Recent content by tomchuk

Tsuge Tokyo Dunhill Collector Cumberland XL HT

Dark Star from '06 in a Cavicchi bent billiard. A glass of cool-climate Californian Syrah and some Black Keys to round out the evening.

I think of a lot of Ardors as novelties. They, more than a lot of pipes of their caliber are worth what you're willing to pay for them. I picked up this unsmoked Venere Giant (pretty much Ardor's top grade besides a duo-punto) for $350 not too long ago. Is it big? Yes. Is it somewhat...

I've had a few bowls of it so far. I was expecting a light VA with a touch of woodiness and a subtle whiskey flavor. It's a little overly flavored and overly sweet for my tastes. I'd describe the sweetness and flavor as nougatey. Definitely well on over into aromatic territory. I agree on its...

I received a few tins of FM's Cellar and Stave-Aged 35 a couple days ago. I've had 3 bowls of the SA35 and one of FM's Cellar. Both leave me with the impression that there is no way a little piece of barrel stave imparts that much aroma. I'm inclined to believe that the barrel stave is a gimmick...

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. I'm going to take a couple weeks off to let the holes the rasp wore through my palms heal up. In the meantime, can any of BoB's illustrious pipe makers point be at a good source for briar? I feel like buying blocks from a pipe maker guarantees...

Thanks! I was actually dreading it, but it turned out to not be as bad as I was expecting.

Thank you! I've admired your work as long as I've been on BoB, your compliments mean a lot to a newbie like me :) Cheers!

Well, a cutty with a couple twists. The profile is inspired from Stanwell's 1992 PoTY. It's got a bit of squatness and a healthy oval shank (inspired by my Castello #33) and a contrast stain inspired by Tom Eltang (though not executed to even remotely his level). Here she is: I've still...

Nope, but you can do it for £29.95. I bought a couple of the Barber B-Lines after reading about them here. I ended up with one smooth bent and one shell finish prince. The smooth pipe has a couple small defects, the prince is immaculate. Though the stems on both definitely aren't to Dunhill's...

Everywhere light is shining through is an actual hole in the aluminum. The plastic membrane below is still intact in some of the smaller holes, most of the bigger ones go right through.

Here's a little example of why these are no good for long-term storage. Two photos taken, one with a flashlight inside the bag, the other without: This was a gently-treated bag, fresh off the tobacconist's shelf. I did scrape up the crease towards the left of the photo a tiny bit, trying to...

I just sent a couple pounds into Canada labeled as "Collectible Tins" - seemed to work ;)

My pleasure! Glad to hear it got to you and that you're enjoying it.

I use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply a very light finish of carnauba to my rusticated and sandblasted pipes. After it dries, a rub with a soft cloth should shine things up nicely without filling all the nooks and crannies with hard, white wax.