Review of Tsuge Thunderstorm tobacco pipe

Review of Tsuge Thunderstorm tobacco pipe.

The Tsuge Thunderstorm is unusual. (see photos on SP) It features a sliding/rotating metal (brass?) housing to shield against wind, as well as a metal rim guard to protect against char in a breezy environment. I do most of my smoking outside, so this appealed to me. Plus, it matches my brass tamper and Zippo pipe lighter. By the way, I contemplated getting this pipe for more than a year but held off in part because of price and lack of online reviews. I found it on sale and took the plunge. Also, lack of online reviews persuaded me to provide a video overview (a thing I've never done before). My conclusion after two weeks of daily smoking is that it's well made and smokes as nicely as any of my pipes for its designated purpose, which is Virginias. For an English, I'd prefer a wider chamber.

Measurements & Other Details
Length: 5.66 in./143.76 mm.
Weight: 1.20 oz./34.02 g.
Bowl Height: 1.74 in./44.20 mm.
Chamber Depth: 1.49 in./37.85 mm.
Chamber Diameter: 0.63 in./16.00 mm.
Outside Diameter: 1.21 in./30.73 mm.
Stem Material: Vulcanite
Filter: None
Shape: Poker
Finish: Other
Material: Briar
Country: Japan
Drilling/Pipe Cleaner Test: Very little whistle. Perfectly centered drilling.


Ergonomics/Weight I don't clench. The pipe is on the smaller side, perfect for a 25-35 minute smoke. The draw is unnoticeably fine.


Overall: I'm very satisfied with it's make, feel, and smoking. It gets a little warm if smoking too quickly, but mostly I smoke Virginias slowly.