Fe.Ro Walnut Smooth Bulldog/Apple/Prince
Central Italian briar from the Tuscany region is used exclusively in the fe.ro pipe production of this Fe.Ro Walnut Smooth Bulldog/Apple/Prince. This high-grade briar, recognized for its rich grain, is put through an elaborate aging, manufacturing and production process. The combination of quality and looks delivers a superior product, resulting in a sweeter, dryer, and better smoking pipe.
- Length 6″
- Bowl Height 1 3/4″
- Bowl Width Outside 1 1/4″
- Bowl Width Inside 3/4″ (all sizes approximate)
- Length 5 1/2″
Features Include:
- Smooth Walnut Gloss Finish
- Ebonite Mouthpiece
- 6mm Filter Ready
- Carbonized Bowl
- Medium size
BREAKING IN A WOOD PIPE
The following are some break-in and maintenance instructions that should enhance smoking pleasure.
- Wet the inside of the bowl for the first few clouds of smoke to reduce the harshness of smoking tobacco in a brand new pipe.
- For the first few clouds of smoke, only half fill your pipe. Pack the tobacco on the bottom loosely to avoid clogging the hole and to secure a good draft. Press the upper layer more firmly, not too much, not too little.
- Light up evenly and smoke slowly, using your tamper to keep the tobacco firm inside the bowl.
- By gradually increasing the amount of tobacco, you will ensure an even build-up of a “cake”. Do not allow this to become excessive as a surplus of “cake” may crack the bowl. This char insulates the pipe, controls the temperature and ensures the ultimate taste and aroma.
- Do not smoke more than 1 to 2 pipe fulls a day for the first two weeks.
- Clean your pipe with a pipe tool and pipe cleaner and let it cool.
HISTORY OF FE.RO
Northwest of Milan, between Lake Varese and the highest mountain in Italy, Sacro Monte, lies the city of Varese, home to most of the legendary Italian pipe makers dating back to the late 1800s.
Brothers Federico, Francesco, Cornelio, and Carlo started manufacturing pipes in 1911. In 1949, Federico with the help of his sons founded Figli di Federico Rovera, which became the second largest pipe manufacturer in Italy. The original factory’s production consisted of pipe brands manufactured for well known names in the trade throughout Europe. Today, pipes imported to the USA carry the brand name, “fe.ro”, an acronym of the founder’s name – Federico Rovera. The makers of fe.ro are also involved in the manufacture of related products, such as nylon tenons, mouthpieces, crystal pipe filters, cigarette and cigar holders and pipe rests. Part of the production is devoted to olive wood pipes.
Italian briar from the Tuscany region is used exclusively in the fe.ro pipe production. Briar burl is a part of the white heath tree. It grows between the roots and the above ground tree. Burls harvested for fe.ro pipes must be 50 or more years old. They are cut into blocks, then boiled in water for up to 20 hours. This process removes all sap, resin, acid and other flavor distorting constituents.
Over the course of years, the supply of briar from various regions changes characteristics. Italian briar from Tuscany region at present has richer grain than briars harvested in other parts of the country. While smoking characteristics may be the same regardless of grain, it is the visual and aesthetic properties of the end product that prompt fe.ro to keep making a bigger initial investment in raw materials in order to have a superior finished product. Once the blocks arrive at the factory, they are placed in the drying warehouse for a minimum of six months. They are air dried as opposed to kiln or oven drying used by some of the other manufacturers. This time consuming process results in a sweeter, dryer, better smoking pipe in general. Grading of raw briar blocks conforms to internationally recognized standards. There are 3 main classes with 2 subcategories and 5 size groups. fe.ro uses only high grade (Extra) blocks. Further grading takes place internally during the manufacturing process. This means that even a less expensive pipe by fe.ro carries the heritage of a high grade briar. Turning a raw block of briar into a finished pipe involves between 40 to 50 steps, depending on the finish. The block in the hand of a pipe maker undertakes a long journey through a variety of wood working tools. These processes involve turning, shaping, drilling, tooling, sanding, and staining. Even the mouthpiece has to be shaped to fit each individual pipe. All of the “Extra” grade pipes are finished using Brazilian Carnauba wax. It has a deeper and more permanent gloss than bee’s or other waxes.
