Lee emailed the other day and said that his signature shape has always been the "loon" pipes that he makes that resemble a loon's neck and head when held upright by the stem. He said that he has had such strong demand for pipes like the one he made for the KC Pipe Carving Contest that he has decided to have a second signature shape that he has named the "GKCPC" in honor of winning the contest.
I hate straight pipes but i would love to have one of these. It is amazing how he makes it look like the stem, shank, and bowl are twisted.
As you can see Lee's pipes aren't cheap but if you want one you'll need to get on the waiting list.
I've yet to find any other maker whose pipes smoke better than my Von Ercks. His oil curing process creates a nutty sweetness to the pipe. They require no break in. I have a half dozen and there's not a stinker in the bunch. His pipes have become very popular in Japan and demand is rising. Prices are going up.
Lee is a good friend and I really think his currant work is outstanding and very unique but I can't afford them. I have to settle for the three I bought years ago. They are rustic but they have that signature LvE look. They are along with my E Andrew pipes part of the permanent collection. 8O
Perfect moment for this thread to resurface as I am enjoying Haddo's Delight in a large Von Erck canted Dublin with blasted bowl and turned shank. I can't imagine a better pipe at any price. Light as a feather, Always smokes nutty sweet. Effortless draw.