Finding a Pipemaker

[milehighpiper]

Good evening,
I am seeking some help in finding a pipemaker that will make me a pipe. I have looked through the Artisan pipemaker list on the forums and found that about half no longer exist, most of the rest do not take orders and the ones that do take orders are a little out of my price range. I would like your sincere advise on the following:
1. Do you know a pipemaker that will make a custom pipe for under $200?

2. Is asking someone to make a custom pipe under $200 unreasonable?
I would not mind paying that much for a “made to order” pipe but above that seems a bit high for me. If you know any active pipemakers that will take on this job please let me know. In addition, if I am being unrealistic with my price, please let me know as well. I am all about supporting small businesses but I also have financial limits for my hobbies.
Thanks!

 

[ashdigger]

You just have to look around on the internet. Any established Carver will charge $300 up.
Be prepared to wait and good luck.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Martin Cermak can make you one for around that amount. He is making me one at this time and it is around 185 Euros. That's going to be a bit over $200 but considering what I'll be getting, I think it is a very good deal.

 

[jpmcwjr]

If you post what specs you would have made, perhaps someone can ID exactly what you want, ready made, perhaps even pre-carbonized!
Occasionally one of our members will post that he's starting out to carve some pipes, and perhaps you can get him to make one for you under $200. Chris Besse comes to mind, but I've forgotten his screen name at the moment.

 

[buzkirk]

Can you post a pic of what elements you are looking for. I've only made 21 pipes so far and only 1 by commission.

 

[unkleyoda]

You could try Brad Knaack. He's a friend of mine. I'm not sure if he's taking any orders right now, because he's gearing up for the Chicago pipe show.
His Facebook page
Here's the Pipe Magazine Radio Show interview of Brad Knaack

 

[mikethompson]

I'm sure there are carvers out there for every budget. I have never commissioned one so I am not speaking from experience.

 

[crashthegrey]

It depends entirely on what you are thinking. Some good carvers will do a basic pipe for that amount, but not if it is overly complex. Feel free to reach out to Jim Brown of Heisenberg Pipes, he will often do some crazy deals.

 

[sasquatch]

There are LOTS of custom pipe makers out there who will do a pipe for 200 dollars, but you have to understand what you are getting, which is a pipe made by a guy who is learning how to make pipes. That doesn't mean it's going to be crappy - far from it most likely, but probably there will be some little... eccentricities of shape or finish. It's pretty easy to make a nice smoking pipe, really. Getting the 300 little details that make a really good quality pipe just right... takes more time and more skill, and mostly the guys with that skill can charge for it.

 

[milehighpiper]

Thanks for the great information! I will try and get a hold of some of these guys after this weekend. I figure they will be tired and busy with orders after the pipe show in vegas.

 

[mso489]

I believe this can be done. Some new carvers have convincing talent, but you will have to ask around and look at some photos of their work. Get your ideas and specifications together, and ideally you will leave some room so the carver gets to express him/herself in the work so they aren't just reproducing your drawing or someone else's pipe. If you can find several willing to do this, I'd see who seems most capable and interested. Some Forums members do beautiful work, but I haven't commissioned a pipe, so I can't recommend anyone. My go-to carver isn't available online and only sells pipes twice a year at events at the N.C. Fairgrounds, and I'm not sure he does commissions. I always find what I want in his finished work.

 

[dochudson]

Call Mark Tinsky.. Great engineering, blast by Rad, won't take forever to get. Plus Mark is a fan nice guy and easy to work with.

 

[crashthegrey]

Don't be too fooled. Not all sub $300 carvers are new and inexperienced. Bill, President of Kaywoodie and fourth generation pipe maker, who has made or finished tens of thousands of pipes, does not believe in pipes costing that much. Many of his hand made pipes are under $200.

 

[milehighpiper]

Good to know. Thanks Cash!

 

[crashthegrey]

You're welcome. Not all agree with me, but I will stand behind a few pipe makers who make pipes in your price range.