The whole "shape according to the grain" thing simply didn't exist until the mid/latter 20th century.
Jesse has one of the most outrageously opulent (yet tasteful) Barlings ever made. A pipe that was obviously intended as a presentation centerpiece. Giant size, filigreed (think high-end firearm engraving) sterling silver fittings many times thicker than normal, etc.
The wood is not straight grain, though. Ten bucks says no one at the time it was made (19th century) even considered it. Quality wood meant density, full grain coverage, and a lack of flaws. The end.
The reason the major English companies kept a "straight grain" stamp around was for the tiny percentage of bowls that appeared by chance in the course of their production process. They were literally one in several thousand.
Me? I think that "shaping according to the grain" approach is asolutely a big part---an essential part in many cases---of high grade freehands. I don't think it matters much at all for English shape-chart pipes, though. Full grain coverage and no putty and I'm a happy guy.
Jesse has one of the most outrageously opulent (yet tasteful) Barlings ever made. A pipe that was obviously intended as a presentation centerpiece. Giant size, filigreed (think high-end firearm engraving) sterling silver fittings many times thicker than normal, etc.
The wood is not straight grain, though. Ten bucks says no one at the time it was made (19th century) even considered it. Quality wood meant density, full grain coverage, and a lack of flaws. The end.
The reason the major English companies kept a "straight grain" stamp around was for the tiny percentage of bowls that appeared by chance in the course of their production process. They were literally one in several thousand.
Me? I think that "shaping according to the grain" approach is asolutely a big part---an essential part in many cases---of high grade freehands. I don't think it matters much at all for English shape-chart pipes, though. Full grain coverage and no putty and I'm a happy guy.
