First Commissioned Pipe - Hawkbill
- Thread starter peteguy
- Start date
SmokingPipes.com Updates
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
- Status
My buddy JP Seiler is the guy who you should ask about the Hawkbill. Thomas James is pretty good at the Hawkbill shape. That's a shape I wouldn't commission unless you are willing to say no to it. Most of the attempts at the shape I see are really bad. 8O
I own one hawk bill; a Windjammer made by Justin Bain. Justin used only sanding disks and this pipe smokes cooler than anything else I own.
Don't close the deal without some back and forth, maybe suppling photographs of hawkbills you like, and sketching variations. This will get you on the same page with someone, or give you the measure of someone who can't communicate. Don't demand a lot of time, but share some suggestions and get some feedback, maybe two or three rounds. Best if you can do these sessions face-to-face, but by mail or email if necessary. Be sure he's hearing you and understanding you, so you'll feel like the pipe you want is the one he's making. You ought to have rights of refusal if the final item doesn't fulfill the vision you have, but if you do good prep work, this won't happen. I've never take the plunge. I only buy completed pipes so I can hold them in hand and heft them, but some day I may.
The Hawkbill is the signature shape of Dr. Bob. I saw some of his work at Richmond and it is very impressive at his price points.
www.drbobpipes.com
A related thread:
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/official-hawkbill-pipe-thread
www.drbobpipes.com
A related thread:
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/official-hawkbill-pipe-thread
I have several hawkbills, and I find this shape far more variable than any other. I have yet to see 2 Castellos that look the same. Although I gather they pioneered the shape, I prefer Radice's take on it. I've seen a couple of Thomas James hawkbills that appeal to me. The Windjammer John showed above would have been mine, but he did some nefarious deeds to snatch it away from me.
hp
les
hp
les
Barling was producing hawkbills in the 1920's, a couple of decades before Castello came into existence.
It was easy, peteguy. Justin was staying at my house for a pipe club meeting and I wrote the check at breakfast. I also had the keys to his car so he could not leave until I had the pipe. I immediately sent a picture of me with the pipe to lestrout knowing how happy he would be for me. He'll never let me forget it.
Sorry guys, I am on vacation in a warmer region and have not been spending as much time here as I should.
I will admit that I am not a huge fan of the Hawkbill shape, so I can't offer much guidance there. I do have one and it's a Castello. I just don't like the way the pipe hangs in my mouth.
I will say that the Hawkbill by Justin Bain above looks very cool. I remember Justin - he was the forum member who went by the name of Sparks, correct? A very nice guy. Whatever happened to him? I don't see him on here anymore.
I find the James's Hawkbill above looks a little to scrunched up for my taste, but then, as I said, I have a hard time appreciating this shape.
I will admit that I am not a huge fan of the Hawkbill shape, so I can't offer much guidance there. I do have one and it's a Castello. I just don't like the way the pipe hangs in my mouth.
I will say that the Hawkbill by Justin Bain above looks very cool. I remember Justin - he was the forum member who went by the name of Sparks, correct? A very nice guy. Whatever happened to him? I don't see him on here anymore.
I find the James's Hawkbill above looks a little to scrunched up for my taste, but then, as I said, I have a hard time appreciating this shape.
Thomas James, without a doubt ! I don't just say that because he's a friend and partner in crime. He can really nail that shape for you.
Dr. Bob would also be a fine choice.
Dr. Bob would also be a fine choice.
Thanks Dave for the comment. I would of course recommend Castello since they make the best classic hawkbill (Donkeynut), however I don't believe they do commissions. Thomas James (Richards) is a member of our club and I have the first hawkbill he ever made. (We trained him well -Ha) I think Tom has nailed the shape. Dr. Bob also does a good job as does Tim West. The hawkbill shape is either one you love or hate, there is no in-between feelings. It is a very polarizing shape. Good Luck
Peck, I saw Justin last night at the Christopher Morley Pipe Club Meeting in Philly. He is well and I am sure he is appreciative of your kind comments. It wouldn't surprise mw if he "piped up" and thanked you on this thread himself! We all appreciate his quick & insightful wit!
Not much of a Hawkbill fan myself but there are some interesting ones out there.
Not much of a Hawkbill fan myself but there are some interesting ones out there.
- Status