'Just Finished My First Pipe'

[kenbarnes]

This is a pipe I made yesterday - the first one since 1988. It was such fun and hand-cutting the mouthpiece was a real challenge.

Obviously no stamp marks as I have no stamp dies yet and no background stain to help bring out the grain (or to make the grain pop!). This piece has been simply bees’-waxed.

What do you reckon? It does look quite ‘Upshallesque’ and Barry told me that is normal until I develop my new individual style.

I intend the shapes to be as classical and orthodox as the briar will allow – in straight grain.

Barry said that he will mix some very light tan stain (which goes to a very light orangey colour) to use as a background for this quality. The same stain Charatan used for their Coronations, Achievements and Crown Achievements.

 

[aquadoc]

Nicely done. I love it with just the beeswax. Looks awesome. And that stem rocks.

 

[georged]

I'd say you haven't missed a step. VERY nice. :clap:
Too bad you couldn't find a decent piece of wood, though. :lol:
Are you planning on keeping it as a personal milestone sort of thing, or selling it? Because if the latter, I suspect its "automatic historical significance" would make it valuable to serious BritWood collectors.

 

[ashdigger]

I agree with everything GeorgeD says. Wanna sell it?

 

[pitchfork]

Nearly 30 years -- wow! :clap:

 

[kenbarnes]

Believe it or not, the briar was randomly picked I have accumulated an amazing bunch of plateau blocks over the past 18 months.

It has had some McClellands oriental mixture in it for 'christening' purposes. I seem to recall that we did the same with the first two Upshalls that came through the production in November 1978.

If all that excitement I experienced yesterday remains and my passion does not diminish, I reckon that I can only improve.

 

[ashdigger]

Still cool. Enjoy it!!!

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

That is a lovely pipe Ken. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, "It's good to see you making pipes again". I hope the excitement continues, and that we get to see more from you in the days and years to come. :clap: ::

 

[jefff]

What a great first effort. You may have a future is pipe carving.

 

[kenbarnes]

...and I thank specifically Rick Newcombe and others for giving me the impetus and reviving my passion to make some pipes again, I am so grateful for his support

 

[mortonbriar]

Ooooooo lovely! beeswax works just fine on that grain in my opinion.
Isaac

 

[ssjones]

That looks pretty fabulous from my computer screen!

 

[puffy]

Pretty

 

[puffermark]

Awesome job, sir. Sympathetic and harmonious treatment of an exceptional piece of briar. Would love to see the top of the bowl. I suspect some lovely bird's eye lurks there. The beeswax is all it needs IMHO. Nice to see you 'back in the saddle' again.

 

[ukbob]

Nice job.

 

[jravenwood]

Well done, very well done.

 

[fitzy]

Wow fantastic pipe.

 

[bentbob]

I'd buy it!
Are you taking commissions?

 

[deleon]

Great job! Enjoy the many smokes!

 

[patiobum]

Very, very nice !!