What to do with a Rustic pipe?

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addamsruspipe

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 4, 2016
790
5,364
55
Albuquerque, NM
Ok, so to start off with I am not a big fan of rustic pipes. They just have never done anything for me. However I ended getting a couple in lot of pipes I picked up so I figured I would see what I could do them. So here is the first one. It had a extremely red varnish on it and the top of the bowl was badly burned down on one side. So I filed down the top to even it out and rounded the outer edge. Then sanded it down and gave it two coats of black. I was feeling very iffy at that point so figured what the heck and rubbed the pipe down to get any excess dye off and then buffed it with white diamond. So this is what i currently have and I am not really sure where to take it next. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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addamsruspipe

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 4, 2016
790
5,364
55
Albuquerque, NM
Could be, I just don't know enough about sandblasting/rustification to know. I ok with smooth pipes, I have just never been interested in rustic pipes so it's new territory for me.

 

didimauw

Moderator
Staff member
Jul 28, 2013
9,894
31,608
34
Burlington WI
Next step for me, would be to add a stem? :nana:
But I understand where you are coming from, I prefer smooth pipes as well. But that one definitely looks like a smoker!!!

 

addamsruspipe

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 4, 2016
790
5,364
55
Albuquerque, NM
I've got the stem, working on getting all the teeth chatter/scratches out of it. Fortunately/un-fortunately it has a colored acrylic band on it which I am trying to avoid scratching because it really adds to the look of it. But it makes it harder sand down the stem and not scratch the band.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,346
Don't really care for smooth pipes, and the handful I do have were collected because of shape and amazing grain. That's definitely a light blast, and as for the band on the stem, wrap a piece of electrical tape around it, and sand away.
Edit-Don't care at all for rusticated pipes and mainly collect deep blasts for the tactile experience.

 

fluffie666

Can't Leave
Apr 4, 2014
497
5
The black and red make it look pretty interesting. What does the stem look like? Sounds to me like it's kind of decorative. +1 on the electric tape around the acrylic. If the bowl looks good together with the stem, I say hit everything with a coat of carnuba. Done deal and job well done.

 

mayfair70

Lifer
Sep 14, 2015
1,968
2
Like it or no, that is a nice looking pipe as is. If you have the char off the rim and the rest looks as good as the current pics, I'd leave it. In my eyes, there is no way to "improve" it without compromising the lines of the shape. Unless you are a master pipester, keep it as is and treat it like the redheaded stepchild it may be. There is a possibility you may come to like it, or even love it, with the remainder of the blast/rustication intact. From what I can tell, pipe smokers are a fickle bunch and stranger things have happened. Rather than bend it to your will, maybe sell it to someone who appreciates it. For example, someone else, or I, might be willing to take it off your hands. :) Looks like a good smoker to me.

 

addamsruspipe

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 4, 2016
790
5,364
55
Albuquerque, NM
Ok, just finished up the stem, so here's the pipe complete. I just have no idea whether to leave it alone or should I do something else with the bowl.

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dottiewarden

Lifer
Mar 25, 2014
3,053
57
Toronto
I just have no idea whether to leave it alone or should I do something else with the bowl.
Fill the bowl with your favorite blend, light and enjoy!
I agree with mayfair70, looks pretty respectable to me. The nicks in the rim give it character, like a worn pair of jeans or an old leather jacket.
Please let us know how it smokes.

 

lightmybriar

Lifer
Mar 11, 2014
1,315
1,838
I personally think it looks excellent just like that, but it's your pipe and what you think is really all that matters. If you don't have much invested in it, don't be afraid to go crazy on it. I picked up a very dull and boring Billiard for $5 once just to see what could be done. Got the dremmel out and this is what came of it.

Now I enjoy smoking something I never would have cared for. And look at the grain that was hiding under there!

 

dottiewarden

Lifer
Mar 25, 2014
3,053
57
Toronto
@lightmybriar
Awesome transformation there. It leaves me to wonder what some of my old briars have hiding under the opaque and faded finishes.

 

lightmybriar

Lifer
Mar 11, 2014
1,315
1,838
Thanks! I was definitely amazed. I'm a big advocate for "regulated exploration" of existing pipes haha.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,346
If the chips around the chamber bother you, you can always use a counter bore to bevel it an not remove height from the bowl. Otherwise, leave it be. It looks great and well loved. Good job! :clap:

 

fluffie666

Can't Leave
Apr 4, 2014
497
5
I think it's great as is. You did a fine job. If you want to try manipulating or rusticating it differently to experiment further, go for it. But mayfair seems interested. Mayfair also likes cats so I like mayfair. My vote sides with the felines.

 
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