Among the seemingly thousands of artisinal pipe makers in the world, are there any who don't claim to have apprenticed with Tom Eltang? I wonder when poor Tom gets a chance to work.
A Question:
- Thread starter Cloozoe
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This is a false claim. Tom requires 7 years of sleeping on a rice mat in the corner of the shop, sweeping up dust, before allowing you to even touch the wood. Most of these carvers just watched a YouTube video with Tom in it.
Ah! Thanks. I had imagined it went something like...
(Email) "Hello Tom! You don't know me, but my name is Brock Smithers and I'm a pipe maker. I've been at it for quite a few weeks now and am ready to go pro. Here's a picture of my most recent effort which took second place in the "Could Be Worse" category at my pipe club's recent meeting. Any feedback you could give me would be much appreciated!"
(Email reply) "Hi Brock. Not a bad effort. I suggest, though, that in the future you might try bending the stem downward rather then sideways and up; I've found it to be more comfortable. Cheers, Tom"
(Website) "Welcome to BS Pipes! My name is Brock Smithers. My journey to mastery included studying under Tom Eltang, ..."
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