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These are the Morta Billiards I started last week.
The stems are German ebonite and the shank extension is acrylic faux bone.

I completed them on Tuesday August 12, but due to some extenuating circumstances (preparing for the end of life transition of our 12 year old golden retriever Griffin), I wasn't able to photograph them until today.

I appreciate all input, feedback, comments and critiques.

The one on the top I'm keeping.








I'm not sure about the texture on the button in the photo, I think it's lint. I will check it tomorrow in the studio.












Don't let the angle of the bowl in the foreground fool your eye... The draft hole enters the bowl in the center.


Thank you for looking and assistance.

Very cool!
I'm so sorry about Griffin. It's so hard to lose a pal.

Those are pretty slick!

Why did you leave an unblasted portion near the top of the bowls? It doesn't strike me well. Also the shanks could benefit by having a little more visible taper. All in all I think these are quite nice!

Sleek, cold, and have bone (faux) accents. I think the ringwraiths in Lord of the Rings would love to smoke these!

I think they look dapper and amazing! nice shape and proportions!! The only thing that jumped out at me is I think my personal preference would be to have the stems taper sooner and straighter, rather to have a roundish bulge on their way to the bite zone.

All in all, a coupla stunners!

Bruce, Thanks for the comment and condolences. He will be missed dearly.
Jesse, Thank you for the compliment. I left the band of unblasted at the rim to match the band on the shank. I thought it appropriate.
Kamkiel, Thank you.
seamonster, Thank you for the compliments and suggestion.

I appreciate all of the feedback. Thank you.

I've had to put down a number of "pals" and it's the easiest HARD decision one could make. They've been happy companions for so long, you never want them to hurt. It's humane and blessed. My heart's with you.
Regarding the shanks on your billiards, I think they're rather elegant without a taper. It has to do with the material and shank embellishments. I will point out, I think they're maybe a 1/16" too skinny (at least the one on top). I love what you did on the rims of the bowls, that's a cool touch.

These are awesome. Man, I would look so slick smoking one of these.

These look very great! I think it's a good idea that you keep the first one, because the second one is just more elegant.
The first one has a bit of a reverse taper going on, because the stem is a bit thicker than the shank in some places, but other than that, great looking pipes!

Bruce, thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. I appreciate the sentiments. Are you attending Columbus next week?

AldenW, the bottom one in the first pic is available. PM me for details.

Brian, the two pipes came out of one block which had a flaw running through the grain, almost end to end. When I cut the two stummels out, I thought I set the patterns high enough on the block to waste the flaw. However, it showed up in the shank area, and ran up into the bowl wall. I did not previously have a morta pipe, and thought I should so I may be able to comment on them. Despite the flaws, I thoroughly enjoy smoking it. Morta exhibits fantastic smoking qualities, and I would say it "broke in" as easy as a meer.

Jesse, I see you will be at the Smokers Haven show. Will you also be at the NASPC show on Saturday? I'm making every effort to be there on Saturday, I am looking forward to meeting you fine folks.

RobEsArt wrote:Brian, the two pipes came out of one block which had a flaw running through the grain, almost end to end. When I cut the two stummels out, I thought I set the patterns high enough on the block to waste the flaw. However, it showed up in the shank area, and ran up into the bowl wall. I did not previously have a morta pipe, and thought I should so I may be able to comment on them. Despite the flaws, I thoroughly enjoy smoking it. Morta exhibits fantastic smoking qualities, and I would say it "broke in" as easy as a meer.

Hey, can't blame you - I would have done the same, because it's still a nice pipe

<EDIT: Oops, didn't mean to post.>

Very nice Rob, like them both. I haven't forgotten you. There has been a lot on my plate lately. As soon as I can get to the rings I will send you pics.

RobEsArt wrote:Jesse, I see you will be at the Smokers Haven show. Will you also be at the NASPC show on Saturday? I'm making every effort to be there on Saturday, I am looking forward to meeting you fine folks.

I'll be at both. I'd love to see some of your work. Are you bringing any pipes?

Jesse,

Ocelot55 wrote:

RobEsArt wrote:Jesse, I see you will be at the Smokers Haven show. Will you also be at the NASPC show on Saturday? I'm making every effort to be there on Saturday, I am looking forward to meeting you fine folks.

I'll be at both. I'd love to see some of your work. Are you bringing any pipes?

If I am able to make it, I will bring some pipes. I've never attended a pipe show as of yet, and therefore, I am not familiar with the particular social etiquette. I was hoping to meet you, more experienced pipe makers, to put faces to forum names and possibly ask questions.

Paul,

socrates wrote:Very nice Rob, like them both. I haven't forgotten you. There has been a lot on my plate lately. As soon as I can get to the rings I will send you pics.

Good to hear! I haven't forgotten you either;) I understand, a lot on my plate too.

RobEsArt wrote:Jesse,

Ocelot55 wrote:

RobEsArt wrote:Jesse, I see you will be at the Smokers Haven show. Will you also be at the NASPC show on Saturday? I'm making every effort to be there on Saturday, I am looking forward to meeting you fine folks.

I'll be at both. I'd love to see some of your work. Are you bringing any pipes?

If I am able to make it, I will bring some pipes. I've never attended a pipe show as of yet, and therefore, I am not familiar with the particular social etiquette. I was hoping to meet you, more experienced pipe makers, to put faces to forum names and possibly ask questions.

Sounds great! You can't miss me; just look for the guy with the mustache!

See you this weekend.

Question from a real n00b to the forum.

Not that I plan on purchasing or trying to carve morta anytime soon, but what is morta like to carve? More like Briar or soapstone or something entirely different?

Love the look of these pipes!

All the best,

Andrew

It's different than anything I've worked with. Not necessarily easier or more difficult, just different. There are some similarities to working with fresh oak, but a little more temperamental. Extremely sharp tools is essential. Remember, this is semi fossilized wood, so it is a little more fragile and a little more prone to chipping than fresh oak. I recommend playing with it and experience the stuff for yourself.

Rob