More and more this term is used in this arena. Is it just a lofty word summarization for ordered, purchased, or authorization to produce a unique item? How active are they in the specific design of the pipe or is it left to artisan? I just wish to satisfy my curiosity about use of this term.
Commissioned ?
- Thread starter Pipeoff
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Think more custom made by an artisan, like commissioning a painting or portrait.
I've been involved in the design in many of my Artisan pipes. I don't send a blue print, it's more like showing a pipe as a baseline and requesting some modifications.
I have 2 commissions running, I just tell the artisan what kind of shape I want and the inside dimensions. For a stem I only tell the artisan I want some contrast with the pipe, this can be achieved with some extra fancy stem or shank work. I don't prefer a stem material like yet. I leave it up to the discretion of the artisan if it gets blasted, rusticated, smooth or a combination of both; I can't see the wood they use and I trust their judgement on what to do with the pipe.
The process is different for each customer and each pipe maker I think. Some pipe makers are happy to discuss endless details of angles and proportions and do 45 technical diagrams. Other pipe makers are of the "well, I'll make something like that" attitude. And some customers want something very specific, a finish style, a size, whatever thing. Last guy I did a pipe for specifically wanted Greek briar. So, okay. But I consider a pipe "commissioned" as soon as someone goes to a pipe maker and says "Hey I'm thinking about a..." and the process of creation begins. This opposed to the pipe maker just wandering out to the shop with a cup of coffee and finding a block and making whatever he feels like making that day. A pipe "pret a porter" as it were.
It is when you order a pipe from a carver and then negotiate the design. It can be anything from "make me a bulldog" to design drawings. It helps if the carver knows you and your tastes.
It's a relationship. I had one made a little over a year ago and it was centered around a theme and a particular element and although a collaborative process I trusted him and he did the real work and his ideas were on point all the way through. Hoping to do another with him this year when he's ready to go. There were some aspects to the one I want to do now that he didn't want to do, and I'm fine with that and we'll see where it goes.
I actually have two in the mail from another carver as I'm typing. I found I was chasing shapes and not seeing what I wanted and had two particular shapes in mind and sizes of bowls, then the idea of sort of a matched pair with the two shapes came to mind and I saw some examples of very close to what I wanted on his website, lightbulb went off, we talked and off he went, he sent me some updates, suggestions, and I'll see the finished product sometime this week - anticipation!
You can be as involved as you want and the carver can let you be as involved as he or she wants. it's your project and it's the carver's time and talent - neither of you has to do it.
My advice - have a real conversation and see if it's a "fit". I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
I actually have two in the mail from another carver as I'm typing. I found I was chasing shapes and not seeing what I wanted and had two particular shapes in mind and sizes of bowls, then the idea of sort of a matched pair with the two shapes came to mind and I saw some examples of very close to what I wanted on his website, lightbulb went off, we talked and off he went, he sent me some updates, suggestions, and I'll see the finished product sometime this week - anticipation!
You can be as involved as you want and the carver can let you be as involved as he or she wants. it's your project and it's the carver's time and talent - neither of you has to do it.
My advice - have a real conversation and see if it's a "fit". I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
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I had my first ever commissioned pipe made for me by Ian at Northern Briars. I'd seen a picture of the exact shape and stem I wanted so I simply asked him to carve me one of those but fitted for a 9mm filter.
Ian couldn't have been nicer and the pipe smokes like a dream
.
Ian couldn't have been nicer and the pipe smokes like a dream
.
"Lofty"? It's just a standard term for engaging someone's services, generally used in conjunction with some design or artistic result.
As an artist I've done a fair amount of commissioned work. I've commissioned a few pipes. In the case of my commissioning a pipe I do communicate with the carver what I'm looking for in a general way. I figure the carver knows his business or I wouldn't be engaging his or her services, and doesn't need me to over direct.
With the pipe I just received from Jack Howell i specified that I wanted an oversized Billiard with a larger than standard sized chamber, a tapered stem, at least 6" in length. It could be smooth or sandblasted depending on what he thought would work best with the block, and that I'd prefer a light color for the bowl.
Jack sent me some suggested measurements for the chamber to which I agreed, and we were off to the races. He asked me about button height, and in the case of this particular block, recommended leaving it natural because the wood was so clear. He sent me images as the pipe took shape inquiring if what I saw matched what I wanted. So it's a little bit of back and forth.
As an artist I've done a fair amount of commissioned work. I've commissioned a few pipes. In the case of my commissioning a pipe I do communicate with the carver what I'm looking for in a general way. I figure the carver knows his business or I wouldn't be engaging his or her services, and doesn't need me to over direct.
With the pipe I just received from Jack Howell i specified that I wanted an oversized Billiard with a larger than standard sized chamber, a tapered stem, at least 6" in length. It could be smooth or sandblasted depending on what he thought would work best with the block, and that I'd prefer a light color for the bowl.
Jack sent me some suggested measurements for the chamber to which I agreed, and we were off to the races. He asked me about button height, and in the case of this particular block, recommended leaving it natural because the wood was so clear. He sent me images as the pipe took shape inquiring if what I saw matched what I wanted. So it's a little bit of back and forth.
Now I really want to see this pipe (I love Billiards)
Jack Howell Big Ass Billiard :: Pipe Talk
After hearing nothing but high praise for Jack Howell's pipes I decided to take the plunge. I wanted another large billiard for some of the blends that I find smoke better in a large chamber. Jack is great to work with and the resulting pipe is everything I could ask for with a classic shape...
pipesmagazine.com
Sometimes I get extremely specific, sometimes only shape and materials, sometimes I write a story to see what kind of pipe it inspires, and sometimes I just ask the artisan to surprise me.
“Commissioned” is a fancy boy way of saying you’re buying a pipe that isn’t already made.
There’s loads of sillyassed words and phrases that people use in conjunction with pipes and tobacco.
I remember that one now very nice!
That's actually what I did just the other day! I'm getting my first Altinay custom made.
I I like working with people who understand what I want and what it is worth to me. I want classic looking smokers to smoke specific blends. I smoke flakes, plugs and ropes. I have a couple of aromatics and those get smoked a couple times a year. I have been lucky that the 2 artisans who have made me the best and most pipes were both easy to work with and both class acts.
