Calabash Reshaping

[Chasing Embers]

Have seen a few threads popping up recently regarding gourd pipes, so figured I would throw one out there as well. I have a Pioneer gourd calabash, and the shank end of the gourd is twisted a bit to the right. Any way of softening the gourd to reshape it more symmetrically?

 

[northernneil]

I'm pretty sure the gourd is bent while it grows. Once dry I do not think you can bend it further.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Was thinking about a vinegar soak. Vinegar can turn chicken bones rubbery, but they become rigid again once dry.

 

[mso489]

No experience with gourd pipes, but I'd say this is only worth trying if you are ready to sacrifice the pipe

if it doesn't work. It could crack re-drying, and the finish could go funky. I think it's possible to re-do it,

but it requires luck and knowhow few have. If you decide to do it, let us know how it works. It is a risky

but intriguing project.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Think I'm going to try as soon as I finish my tea and this bowl of Black Frigate.

 

[warren]

It's not nice to mess with Mother Nature!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Muah-ha-ha!!! (insert lightning and thunder)

 

[warren]

It's the shape of the gourd which makes each pipe different and singularly individual.
Are true calabash pipes making a come back? I'd heard that the gourds were getting hard to come by. This was a few years ago though. Perhaps the market has changed.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Mine is around 30-40 years old, but have heard that a variety of the calabash gourds are being grown in the U.S..

 

[northernneil]

I'd heard that the gourds were getting hard to come by. This was a few years ago though. Perhaps the market has changed.

I just bought a new gourd calabash from my local pipe shop. The guy who owns the place claims that African Gourds are virtually nonexistent or disappearing.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Vinegar soak was a wash, the gourd is just as rigid as before soaking it.

 

[warren]

neil: I heard the same but, it was close to 30 years ago. A way of keeping prices up? Nah! Too many would have to be in on the conspiracy to keep that secret.
embers: I warned you. DO NOT BE MESSING WITH MOTHER NATURE! She can exact some terrible revenge. Just be happy with your "one of a kind" calabash. You'll look very extinguished when strolling the neighborhood with your off center bowl billowing clouds of poisonous, reeking smoke.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Figured I was already in trouble with the Green Mother by twisting seedlings into bonsai, so figured what the hell. On a side note, calabash gourds are used as water and wine bottles, so should have figured vinegar wouldn't phase it. It is incredibly clean on the inside now though! :mrgreen:

 

[mso489]

The bad news is the vinegar wash didn't soften the gourd. The good news is, you still have a smokeable pipe.

I'd go with what you have.

 

[Chasing Embers]

That is true. Curiosity got the better of me though.

 

[okiescout]

Ran across this article on the subject of gourd availlabilty and more:
http://www.shpcboston.org/savethecalabash.htm