Reverse Calabash Snappin' Turtle

[zack24]

Had a bunch of fun with this one..Really wanted to do a reverse calabash that wasn't clunky and didn't look like a riff on some other guy's design...Finished it off with hand-cut Cumberland stem....and finally managed to cut a button that I'm almost happy with...finished just in time for the afternoon thunderstorms in Sarasota...

 

[pipeinhand]

I like it Zack. What is the finish on the bottom?

 

[bentmike]

Well done sir! You've got some fantastic briar.

 

[mso489]

Not easy to come up with an entirely original shape, but I believe you've done it here. I like

the way the pipe folds in a little on itself. A good pipe for sitting and solving problems.

(What exacatly is Cumberland, in terms of material? That's a really handsome sturdy stem.)

 

[zack24]

PipeInHand- It's stained with aniline dye- 3 coats of black, and 4 of red...with a lot of buffing. The irregular edge at the bottom is the outer edge of the plateaux...
Thanks Mike! This was a rarity because I actually had a few sand pits on the outside of the calabash chamber- nothing that affects the mechanics- still seem to be averaging 80% with no significant flaws- unbelievable!. Can't decide whether to leave it bold and smooth or blast that section and make it look like I did it on purpose....(Oh- that would require a sandblaster...hmmm- need to have a conversation with my wife!)
MSO- Cumberland is a mix of red and black ebonite material. You'll usually see pipemakers talk about cutting stems from German Ebonite or Cumberland- the only difference is the color. There can be a huge difference in material even coming from Germany. I source my material directly from SEM in Germany- really love their colors...

 

[jah76]

Stunning. It reminds me of a conch shell of sorts.
I really like how the rim of the bowl slopes down.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Very nice. I like it.

 

[hodirty]

That is a great, unique shape. The whole package just has a lot of wow factor. You did an incredible job, and I commend your hard work on that beauty. Thanks for sharing that excellent pipe with us. :D

 

[cortezattic]

I like everything about it -- especially the fact that it's a unique reverse calabash. :clap:

Who says there is no room for innovation in tobacco pipe making?!

 

[ejames]

I think that is maybe the second reverse calabash I like! Nice!

 

[dragonslayer]

I agree with ejames and not a fan of the bowl reverse calabash. As the last pope, just awesome! Wave that around Harris down there in Sarasota, he's got room for more He probably has a few of your pipes already. Surprised your using aniline stains, I guess you can really mix any color you want out of three. The bit looks great from this angle, how about some more pics!
What percentage size difference between bowl and chamber?

 

[zack24]

I'd be guessing, but I figure the chamber is 50% of the bowl volume. The stains really don't get mixed. It's usually a couple of different colored base coats burned on with a flame and buffed off and a final tone put on with a rag as many times as it takes.

 

[cigrmaster]

That is a great looking pipe and I cannot wait to see it in person next week.