Poker N the Bamboo, My Newest

I has just made the comment to Skip at The Briary that I don't understand what guys find so attractive about pokers, ha ha. And, then he whips out this, and he magically transfers my bank account into his coffers...
Skip is now carrying a new pipe maker's work. His name is Brad Rowley out of Fairhope, Alabama, just a stone's throw away from Foley, home of a Rad pipe guy, ha ha. He sells his pipes under the name Growley Pipes. He's been making for three years, but out of all of the pipes I examined, his skills are way better than most pipe makers who've been churning out pipes for decades. Skip was so impressed that he bought the guy out.


This is a tiny little poker, with the delicate looking bamboo secured and fabricated exactly like an Eltang that one of my friends had on hand. The stainless steel tube runs the entire length of the bamboo, and each end is secured with a small horn band to prevent the bamboo from expanding, loosening the bit. And, yes, despite having no pre-conditioned attraction to the poker shape, I fell in love at first sight. Small, yet it will hold a flake, ride lightly in the clench, I'm excited to get to add a bamboo to the arsenal.
All of Brad's pipes are gorgeous, and the photos are deceptive, because they look bigger in the pictures than they are in hand. He had a bent Rhodesian that was what I'd call "cute," small, and more delicate looking than it really is. One that you could carry easily in the pocket without worry. If it's still there when I return, I may just have to get it also.
Anyways, you guys ought to check out this new maker's work. Pretty soon they will cost way more than they do now. And, don't get my Rhodesian!!! Ha ha!! ::

Cool, that looks exactly like the Rhody that I want next of his, except it is a dark stained blast. I've met Brad a few months ago at a Christian pipe smokers meeting that I stumbled into. A very nice guy. For some reason this is important to me. I find it harder to shell out cash to a guy who I can't relate to in a affable way.
Voorhees, you are the man to beat next year at the pipe show. I am still in training, raw eggs in the morning, and trying to catch chickens with a lit pipe in my mouth, ha ha!!

Thanks Harris! I'm saving the inaugural smoke for this evening's lunt about town. It has a nice open draw, so I'm banking on its performance.

Banjo, you actually ran across my mind when I quickly emptied my bank accounts, ha ha. I was afraid that if I let Skip post it on his website before I could throw money at it, that it would surely end up bamboozled, ha ha!!

Yes, by all means, I recommend this maker, and Gaberielli makes a damn fine custom pipe also, and very affordable. He's also a forum member here.