I talked with Phil, the general manager, again today, and the best news is that their corn crop has been spared from the floods in Missouri so far. Their plans for bringing back the bulldog, and several new models will depend on how good a harvest they have this year. If they are able to get enough extra large cobs, they hope to produce their Natural models in large enough quantities to offer them to B&Ms and e-tailers.
As for their Freehand model, they have begun using slightly different shanks which will have metal bands, known in the business as ferrules, which will prevent splitting. They’ll have to use up their current supply of shanks before those new and improved Freehands will be widely distributed. The possibility of corncob shanks is being considered, but they would probably need to be reinforced, so if they do decide to offer them, it would be on a limited basis.
Among ideas I passed on to Phil from forum members was deer antler, reed, and bamboo shanks, with the problem being them being able to find reliable suppliers. They have ideas for a Huck Finn model, where a Pony-sized bowl would use a mini Churchwarden stem. I also suggested a Cherrywood Poker model, which would use a modified General bowl.
Phil wanted to thank everyone for passing on suggestions and ideas through me, and said that they will all be given consideration. He did ask us to be patient, since changes and new models take time, since the raw cobs not only have to be grown, but also dried and cured.
As for their Freehand model, they have begun using slightly different shanks which will have metal bands, known in the business as ferrules, which will prevent splitting. They’ll have to use up their current supply of shanks before those new and improved Freehands will be widely distributed. The possibility of corncob shanks is being considered, but they would probably need to be reinforced, so if they do decide to offer them, it would be on a limited basis.
Among ideas I passed on to Phil from forum members was deer antler, reed, and bamboo shanks, with the problem being them being able to find reliable suppliers. They have ideas for a Huck Finn model, where a Pony-sized bowl would use a mini Churchwarden stem. I also suggested a Cherrywood Poker model, which would use a modified General bowl.
Phil wanted to thank everyone for passing on suggestions and ideas through me, and said that they will all be given consideration. He did ask us to be patient, since changes and new models take time, since the raw cobs not only have to be grown, but also dried and cured.
