This is either my sixth pipe, or my first "real" pipe, depending on how you look at it. My first 5 were made from pre-drilled kits I got from Mark Tinsky. Between #5 and #6, I bought a used lathe and some other tools, and proceeded to ruin about 10 pieces of briar. I destroyed a few learning how to drill, some had fatal flaws uncovered in the process of making them, and one I dropped on the foor of my shop and broke off the shank.
Running low on briar at that point, I grabbed this piece of olive wood and it just happened to be the first one to make it to completion. I know it isn't perfect, and it's probably not even good by some standards. But if you line up my pipes sequentially you can definitely see progress, and that's what's important right now. That, and having fun. If it's not fun, why bother?
Also, first complete hand cut stem, which I find particularly challenging.
So here it is. I already know a few things I would do differently or better. I need to hear it from you though. Don't hold back, please. I need honest critique to get better. You're not gonna hurt my feelings.
Thank you!
