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This is the only pipe I've ever set out from the beginning to make for myself. The shaping, especially on the cheeks, could be better, but I'm looking forward to firing it up. Lagavulin bottle top shank cap. Red/black cumberland stem. 5 1/2" long, 1 3/4" tall, 1 3/4" wide. This was probably the most difficult stem I've ever made. I figured shorter stems would be easier, but this one gave me fits. I had to sort of "scoop" the stem on top and bottom from shank to bit because the short length made the bite zone land at a steep angle and was really uncomfortable. Also, I tapered the stem because it was too wide. All those things combined made my ADD freak out a bit.

My buddy that makes RHOX pipes with me bought the parts for a laser engraver and built the whole dern thing (he's a lot smarter than me). Since this pipe was just for me I opted to put just our Rhino/Fox logo on and not the name.

As always, critiques and advice are very much welcome.

When doing a tapered stem with a raised shank cap or ring, making the diameter a little smaller on the stem will create a balanced look. Same diameter makes the stem look heavy. A saddle may have looked a little better on this pipe. Tapering the shank more would create a more balanced look as well. As it is, it visually looks heavy at the end of the shank.

PremalChheda wrote:When doing a tapered stem with a raised shank cap or ring, making the diameter a little smaller on the stem will create a balanced look. Same diameter makes the stem look heavy. A saddle may have looked a little better on this pipe. Tapering the shank more would create a more balanced look as well. As it is, it visually looks heavy at the end of the shank.

Yeah, I turned down the rod stock to the same diameter as the shank thinking that would be the thing to do. But it definitely ended up looking pretty chunky. This is my first time finishing a pipe with a shank cap (especially one that big) so I have some things to learn apparently.

Finish, Bowl shape, and technical qualities look good