Sharing My Excitement!

[thomasw]

All three of those look brilliant so far :: I look forward to seeing more progress; thanks for showing your work.

 

[lightmybriar]

Wow those are beautiful!!!

 

[kenbarnes]

Here are two of the ones from the previous photo which are 'on their way' - still lots to do before they are finally finished.

 

[bonanzadriver]

Hubba, Hubba! :worship:
Alright Ken, where's the youtube videos of this awesome craftsmanship? ::

 

[sablebrush52]

Ken,

Those look brilliant!
Have you made a logo stamp for them?

 

[bazungu]

Wow, those turned out amazing! Love the shaping and the grain, sincerely hope you will continue making pipes. Sadly no picture of the 3rd pipe which was my favorite looking of the bunch haha.

 

[kenbarnes]

Have you made a logo stamp for them?

I learnt a big lesson yesterday, I tried out the stamps I ordered last year (after considerable difficulties in communication) and realise that they are no good for the job as they do not have enough depth or sharpness. Originally, I offered to send them a sample so they could see the type of thing I was after but they convinced me that they knew what I wanted even after sending numerous photos of the dies and impressions.

I realise now that what I need are not actually 'stamps/punch stamps' but 'impressors' (my word for it). I wish that Bonzer was still around. He made dies for Dunhill, Charatan, Upshall and others and knew this specialised trade.

I now know of a company in the UK which has the most modern engraving machines which can make them to any sharpness and depth that I want. I will phone them on Monday.

I may be able to use these ones for the lambskin pipe bags that I am currently making.

In 1978 the Upshall, Tilshead England and Made by Hand dies cost £38 for the three. These two have already set me back £248.

Despite this, I am supremely happy and have unshakeable faith that I will get some dies that will impress 'deep and crisp and even'!!!

As Socrates once said "There are no mistakes, only lessons" :D

 

[balkisobrains]

I was wondering how that spikey-headed one was going to turn out! Great thread so far! :clap:

 

[ssjones]

I wish that Bonzer was still around. He made dies for Dunhill, Charatan, Upshall and others and knew this specialised trade.

Is there any information about this "Bonzer", sounds fascinating.
That piece looks incredible!

 

[woodsroad]

Ken, your work is beautiful and inspiring. Can you tell us more about how you went about the shaping process?

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Charatan/Upshall pipes are most always sized larger than I like, but its a joy to see these pieces being turned.

 

[midwestpipesmoker70]

Beautiful work and that cutty is gorgeous! Can't wait for another update.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Amen to that. Inspiring!

 

[kenbarnes]

Charatan/Upshall pipes are most always sized larger than I like

I agree and 'this time around' I want to make some super classical shapes in Dunhill group 4 and some group 3s too.

The general demand in the 1970s and 80s was "Big, Big even Bigger". Today I am not under so much pressure to make what the markets want, rather to cut and make what I like.

 

[sablebrush52]

I want to make some super classical shapes in Dunhill group 4 and some group 3s too.

Ken,
This sounds similar to what I understand the early Charatan pipes were like.

 

[seacaptain]

Nicely done!

 

[cigrmaster]

Ken, those pipes look outstanding. I am looking forward to even more pictures.

 

[kenbarnes]

These are the ones that are now ready for staining, touching up, mouthpiece re-working, bending, where appropriate, more mouthpiece-work after bending, final sanding of the tobacco chamber, stamping, polishing etc. etc.

They have all arrived at this stage, and no further, because I am still trying out different stains and finishes. I have always found this to be a really challenging stage, to find two or three beautiful finishes for these pipes. At Upshalls, I used to leave this stage of pipe-making to Barry Jones and the very capable finishers Shirley Pittman and June White.

 

[sablebrush52]

Wow, Ken! Those look beautiful! Shaping looks spot on and the grain is beautiful!

 

[flakyjakey]

A veritable pipe trove - fabulous craftsmanship!! :worship: