I am very pleased with this new style volcano shape. The shape works well with the flow of the grain, from the pure birdseye covering the entire bottom to the spread of the radiant straight grain. If the grain had not broken up around the shank on one side, this pipe would have been a CROWN grade. I chose a contrast stain to make the grain pop and the smooth texture feels very velvety. Of particular interest and flair is the chunky mammoth ivory shank cap. It's beautiful creamy colour matches well with the contrast finish, and the natural enamel surface has been left intact. I have a large stock of this expensive, flaw free mammoth ivory which I plan to utilize in many pipes to come. The hand cut stem is ebonite, which tapers down to a slim 4mm behind the button. Wide open draw, and a cleaner passes easily.

Deep blasted Tomato with deer antler double recessed shank cap. Black ebonite stem.

This fantastical creation was designed by Brandon Holt. I was sent a sketch with a tree bark with old roots and a leaf shaped stem. I was given freedom to deviate from the sketch, but I tried not to do so very much. The plateaux is nice and knobbly and had a natural wave that I incorporated into the design of the shank. There are eight roots in all, including a central tap root where the nomenclature is located. I especially liked making the stem, which I think is an upgrade to the normal straight style of leaf stem for tree barks. It has been a fun and challanging three days in the making, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a sketch come to life.

This light weight sandblast sitter has wonderfully defined grain all around the bowl. The platuaux on the rim and wide shank face is nice and knobbly. The hand cut cumberland stem matches my two tone black cherry finish.

When I first sat down with this block of briar many months ago, I knew immediately that I had to incorporate the characterful plateaux into a fantasy style tree trunk. I was overjoyed that the wood was so clean and that the grain worked in harmony with the elongated shape. I have sat on this block, waiting for the right time to let loose the creative freedom necessary to let the pipe take on a life of its own. It has beem displayed on my desk for awhile now to give me time to enjoy it. Now it is time to find its true home. GRADE UNIQUE - two CROWN stamps

This beautifully grained pipe is dubbed "Dancing Dublin" for the graceful curves of the bowl, rim and shank. It has a movement that reminds me of a ballet dancer holding a figure 4 posture with an arm reaching out to counterbalance. Ok, that might be a funny discription but that's what it reminds me of! The straight and flame grain flows with the shape of the pipe. A dark constrast stain was used to show of the grain and compliment the shank cap. The shank cap is genuine mammoth ivory of the creamiest uniform colour. I have sourced this matierial with the agreement of the seller that I get the best flawless pieces. CROWN GRADED

The best tree barks depend on the wood. The best rims have the natural character of wavy and knarly plateaux crust. The wood needs to be dense but not too much, so carving is easy but still holds up to blasting well, to give the bark a true and realistic look and feel of tree bark. This Tree Bark pipe fits the bill for having the best of everything!

Commissioned piece sporting a 6 gram 9ct gold band and hand cut acrylic stem.