Making the slot

[ToddJohnson]

My opinion that rounded slots are "better" than square slots is simply based on the information I have already provided along with the fact that the following pipe makers from around the world agree. Just because everyone does something doesn't necessarily make it "right," but I would think that there is wisdom to be drawn from the knowledge that all the following makers--who's work is both excellent and in high demand--do it the way I've suggested.

Rounded Slots: Bo, Lars, Jess, Nanna, Eltang, Sixten, Teddy, Kent, Tokutomi, Gotoh, Jody, Jeff, Me, Cornelius, Rad, Wolfgang, Barbi, Micke, etc., etc.

As a counter point, we have the following brands:

Square Slots: Savinelli, "Italian Briar," Dr. Grabow, Medico, Yello Bowl, Kaywoodie, Chacom, BC, Big Ben, etc.

Frankly, I don't know of any high grade pipes that have square slots. I guess it is a matter of "personal preference," but you'll find that high grade collectors--almost to a man--want to see very finely detailed smooth slots with rounded edges. They are simply far more comfortable in the mouth.

As with everything else, do as you prefer and the results will be what they will be.

TJ

[wdteipen]

My opinion that rounded slots are "better" than square slots is simply based on the information I have already provided along with the fact that the following pipe makers from around the world agree. Just because everyone does something doesn't necessarily make it "right," but I would think that there is wisdom to be drawn from the knowledge that all the following makers--who's work is both excellent and in high demand--do it the way I've suggested.

Rounded Slots: Bo, Lars, Jess, Nanna, Eltang, Sixten, Teddy, Kent, Tokutomi, Gotoh, Jody, Jeff, Me, Cornelius, Rad, Wolfgang, Barbi, Micke, etc., etc.

As a counter point, we have the following brands:

Square Slots: Savinelli, "Italian Briar," Dr. Grabow, Medico, Yello Bowl, Kaywoodie, Chacom, BC, Big Ben, etc.

Frankly, I don't know of any high grade pipes that have square slots. I guess it is a matter of "personal preference," but you'll find that high grade collectors--almost to a man--want to see very finely detailed smooth slots with rounded edges. They are simply far more comfortable in the mouth.

As with everything else, do as you prefer and the results will be what they will be.

TJ

You're right. When it comes down to it, the customer's preferences outweigh my own. I'll start rounding my slots. Thanks for the info, correction, and professional persepective.

[PremalChheda]

My opinion that rounded slots are "better" than square slots is simply based on the information I have already provided along with the fact that the following pipe makers from around the world agree. Just because everyone does something doesn't necessarily make it "right," but I would think that there is wisdom to be drawn from the knowledge that all the following makers--who's work is both excellent and in high demand--do it the way I've suggested.

Rounded Slots: Bo, Lars, Jess, Nanna, Eltang, Sixten, Teddy, Kent, Tokutomi, Gotoh, Jody, Jeff, Me, Cornelius, Rad, Wolfgang, Barbi, Micke, etc., etc.

As a counter point, we have the following brands:

Square Slots: Savinelli, "Italian Briar," Dr. Grabow, Medico, Yello Bowl, Kaywoodie, Chacom, BC, Big Ben, etc.

Frankly, I don't know of any high grade pipes that have square slots. I guess it is a matter of "personal preference," but you'll find that high grade collectors--almost to a man--want to see very finely detailed smooth slots with rounded edges. They are simply far more comfortable in the mouth.

As with everything else, do as you prefer and the results will be what they will be.

TJ

You're right. When it comes down to it, the customer's preferences outweigh my own. I'll start rounding my slots. Thanks for the info, correction, and professional persepective.

Wayne ,
There are a few highly respected high grade artisan pipemakers that do make the slot square but they also blend the edges at the lip. The two that come to mind are Former and Tonni.
When I first started pipemaking and restoration, I was under the impression that Sharp edges were good. I liked the look of them. I soon found out that a Sharp edge anywhere on the pipe is a technical problem. Also my eyes became wiser and I started to see what really makes a pipe attractive. It takes time. I have always made the slot rounded, but I used to keep the edge at the lip Sharp. Through some very honest and brutal feedback from one of my mentors, I saw the purpose of softening those Sharp edges.
I believe that your preference in squaring the slot could be fine if it is technically sound with softened edges. If you get a chance to look at one of Former or Tonnis pipes you will see that it looks nice and it works. However, if you can compare a well done rounded slot by say Todd, J. Alan, Rad, Shalosky, etc..., with a very well made square slot, I think you will see why the above mentioned make them round. To the trained eye of experienced pipemakers and collectors, the rounded slot looks better, and I have not yet seen a square pipe cleaner.
It is good to question and discuss these things, but also keep an open mind to advice from very experienced collegues, and the curious minds. I have been lurking on this forum since its start and have learned a thing or three from both the more experienced and the less experienced.

[PremalChheda]

His unicorn brought them home and put them in his tool box.

Actually, I sent my Gremlin to Rad,s workshop to pilfer shiney things.

[The Smoking Yeti]

That's weird, cus when I'm talking about my "gremlin" I'm refering to my... oh nevermind.