Au contraire, BeeCee...I think the grain works with the pipe as a whole...sure, if it were a perfect straight grain, it'd be over-the-top cool, but with the poise and attitude as a package deal, it has character that stands up to be counted. For a small-time pipe maker, who doesn't get as many chances to roll the dice to discover that "perfect straight grain" once the block is cut, you work (well) with what ya have... this defines that kind of spirit.
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