Hey, guys, I know I do not post here that often as my post count shows, but I thought I throw a couple of things out there just for general consideration.
Let me start by saying that it never ceases to amaze me the designs and work that you all put out. Most of these works are just stunnning!
I live and work in the firearms industry. Between that and my time in the US Army Infantry, I have been at this for nearly 30 years. Pipe collecting has always been a hobby of mine going back to my teens. I just stepped in and out of it for a time, and these last couple of years I have been drawn back into it - and all the more. My hobby (who some might call obsession) has grown into a small business of sorts and I'm always look to learn more and grow intellectually when it comes to pipes and tobacco. Which brings me to these points:
!. This Teipen Half Bent Poker is an exquisite piece. Yes he admits in a humble self deprecating way that this should have been different, and that would look better if... I understand. As an artist you have a vision of what the finished product should be, and then when it does not meet that grand, perfect expectation, you feel like the work has fallen short. All I can offer is one man's humble hobby opinion, but I like it just the way it is! It is in and of itself a work of art that requires nothing more than the person viewing it to appreciate it for what the finished product actually is, rather than wishing or hoping it were something else to be drawn into its 'differences' or unique idiosyncrasies to truly enjoy this pipe for what it is. Awesome.
2. Seldom do we see the artisan him/herself be 100% satisfied with the work. Meaning, we are all going to have different ideas of what is right or wrong about a pipe based on our own opinions, likes and dislikes. Yes, there are 'forms' or 'models' of pipes that have an industry 'standard' if you will from which to judge. But for the most part, I like the pipes are are 'like' a model or type, but have slight differences that make them unique. On the other hand, these same differences might drive the next guy crazy!
All in all, it is just fin to come here and see what's new, and (for the most part

) get civil opinions.
Thanks for the fellowship ya'll.
"A pipe is a good thing for all men. For wise men, it gives them time to think and ponder. For a fool, it gives him something to shove in his mouth." - Unknown...