Artisan "Shop Pipes"

[armonts]

In France there are some craftsmen:
http://www.pipegazette.com/2017/10/le-pipier-tristan-lefebvre-fait-un-sans.html#more
https://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjbo-eI7OTbAhXGOBQKHShnD4gQFggnMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrancoisdalpipes.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw11NOuNv7jvV5Yv_D5l10Hp
https://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj5qZTZ7OTbAhUCORQKHWB8D8wQFggxMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pierremorelpipes.fr%2Fpipes-disponibles-pierre-morel-1.htm&usg=AOvVaw1wSmk_2KAeH5-jZ_Cxe6dD
(But he does it in small quantities, sold immediately …)

 

[bnichols23]

Re ce's "case in point," good godawmighty. Hide that pipe, Skipper. And be glad I don't have your street address!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Re ce's "case in point," good godawmighty. Hide that pipe, Skipper. And be glad I don't have your street address!

:rofl:

 

[mrenglish]

For me it's not Artesian pipes necessarily smoke better but the fact I am supporting and individual pipe maker and their work. Seven of the nine Chheda pipes I have I got to watch the process of being made. From block to finished piece and in the process, have learned a great amount.

 

[Chasing Embers]

For me it's not Artesian pipes necessarily smoke better but the fact I am supporting and individual pipe maker and their work.

This.
I found Bruce Weaver several years ago when I was looking for a volcano pipe, and after finding out how much fun he was having carving, and how a big chunk of his proceeds were going to charity, I became an instant fan. He sent step by step progress shots of my commissions and kept me in the loop to get my thoughts during the development. I got to see my fugu blowfish take shape firsthand, and he walked me through my first couple of carvings.

 

[Chasing Embers]

To me bringing the price down from around $500 to $280 isn't really going to broaden the customer base a whole lot.

As someone who's just getting into collecting artisan pipes this seems like a disservice to the hobby to me.

To me, this would bring my attention to a carver I hadn't considered, and make me more curious about their more expensive pieces, and some cosmetically flawed pieces are prime targets for sandblasting and rustication.