First ever grade 2 smooth

[StephenDownie]

I just finished my first ever grade 2 smooth a few days ago. I think this is perhaps the finest briar I've worked on to date. I came across no flaws or pits and the grain was beautiful. If only I had more blocks like this one! http://www.downiepipes.com/blowfish.html

[magruder]

Stephen,

Very nice looking Blowfish. The combination of materials is really cool.
Nice lines on the tail. And that briar is wonderful.
My compliments.

Best,
Steven Magruder Morrisette

[Frank]

Excellent staining contrast. Really makes the grain stand out.
The beautiful high gloss finish gives great depth, makes the grain almost 3-D.

Just curious, what is Morta?

[ckr]

Beautiful pipe Stephen, I especially like the fact that it is not a guppy sized one, a real sit back and have a smoke smoker. Oh, also great execution on a real nice piece of briar and choice of complementary materials.

[StephenDownie]

Excellent staining contrast. Really makes the grain stand out.
The beautiful high gloss finish gives great depth, makes the grain almost 3-D.

Just curious, what is Morta?

Hi Frank,

Morta is semi-fossilized bog oak. It has the grain of oak, but is a beautiful black colour.

Thanks for the compliments folks.

[Nick]

Where did you get the morta? I thought most areas banned the export of it?

[StephenDownie]

Where did you get the morta? I thought most areas banned the export of it?

It's not hard to find on ebay UK, but shipping is pretty expensive. At one point I got some through a guy in Ireland who harvested it, but he seems to have disappeared.

[sethile]

Wow, Stephen, that's a beautiful blowfish! Very nicely done. I love the Morta and Boxwood, and you really nailed the grain! Very fine work!