Second pipe carving, opinions welcome

I really like the symmetry you've got going on with this one.

I kind of like the bottom being flat to correspond with the mount for the shank

Click to expand...

Exactly!

This a very beautiful pipe and I think your design works really well. I think that rounding the bottom would take something way from the pipe. Not just a uniqueness but the way the lines flow. Good Job. :clap:

Sweet pipe brah ::

that is a great design and the grain really works on it look like you have been carving pipes for years

wow great job

Greetings,
Being a pipe maker myself for 30-some years, I am in no way an expert, as I'm always learning something new with each pipe I make. One thing I've have learned is, don't be afraid to remove enough wood to refine the shape.
I realize you probably paid a substantial sum for your block of briar (the grain shows it), but don't fall into the trap of "getting your money's worth" by preserving as much wood as possible. This will result in a "clunky", overly large and heavy pipe. Accept the fact that 50% or more of the block will most likely be scrap.
What I see in your photos is a good start suggesting a basic shape. Keep going. Slowly remove wood to reveal a more delicate, graceful, organic shape. Sometimes I'll set a pipe aside for several weeks, not even looking at it. Then I'll view it with a fresh perspective. I will invariably see something that can be improved, an angle or curve that I didn't see before. There always seems to be more wood to remove to sharpen and define the shape.
I've even re-shaped and re-finished pipes I've smoked for some time. After a while I see where it can be improved, and back to the bench it goes. I have a few pipes I've re-done 3 times! Such is the pursuit of perfection.
Study the pipes made by the "masters" - Rad Davis, Will Purdy, Bruce Weaver, to name three. Also, look at some of the Russian carvers work. Look closely at their creations. Notice what's there, and what's NOT there. See how much wood remains and what they take away.
I hope I didn't offend. Just trying to help.
Keep going and always strive to improve. We should never stop learning.
CACooper

Looking good to me.

Kinda has that axe thing going for it.

:clap:

Keep us posted.

::

Wow love the shape of this one! Congrats!

Nice looking pipe. How about a V-bottom?

Looking good so far!!

I think it is going to be stunning!

I like the overall shape too. I have a Bjarne that has an almost hourglass shape between the bowl and flat bottom, and you have plenty of briar there to try it, which may also lighten it up some weight wise. But the shape and style you have going on is great!

That pipe is just awesome, the shape is great. Can't wait to see the pic's of the finished pipe!!!!

I think its a beauty. Nice work.

No one answered his question as to how he can polish up the top without hurting the natural structure...?

Super start there!!

Taper the bottom and remove more wood at the stem area so your thumb can rest there , try to leave the top alone . Damn fine work . :puffpipe:

To keep the top intact the first important step is too make sure and remove all the bark from the plateaux. This can be accomplished with a soft wire brush, or light touch with a brass wire wheel. Then I do a couple different types of things with mine. You can stain it a darker color than the pipe (This makes any discoloring from lighting or slight tar buildup unnoticeable.) or you can just buff it with carnuba as you would the rest of the pipe. When I do this I make sure and turn the pipe at angles so that I can get the wax down around the knobs. Use the carnuba very sparingly and then buff after with a clean wheel. You can put a couple coats on it, but as said, load the wheel sparingly.
I know you didn't really ask for any critique on the pipe itself, but the one thing that stands out to me is that the stem is at a slightly different angle than the shank. If it were me, I'd cut the area between the shank and the bowl a bit deeper and try to follow the angle of the stem itself. You then may be able to do the same on the bottom side, just slightly, and make the stem line up better with the angle of the shank.
Other than that, I love the pipes shape and the direction your going with it.