Pfeifenbox

Brands

Rinaldo

Tier:

Affordable	Mid-grade	Elevated	High-grade	Top
	X

Country: Italy

Price: €120+

Production method:

Factory	Machine-assisted	Freehand
	X

Notes: Elio and Guido Rinaldo learned the pipe-making trade in the Mastro de Paja workshop in the early 1970s. Their own brand is possibly best known in the USA. Entry-level prices are very reasonable.

Comments: Though hints of Mastro-style ornamentalism can sometimes be detected, Rinaldos are generally no-nonsense pipes in the newer Italian tradition. Design is bold and often somewhat 'rustic', and workmanship is usually impeccable for the price. Lovers of blasts and rusticated pipes can expect excellent quality. However, one misses the occasional outburst of ambitious adventurism displayed by carvers like Marco Biagini (Moretti). For this reason, especially, I've not placed Rinaldo in the 'Elevated' tier.

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