mejoshee
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I was recently commissioned to make a pipe for a guy from Spain (via Germany). He was here for some 6 odd weeks for work and got to chatting about all the sorts of things pipe smokers do. I showed him some in-progress work and he immediately asked for a pipe. "His" shape is a bit of a gray-area: tall pot, straight walled, saddle stem. Not entirely "right" compared to the traditional slightly canted, slightly rounded billiard family, but it was nice to try it out.
I was definitely trepidatious--not a huge undertaking per se, but a challenge that had not been presented me thus far as a newbie. I've had some practice on other blocks and stems but have not made many yet that I would deem worthy of selling outright. Nevertheless, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work with his request. I added a shank accent of cocobolo and contrast stained it with light brown dye. I thought I'd humbly submit it here for your perusal.
I learned a lot on this project--how to hand cut a stem, in particular. There's still more I need to work on, but he's happy nonetheless.
Some notes on the pics in anticipation of comments:
I was definitely trepidatious--not a huge undertaking per se, but a challenge that had not been presented me thus far as a newbie. I've had some practice on other blocks and stems but have not made many yet that I would deem worthy of selling outright. Nevertheless, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work with his request. I added a shank accent of cocobolo and contrast stained it with light brown dye. I thought I'd humbly submit it here for your perusal.
I learned a lot on this project--how to hand cut a stem, in particular. There's still more I need to work on, but he's happy nonetheless.
Some notes on the pics in anticipation of comments:
- Yes, I'm aware the color is off on the 1st pic; not sure why. It's actually consistent with the hue of the other pics in real life.
- Also, it does appear that at least from one or another angle, the pipe has dings, but I think that's all in the light; it's entirely smooth and scratch-free.
- The smudges on the stem are not scratches, but from handling prior to photos. I'll take better quality pics in my light box when I get the chance.
- And yes, I seem to have a slightly off stem-to-shank junction. Admittedly, I'm not happy with this part. If you noticed it, good for you. If not, I beg your forgiveness.