Sandblasting is a surprisingly delicate business. Too much and the stummel's shape changes unacceptably. Too little, and one of the reasons for blasting---dramatic visual effect---is diminished.
(Factoid for non-pipemakers: The "ridge depth" almost exclusively depends on the wood itself... blasting longer or harder doesn't achieve it.)
A good balance of "cragginess" while retaining a stummel's lines is almost always the goal.
This LB is an excellent example of good balance. Good blast depth and coverage while the shape remains razor sharp. Visual-mass-wise it's also notable for an LB---a shape that frequently wanders into chunky territory and can look bloated. This one spent some time in the gym. 8)
(Factoid for non-pipemakers: The "ridge depth" almost exclusively depends on the wood itself... blasting longer or harder doesn't achieve it.)
A good balance of "cragginess" while retaining a stummel's lines is almost always the goal.
This LB is an excellent example of good balance. Good blast depth and coverage while the shape remains razor sharp. Visual-mass-wise it's also notable for an LB---a shape that frequently wanders into chunky territory and can look bloated. This one spent some time in the gym. 8)
