Getting To Meet Mark Tinsky

[verporchting]

I recently discovered that Mark Tinsky lives just a few miles away and he kindly offered to show me around his shop later this week. I am pretty excited about it.

I have considered buying one of his pipes before because they are gorgeous but just never got around to it. Time to remedy that.

 

[pitchfork]

Awesome. Buy yourself a pipe (or two).

Vermont pipemaker Andrew Marks let me visit his shop a few years ago and it was so fun. (Bought a couple of pipes, too, of course.)

 

[litup]

I have seen pictures of Mark's place before. It looks idyllic there.

I've also heard he's a gracious host. I hope you have a great time.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

Take lots of pictures please! Big fan of Mark and his pipes.

 

[Tommy Boy]

Sounds like a good time. Never meet him but have emailed him several times and talked to him once on the phone. He was helping with some questions about one of his pipes. Very pleasant and over the top helpful on the phone. Can't wait to see pics

 

[BarrelProof]

I recently discovered that Mark Tinsky lives just a few miles away and he kindly offered to show me around his shop later this week. I am pretty excited about it.

I have considered buying one of his pipes before because they are gorgeous but just never got around to it. Time to remedy that.

In that case, Canyon Ferry should be open by now. Head down to the silos and fish for the trout that seem to run the banks in 5’ - 7’ of water every morning.

 

[mau1]

I corresponded with Mark a year or so ago. He was a very friendly fellow. He took the time to reminisce with me which I greatly appreciated. You're going to have a swell time.

 

[krizzose]

I haven’t purchased yet, but a Tinsky will be the first handmade pipe I buy. I love his style and his very reasonable prices

 

[verporchting]

I’m really looking forward to it! He said to bring a pipe and we’ll have a smoke and visit while he shows the shop.

I want to buy a pipe or two and might talk about commissioning one. His prices are very reasonable for the pipes I’ve seen.

The hardest part will be not wanting one of everything. ?

 

[verporchting]

Barrelproof, the fishing is on! I’ve seen a lot of folks hitting the Mo, the Clark and Blackfoot already. I’ve been stupidly busy and haven’t had the chance yet. ?

This essential worker thing is harshing my relaxation buzz.

 

[wordheavy]

Awesome opportunity, sounds like you're gonna have a blast.

 

[BarrelProof]

Barrelproof, the fishing is on! I’ve seen a lot of folks hitting the Mo, the Clark and Blackfoot already. I’ve been stupidly busy and haven’t had the chance yet. ?

This essential worker thing is harshing my relaxation buzz.

Just moved back to Alaska from Townsend about a year ago. Miss the perch and walleye already.

 

[verporchting]

Spent several hours with Mark in his shop, smoking a pipe and visiting while he made me a pipe from scratch.

You’ll never meet a nicer guy and it was a real pleasure seeing him work. What a fantastic way to spend a Friday afternoon.

I had a pipe in mind and he grabbed a block of wood and showed me how he made that shape. As the pipe evolved from a block to a complete pipe (sans finish) I told him I’d like to buy that pipe since I was able to see it happen in real time. He talked to me about what finish he thought would be best for that piece and he’s going to stain and stamp it for me, and I’ll pick it up or he will bring it to me.

Folks, it just doesn’t get much better than that. I am just about as excited as can be. What a day! ?

 

[captainsousie]

That's awesome to hear. He seems to be a great guy. Plus you got a great story to go with your new pipe. Thanks for sharing.

 

[PipesRock]

I'm pretty sure I see the makings of another pipe being added to the "One Pipe to Rule Them All" thread... I could be mistaken but...
Seriously, that sounds like a great day and great memory.
-Rock

 

[jpmcwjr]

Excellent! Fabulous!

I hope you'll grace us with photos- did you take any in the shop?

 

[verporchting]

Since I was already there anyway, and had the opportunity to riffle through all the stunning pipes he had completed ... it would have been silly not to buy one, right?? Another one, I mean, because who wants to leave empty handed. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Actually, it was damn hard to stop at two.

 

[verporchting]

Excellent! Fabulous!

I hope you'll grace us with photos- did you take any in the shop?

You know, I was so excited just visiting and watching I completely forgot to take any photos of the shop or the pipe in progress. That would have been awesome but I was completely absorbed in the moment and didn’t even think to reach for my phone.

 

[Papamique]

Since I was already there anyway, and had the opportunity to riffle through all the stunning pipes he had completed ... it would have been silly not to buy one, right?? Another one, I mean, because who wants to leave empty handed. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Actually, it was damn hard to stop at two.View attachment 28467

Beautiful grain! Beautiful pipe!!