the bottom of the shank with the lucky number 13 as well. Now that is just fitting...I guess this number is lucky for sure! I chose to crack a new tin of Escudo to break in this little fella and although it isn't my favorite baccy, it smoked quite well--smokes better in the end. Freddy has created a wonderful pipe that smokes like a dream! I know, that saying is used quite often but describes the experience perfectly :)
I would highly recommend a Freddy Prieto pipe to all. Get one when the opportunity arises--you won't be disappointed! Take care and keep on keepin' on!! Sweet smokes my friends...sweet smokes :D