Looks like I should weigh in here.
Yes, I "take notes" on every pipe I make. I journal technical details and "notes" on what I like and dislike, what went well and didn't go well, and generally things to keep in mind to improve on with each successive pipe. As for the technical details (and I'm going from memory here which obviously isn't my forte hence the journal) I log the following:
General Information:
1) Pipe number in succession (ie. pipe #50)
2) Serial number for tracking purposes (I've gotten a bit less anal about this one and haven't been stamping every pipe with the serial number)
3) A brief description of the pipe (ie Sandblasted Bent Apple w/ Antler)
4) Shape
5) Stain color and process including how many coats of what and in what order
6) Origin and type of briar block (ebauchon, plateaux, extra, extra extra, cirta, tassili, etc.) and who I purchased it from
7) Embellishments (ie shank adornments, rings, and whatever)
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Price sold for
9) Purchaser if known
10) Stem material and type
Technical Info (measured with calipers):
1) Overall Length
2) Height of Bowl
3) Bowl Outer Diameter
4) Tobacco Chamber Diameter
5) Airway Diameter
6) Mortise and Tenon Diameter
7) Mortise Depth
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Tenon Length
9) Stem Length
10) Tobacco Chamber Depth
11) Bit Thickness Behind the Button
12) Button Height
13) Button Thickness
14) Tobacco Chamber Shape
15) Weight
Now you all are probably reading this and thinking "no wonder he only makes 20 pipes a year" but the whole process only takes me about 15 minutes per pipe.