That didn't sound good.

[blackbeard]

OH....In the second to last picture. Notice the stem is off center...and it looks like the band is crooked as hell, however...it was on a cheap cheap pipe...and it in itself was not cut straight. Will see about lining up the stem later. I just wanted it to smoke and to play with the meer where I had to sand it down a bit to fit. Gotta work with what I have
The last three pictures show how dark it got...would it be oils on my hands? I didn't really touch it that much for it to be so even I didn't think.

 

[ray47]

You certainly are on a "Mission". That pipe sure has a history and I've enjoyed watching its evolution, as I'm sure you have.

 

[blackbeard]

Thanks ray. I don't give up on a pipe. If I can make it work, that's fine with me. It's kind of fun to rig something up in an unorthodox manner. This being my first experience like this, definitely has been interesting. Hopefully the pipe will serve me well for much longer. If he shatters...I'll find a use for him somehow!

 

[fnord]

Tyler:
PM sent.
Fnord

 

[blackbeard]

There is not a PM Fnord.

 

[sablebrush52]

Too bad about the cracks, but it sounds like you're still having fun with the pipe. You can hold a meer bowl by getting a piece of chamois and nestling the pipe in the chamois while holding it during smoking. Years ago, pipes sometimes came with a fitted chamois bowl cover.

 

[blackbeard]

I want to handle it. Giving it an interesting look, want to see what happens in the long run. A proper improper coloring if you will.

 

[newbroom]

My experience with these carved Turkish Meers is very similar. I picked up two in a sale on the auction site awhile back and both showed cracks when heated. One has actually broken off where the shank meets its stem.

I didn't invest a lot of money (hardly ever do, since I don't have a lot of it) so I am not too upset and they LOOK neat.

I've acquired a few simple billiard shaped meers since and they don't have issues with cracks......yet.

My one 'go to' meer is an African block meer with a simple bowl and stem. The seller had it within a group of cobs I got for $10.00 or so. It was clogged but I got it cleaned and it's one of my best pipes.

I suspect that some Meerschaum is softer and more inclined to fail than the rest. "grades" of meerschaum, if you will?

 

[hawke]

That band was a great idea Tyler! One of mine is cracked like that, maybe not quite as bad and its a mini version as well. It still is smokable, but the first one I had was dropped and the mortise was broken, parts flew.

 

[blackbeard]

I dropped it from about 1-1 1/2 feet last night. The shank hit the metal on my laptop, bounced and hit again. No damage....so....that made me happy, and sad. I thought for sure I had broken it, but apparently I repaired it better than I thought.

 

[sablebrush52]

I want to handle it. Giving it an interesting look, want to see what happens in the long run.

I dropped it from about 1-1 1/2 feet last night.

This pipe is doomed...

 

[deathmetal]

Someone really need to invent an indestructible pipe. Maybe make it out of the stuff they use to insulate spacecraft for re-entry.

 

[blackbeard]

This pipe is doomed...

I've only had three times dropping a pipe. Once years back with a hot Dr. Grabow that shattered when I first started, second because I forgot one in my lap and stood up, and then this one with it's short drop. I don't believe it's doomed...however....it's certainly had a rougher life than my other pipes for whatever reason. Besides, if it were in 10 pieces....I would still smoke it somehow.

Someone really need to invent an indestructible pipe. Maybe make it out of the stuff they use to insulate spacecraft for re-entry.

I would think the Aristocob is close enough.
When it comes down to it; the pipe would have been in much better shape had I stumbled on the forums sooner. However, it was one of my first pipes. Lack of knowledge, and the resulting poor care started this journey. I will say I'm glad in a way though. It's been an interesting experience.

 

[deathmetal]

That's true. I've had some durable cobs.