Reviews
142 messages left for Jan by visitors and customers around the world, 2002–2012.
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North CapeMagnifica relacion calidad precio. Pipa de capacidad media, muy agradable al tacto el arenado. Tardo 13 dias desde Nueva Zelanda a Madrid.
Cape LarkA surprisingly lightweight pipe. The briar is low density - as, of course, good briar should be. No tongue bite from the first fill. I really like this pipe. A bargain! JB
The Hunter "Ultima"That is one heck of a pipe, excellent work! Just as a matter of interest, I notice that the underneath view looks a bit like the grip of a single action revolver, was this intentional? It fits with the "hunter" name if so!
TrilobiteDear Mr. Zeman, I just wanted to tell you that I recently purchased the Trilobite pipe on eBay. I am extremely pleased with the pipe and I cannot believe that the former owner would let it go. It is a great pipe to display, but it also smokes very nicely (I don't believe in buying pipes to impress people. Pipes are meant to be smoked!) To be honest this is the first time I have run across one of your pipes, but I intend to check your web site regularly. All your pipes demonstrate an artistic sense as well as wonderful craftsmanship. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to own another in the near future. Sincerely, Frank Simonie 17 Hazen St. Chester, CT 06412 USA
North CapeI just received my North Cape yesterday and can already tell that this pipe will be a regular in my rotation. This pipe, along with my Cape Lark, are two of the best smoking pipes I have ever had.
Odyseus "Superia"Jan, Years ago I started smoking churchwardens and when branching out made the amateur mistake of thinking that a good pipe had to be expensive to be good. So I got all these ornate briar pipes from big name carvers that I really couldn't tell you how bad they smoke. Then I got a cheap Karl Erik freehand and it has hardly left my hand when reaching for a pipe in 8 years. Nothing fancy, just a large, slightly ugly freehand, that smokes like a dream and fits really well. I bring this up because I think your pipe is even better. Not just in the looks, which are stunning, but in the way it fits my hand. It's like it was made for it. The perfect pipe for my hand, and well worth the price. I can't believe what a work you have created. It will be a favorite if not THE favorite for years to come and I am very grateful. Thanks Again, Steve Brogdon
SirocaI LOVE this pipe and am angry at myself for not finding it first. I am jealous and envious of the lucky man that beat me to it. Where to begin? The shape of this pipe is exquisite - the "S-Shape" curve formed from the front of the bowl to the bit is what I see first. The pipe is sandblasted at all the right locations and the color is perfect. A handsome 2-tone stem is the "correct" transition for this pipe. Last but not least, the seal located on the right side of the shank adds that finished unique and sophisticated touch. I would buy this pipe for $295 US in a heartbeat. On a sidenote, your website design is top notch as well. very well laid out with plenty of quality picturs to do your craftsmanship justice. I'm sold!
Amalfi "Superia"I really like this full bent. I hope you make another one.
Dear Mr. Zeman, Iam more than happy to have come over your site. Truely it is so well presented and organised. Even more is your dedication to the info you attach with every pipe and the various pictures you offer are all quality work. I have even read your suggestion on how to break in a new pipe and i found it to be a very sincere explaination. I had to thank you for your work and for a wonderful site. I hopefully will be coming back to purchase a pipe from your collection. Just wanted to ask regarding the items that are underlined as "Sold" can i still place a request for purchasing any of these items or are they no longer available? Wishing you all the very best. Thanks.
Cape LarkI received my new Cape Lark from Jan's Latitude 41 series today. What a beautiful little pipe. Shortly after I opened the box, I loaded the Cape Lark with Squadron Leader. This pipe smokes great. It draws smoothly, smokes cool, and is very light and easy to carry in one's teeth if needed. Great workmanship, Jan.
Mary CelesteJan, I just wanted to let you know the pipe arrived today. It is superb! Again, your pipes have exceeded my expectations! This design with its rusticated pattern is one that I have been looking for for quite some time. The pipe fits nicely in my hand and is very well balanced. A winner! I appreciate you taking the time to carve this for me. The wait was well worth it! Take care for now. I am sure you we see another order from me come across your desk! Thanks again, Gary
Hi Jan We talked on the Rainbow t-bar last Thursday. What a well-designed and attractive website you have! Full of interesting info. You are to be congratulated. Makes me want to take up the pipe again! Perhaps.... Best regards jo rainey 5488247
Utah "Extra"Dear Jan I received Utah 3 days ago. I wanted some time to get to know her and smoke her a bit before I made my comments.Well I think I should simply say that Utah is exactly what I expected.Considering your reputation in the pipe community I expected a high grade pipe that would be exemplary in all ways a pipe could be. Utah has fullfilled my expectations quite well! The form is excellent the function is perfect and both are in harmony here! Utah has some long slowly arcing lines that lend an air of classiness to the pipe! Which make her a great (dress up)pipe.But she has the feel of an old freind at the same time. Utah has been given a spot in my rotation already due to the bowls coating, it works quiet well, and no taste! After just 4 bowls she smokes very nicely! Great job on this one Jan,great,great, job! I will take special care of her!I look foward to seeing more of your work,soon I hope! Kindest Regards Pat
Cape CodJan, Thank you for the quick shipping of my Cape Cod pipe. It arrived so fast that I was able to enjoy it while still on holiday. It is everything you described and a real pleasure to smoke. I think your carbon treatment works well as it smoked well from the first bowl. It is a fine companion! Now, for a bowl of Nightcap. Thanks again, Rick Delaney.
GandorrJan, I received my Gandorr this week and waited until tonight to smoke it. I am a LOTR fan and my wife and daughter leave for Australia Monday for a horseback riding trip. I loaded it with some Nat Sherman and sat on our front porch to relax. It was a great experience! The pipe fits well in the hand, and the emotional connection is powerful. It is a beautiful pipe and I am proud to own it. I would love to have all the LOTR pipes! Thanks for a great pipe and great service! Scott
North CapeThe Latitude 41 North Cape you sent arrived Monday. I've smoked it every day since and I'm impressed. What a nice smoking experience! The pipe is light, the bit is comfortable and the draw is perfect. I'm sure the coating you put in the bowl helped the break-in process. It is certain that more Zeman pipes will find their way into my home. The briar tamper is beautiful and very functional. It stands next to the ashtray on my smoking table, ready to do it's thing.
Cape CodJan Received the Latitude 41 Cape Lark and tamper today. Christened them both with a bowl of Dunhill London mixture. What a cool little pipe! Dry smoker right from the start. Your drilling is spot on. The 2003 YPSC pipe smokes the same way. Dry as a bone. While the Cape Lark is the least expensive pipe in my collection it may just end up being my favorite. The tamper is beautiful, what a great gift! This is my second Zeman pipe and first tamper and I feel sure not my last. Keep up the good work down under :-) Jeff
Your pipes are quite beautiful and original. I'm a flute maker who is just beginning to make pipes. I have a Delta Midi wood lathe and other tools from flute making that I will now use in pipe carving. I'm going to order your video and hope it has some details on "how to" make a pipe that will be of help to me. And, any suggestions for a beginner would be appreciated. Do I need a metal lathe too, or can I do it all on a wood lathe? By the way, my wife and I lived in New Zealand in 1971. We lived on a farm in Coramandel for 7 months and then spent several months in Nelson. We have great memories of our year in New Zealand. Best regards, Peter Ross
jan, i stumbled on you'r site while researching pipes. i must say these works are beautiful and stunning . i have just started to carve pipes as it has become a hobby for me and i can only hope that someday i will produce pipes that are just as incredible as you'r. i have crafted only three pipe's my last being a plateux freehand that turned out rather nice but has no comparison to these beauties...thanks for the inspiration may god bless you and keep you...q.
Grande "Extra"Dear God! What a drop dead gorgeous pipe! I envy the owner.
Neptune "Superia"I recently purchased this pipe from Jan, making it the 10th one I own of his, but this piece is the most extraordinary of all. The birdseye on both sides of the bowl is superb. The Neptune far surpasses the Bo Nordh Snail I once owned, both in smoking quality and craftsmanship. I am delighted to have it in my collection.
LineaSeptember 9, 2005 Dear Jan, I was pleasantly surprised when the Linea arrived at my office today. You?ve clearly reached a new high point with this one! As usual, the actual pipe far surpasses the photos on your web site. Because of its shape, size, balance and feel, I could hardly put it down. Yes, Linea is all about lines and balance. Even with its curves, the pipe cleaner just slides right through. The pipe seems more delicate in the photo. Yet, when in hand, there is a certain sturdiness about it that I like(I hate little ?girlie? pipes:-). The chamber holds plenty of tobacco, and the thickness of the bowl is substantial, yet light in weight. The slight taper of the chamber and perfect placement of the air hole are such that it creates a nice even, cool, flavorful smoke (Gawith & Hoggarth flake never tasted so good:-). The grain and finish are beautiful and I know from experience they will only improve with age. I?ve seen other pipes in the same and higher price ranges from well-known names that wouldn?t pass a pipe cleaner without twisting or coaxing and of course they did not include hand cut Cumberland stems nor Delrin tenons. Regarding style and panache, they were not even in the same league. I can tell that you?ve put a lot of passion into making this pipe. Your masterpiece is in good hands. I will treasure it and be careful not to over pack the tobacco and scorch the rim. I thank you and I look forward to smoking more of your future works of art. Sincerely Rodney P.S. I really enjoyed the video. Come on, we both know those broken spokes were simply caused by all those darn mountains you were climbing;-)
Jan, A quick note to let you know I have received Ariel! What a fantastic pipe! Wonderfully balanced, pleasantly asymmetrical and artistically harmonious which is what I like most about the blowfish shape. My wife and I both just love the ridge that separates left from right, and the grain is just brilliantly highlighted (especially that wall of birdseye - without a doubt one of the best displays of grain in my collection). Plus, it delivers an easy cool smoke with a smooth open draw. I couldn't have asked for more! It is a pipe I will treasure for a lifetime and am proud to have on view in my rack. Thanks again! TEDD
The Hunter "Ultima"That is one of most drop dead beautiful pipes I've ever laid eyes on. As a life long deer hunter and as a bower and primitive arrow builder it is one of the most resourceful uses of small antler pieces I've seen. Great job, I just wish I could afford because if I could it would be mine! Jeff A.
I love your pipes! Hopefully I will own one someday. Are you making any more sandblasted pipes? Thanks!