No. 9

[e Markle]

Hi Gents,
I'd love to get some feedback on this one. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

-ernie

[Sorringowl]

Very nice work, Ernie! I don't normally like bamboo extensions but this one fits perfectly and I really like the way it looks. I also really like the how the bowl comes to a point on one side. It kind of reminds me of a nautilus shell or something else that you would find in nature. Where did you get the inspiration for that design?

I also really like how the lip of the bowl is beveled. To me, every element of this design really works nicely together. Great job!

[caskwith]

Great work Ernie, I really like it, just my personal style.

[RadDavis]

Very nice, Ernie!

I think the stem may be a bit too long.

Rad

[Walle]

Sehr geehrter Herr Märkle

(or can I call you Ernie?)

I don't normally like bamboo extensions but this one fits perfectly and I really like the way it looks.

I agree.

I think the stem may be a bit too long.

No. The master is mistaken.

Cheerio!
Walle

[e Markle]

Very nice, Ernie!

I think the stem may be a bit too long.

Rad

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think it's grossly out of proportion, or should it be something like 10% shorter? Thanks.

[e Markle]

Sehr geehrter Herr Märkle

(or can I call you Ernie?)

I'm actually glad you brought that up. I'd like everyone to refer to me as "Herr Markle" from here on out; no exceptions. (...and none of this informal "Du" business from you German speakers, thank you very much.)

Please call me whatever you're comfortable with.

[RadDavis]

Very nice, Ernie!

I think the stem may be a bit too long.

Rad

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think it's grossly out of proportion, or should it be something like 10% shorter? Thanks.

Walle, the master is never mistaken.

Ernie, It's hard to say just from the pics. I don't think it's grossly out of proprtion. In the top two pics it doesn't look that bad, but in the bottom two it just looks too long (between saddle and button) to me.

Rad

[e Markle]

OK - Thanks Rad.

Another thing for you guys: any tips on taking better pics? Not sure how to make them better. Thanks.

[Philthy]

As far as pics go it looks like you have nice bright light which is important. It appears that you have two light sources based upon the shadows. If you are not using a light tent you can buy them fairly cheaply but you have to look around. Additional lights from multiple angles will wash out those shadows and ensure even lighting at all angles on your subject.

[Sasquatch]

Ernie, It's hard to say just from the pics. I don't think it's grossly out of proprtion. In the top two pics it doesn't look that bad, but in the bottom two it just looks too long (between saddle and button) to me.

Rad

I'll chime in hear - I didn't comment on the pipe earlier because I couldn't decide if I wanted to say the stem was too long, and I feel the same as Rad here - some of the pics I think "geez it's about a half inch long" and others I think it's good. So it can't be that far out.

One thing I really like is the little flare on the stem before the bamboo - makes for a very natural transition.

A very beautiful pipe, and if all we can find to nit-pick is whether the stem is marginally too long, and are not even able to generate a conclusive argument about that.... well, don't lose any sleep over it, Herr Doktor Markle.

"It's a beaut, Clark, a real beaut!"

[Abi Natur]

It is a beautiful pipe from head to toe !
Congratulations on the fine work Herr Märkle .

[e Markle]

I also really like the how the bowl comes to a point on one side. [...] Where did you get the inspiration for that design?

Wish I could take credit for that, but I've seen at least a dozen makers do that or some variant of it. I liked the tear-drop rim I saw on a J Alan pipe in Chicago, and I wanted to do something similar. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated to attempt a seam/ridge like that (no idea why), but on the whole I'm happy with it. Thank you for your comments.

...Herr Doktor Markle.

Ohhhh... bonus points for "Doktor."

Herr Märkle

And bonus points for the umlaut.

[ND Pipes]

I am also not so interested in bamboo extensions but this pipe looks so good that i am actually thinking to change my mind... beautiful piece of art... really....

please keep the good work on......

[staffwalker]

I also agree the stem is too long but even more so than the others. I think it is about twice too long. I'm sure this is a personal opinion but I always think with bamboo a pipe looks better with a short stubby stem at the end of a long piece of bamboo. With this pipe and the length of bamboo you used I feel it would be better with a stem about one half the length of the one you have. bob gilbert

[wdteipen]

First off, it's a beautiful pipe! As for the stem, I would agree that it could have been about a half to one inch shorter; however, it looks like the overall lenght is good. So, if you shortened the stem you would have had to add a knuckle to the bamboo to keep the proportions right. All that being said, I like the unconventional look of the longer stem. While it doesn't fit certain standards it still makes for an interestingly handsome pipe. Very nice work.

[kkendall]

Very nice, Ernie!

I think the stem may be a bit too long.

Rad

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think it's grossly out of proportion, or should it be something like 10% shorter? Thanks.

Looking at it (for me), it feels a bit long between the saddle and button. If that length was shortened approx 30%, it would look good as a stem, but 30% would be a bit too much when you look at it overall with the bowl size. Somewhere in between maybe.

But - fantastic work indeed! Me Likes!

[smokindawg]

For me, length of stem is the only problem I'd have with it. I'm with Kim, not quite a third shorter would be good. But as for the shape of the stem, spot on and works good with the pipe and bamboo.

I like the pipe a lot and you did a great job on getting a good transition between bamboo and pipe and also on a nice smooth finish. Herr Markle........

[CACooper]

Greetings,

I drove from Denver to Phoenix last week (900 miles, 16 hrs - whew!).
While there, I stopped by Ye Olde Pipe and Tobacco Shoppe and met Mr. Markle. He brought this pipe with him. I was able to hold this pipe in my hands and inspect it closely. I must say, it's beautiful! The bamboo shank work is very well done. The shape is delicate and balanced. I found it hard to believe that this is only his 9th pipe. Very impressive. Outstanding work!

Photos can be deceiving. Actually seeing this pipe in person, the stem looked fine to me.

CACooper
Cooper Pipes
PipeandPouch.com

P.S. I really enjoyed meeting Ernie and several other pipers while at Ye Olde. Thanks for the conversation!

[e Markle]

Greetings,

While there, I stopped by Ye Olde Pipe and Tobacco Shoppe and met Mr. Markle. He brought this pipe with him. I was able to hold this pipe in my hands and inspect it closely. I must say, it's beautiful!

Thanks Craig! I enjoyed having a smoke with you.