Stolen or Style or Innovation

[Hillcrest]

But, what are some things you've noticed being done across several different pipemakers? Lately or historically?

Too much black rustication ... is there no more clean briar left? I don't want to pay over $300 for a simple smooth pipe.

 

[milk]

Well, depends on what kind. Mimicry, counterfeiting, forgery, parody, fakery, mockery, and parroting can be type of imitations that aren't very flattering.

I just noticed something else: Tristan Lefebvre makes pipes in the shape and finish of Castellos. They’re homages I guess. They’re described as such.

 

[captainsousie]

Copying is a common form of either improvement, admiration, or plagiarism. It's also a form of business. I see nobody complaining about the blatant Preben Holm copies that Americans churned out by the thousand. nording has a place at the table and has no need to copy but chooses to do some inspiration work. It's like music with all the covers and remixes. A lot of times the original is better. Sometimes it's the other way around. As long as there have been innovators, there have been those who copied or were inspired. As long as Nording is not claiming original design on these, I'd say no worries. To illustrate the above ideas, I would like to introduce you to the four chord song.

 

[georged]

A ton of American artisan makers put out warmed over Danish.

(They learned about it at pipeshows. Sugarhit hand food is a natural.... start on an actual meal and someone will walk up to your table every time.)

 

[captpat]

I think in most endeavors there are artisans/innovators and craftsmen/mechanics. There is free communication between these camps, each borrowing from the other. As to where Nording falls is immaterial to me, I have one of his pipes, and it smokes fine. Most of his stuff though is unappealing to my eye.

 

[Homer]

Many of the Nordings look horrible. I really dislike them.