Custom questions...

[obc83]

This might be a stupid question so please bear with me; how do you guys go about asking for a custom or semi-custom pipe. Is there specifc makers that offer this as a service or will most established artisans oblige? Furthermore, there's a couple specific shapes out there that either aren't easy to find or that I would very much like a variation of. It that a generally accepted practice/request or is it like asking an accomplished singer songwriter to play Freebird over and over again?

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

Find a pipe maker you like and email or message them asking if they do commisions. If so, they'll then begin to discuss details with you.
I usually stay within the realm of the carver. I chose something they've already carved (or close to it) and ask for my favored dimensions and stem options. Though I have asked them to step outside their norm and try something new. Some will, some won't.

 

[Scottmi]

The PipesMag Radio Show tackled a bit of this in a couple episodes, number 453 and 455.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

My first customs, I sent pics of my favorite shape. The first one, the carver actually volunteered to make it, but neither turned out even close to the shape I wanted, ha ha. But, I like the pipes.
I have since learned to give the carver some leeway to make what they want. You will stay within their expertise and get a much better pipe... maybe.

 

[obc83]

The PipesMag Radio Show tackled a bit of this in a couple episodes, number 453 and 455.

excellent, thank you.

 

[Christos D. Tsatsaronis]

My first customs, I sent pics of my favorite shape. The first one, the carver actually volunteered to make it, but neither turned out even close to the shape I wanted, ha ha. But, I like the pipes.
I have since learned to give the carver some leeway to make what they want. You will stay within their expertise and get a much better pipe... maybe.

I do about the same, I see a photo of a pipe I like but I want perhaps a variation of it, another color, material rustication etc. I show it to a certain carver (and friend) and he presents to me an improved version of my idea(!) which he finally delivers,

 

[Chasing Embers]

Furthermore, there's a couple specific shapes out there that either aren't easy to find or that I would very much like a variation of.

Find carvers that specialize in those shapes and contact them. I just find a carver whose work I like and ask them to surprise me. Haven't been let down yet. I did get really specific about am octopus pipe I've got but that was a special circumstance.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

I notice that you had a post talking about going over $100 for a pipe. A custom pipe will cost a shit-ton more and in reality will not offer an appreciable better smoke. Until you have a pipe rack full of decent pipes, I doubt that you will notice the difference. There are so many pipes out there with so many shapes/sizes/lengths/etc. that you have to explore before I would advise you to commission a pipe. Just sayin....

 

[Chasing Embers]

A custom pipe will cost a shit-ton more

My Christmas and Halloween pipes have always been in the $150-$175 range. Price just depends on the carver. The octopus I mentioned above was just under $190.

 

[Lucashly]

I notice that you had a post talking about going over $100 for a pipe. A custom pipe will cost a shit-ton more and in reality will not offer an appreciable better smoke. Until you have a pipe rack full of decent pipes, I doubt that you will notice the difference. There are so many pipes out there with so many shapes/sizes/lengths/etc. that you have to explore before I would advise you to commission a pipe. Just sayin....

Figure at least $400.00. If you are up to it PM me.

 

[sablebrush52]

Find a pipe maker you like and email or message them asking if they do commissions. If so, they'll then begin to discuss details with you.

This right here, is the foundation for everything else related to commissioning a pipe.

 

[didimauw]

Are you looking at briar, or meerschaum or something else?

 

[obc83]

Are you looking at briar, or meerschaum or something else?

Probably briar. I guess I'm not looking in the multiple hundreds of dollars anytime soon. I think I'm going to take some previous advice and keep stacking ready mades for now. I am definitely open to suggestions though. And really just general experiences with getting into customs. Thanks all.