Meerschaum sourcing?

Lakemonster · Post by **Lakemonster** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:26 pm

I read a post below about a bulk source.... I was wondering if there is a vendor out there that sells by the block or by small parcels.

I am interested in making a few meers for the fun of it. Any leads on that?

Post by **KurtHuhn** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 7:15 pm

Altinokpipe sells a carve-your-own-meerschaum pipe kit. It's here:
http://tinyurl.com/4ye6t

Other than that, it's largely illegal to export meerschaum out of Turkey in an unfinished state. You can find meerschaum from Africa, but most foks will call it inferior.

aaron · Post by **aaron** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:30 pm

I have a raw piece the size of both my fists put together. It was sent to me a few months ago by ********. would you be interested in it?

[edited by the moderator to protect the name of the "exporter"]

Lakemonster · Post by **Lakemonster** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 8:17 pm

thanks for both those leads, Gentlemen!

Aaron.... you have a PM. Thanks.

As far as African Meer goes.... would you say that it is considered inferior because of the color..... or is there a matter of composition or density in play with that particular opinion?

TreverT · Post by **TreverT** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:40 am

The African meer that I've worked with is every bit equal to Turkish meer is smoking quality - in fact, a meer that I've made is one of my favorite pipes. However, the material is grittier, and harder to get a smooth glossy pipe out of. I don't know if this is common to African meer or not, but considering how many African meers I see that are rusticated, it's a decent bet. It does color very nicely, though, if properly waxed, though it is slower to color than Turkish.
If you can lay hands on some, it's fun to play with.

Post by **KurtHuhn** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:32 pm

Lakemonster wrote:As far as African Meer goes.... would you say that it is considered inferior because of the color..... or is there a matter of composition or density in play with that particular opinion?

I wouldn't say squat about meerschaum, since the only pieces I have ar tiny little things from a friends rockhound expedition in the Nevada desert.

Some people seem to think that African meerschaum is inferior due to color and texture of the rock - but I am opinionless in that regard, never having seen African meerschaum.

windigofer · Post by **windigofer** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:12 am

In regards to meerschaum:

I myself have experienced the "can't get real block Turkish meerschaum" problem myself, thanks to the export laws. (Unfortunately for me, the export laws sort of came into being before I was even *born*

)

Anyways...generally when I've worked in meer, I've used those carve-yer-own kits (which tend to be pressed meerschaum as opposed to block meerschaum--doesn't colour as well as the real stuff, but is still carvable and smokable) and I've worked with *American* meerschaum bought from "rough rock" supply stores (specifically greatrough.com).

The American meer, after soaking, does carve very nicely, not quite the "cheeselike" consistency I've always heard Turkish meer has (it's a bit harder) but it does make very smokable pipes and is quite good for carving.

(As an aside, yes, I'm a newbie to the forums, was referred here by folks on pipes.com in regards to asking if there's anyone else who is an artisian pipemaker. I have largely done hobbyist arts-pipes in clay and a few in meer (piccie samples, in sore need of updates, are at http://windigofer.deviantart.com) and multiple people have suggested I actually make a sideline business out of it...I'm not sure I'm *THAT* good, but I've had a few people ask for commissions, and it's something I *do* want to get better at...so here I am. :3)

Brendhain · Post by **Brendhain** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 12:34 pm

P.E. Hermann offer block Turkish block meerschaum. There are a couple of Danish guys who work it. If you need their names then I can hunt them down for you.

Here is the link to Hermann's meerschaum

http://shop.hermanns.dk/group.asp?group=52

The "cheese" consistency is greatly exaggerated. While in Turkey, I got the opportunity to carve on meerschaum fresh out of the ground and at a workshop. Maybe, it is close to an old, hard parmesan.

windigofer · Post by **windigofer** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:58 pm

Parmesean cheese--okay, yes, that IS close to the consistency of the Utah stuff I've worked with :3 (It will carve with woodworking knives, especially after a good soak...very occasionally I do have to get a woodworking saw or Dremel out, though. :3)

As I've noted, I am sort of new at this (and the Utah stuff was the first time I've had a chance working with *real* meer) but it seems to go pretty well.

(If anyone cares to see, I can put some pics up of the meer claw I've done from the Utah meerschaum and some of my other pipe pics over in the pics section...my stuff isn't 100 percent traditional, but then again, I do what I like. Much of what I like, if from necessity, HAS been experimental!)

windigofer · Post by **windigofer** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 6:03 pm

Brendhain wrote:P.E. Hermann offer block Turkish block meerschaum. There are a couple of Danish guys who work it. If you need their names then I can hunt them down for you.

Here is the link to Hermann's meerschaum

http://shop.hermanns.dk/group.asp?group=52

The "cheese" consistency is greatly exaggerated. While in Turkey, I got the opportunity to carve on meerschaum fresh out of the ground and at a workshop. Maybe, it is close to an old, hard parmesan.

Thanks much for the help :3 (I actually DID find Hermann's site last night, he didn't have any meer in stock but supposedly he will get some May 2005?)

But yes, the help IS appreciated. (Especially with me being in Kentucky, LOL)