Finished off

I bet you could easily smoke that for at least an hour and a half. Nice beefy look to it.

makes me want to buy some blocks myself!

I probably could but I don't think it would be appreciated. I would just hope the new owner smokes the living crap out of it. It is a pipes destiny to bravely face the enemy fire and should it finally succumb it will rise to glory in the Halls of Valhalla.

That is where the fun begins.

Didn't realize the level of your craftsmanship. That pipe is an exceptional billiard, and I know billiards, probably better than any other shape. It is well proportioned, and looks like a real smoking demon. Well done.

is a very, very nice pipe. I really like the balance between bowl size & overall length. I also like the balance between shank & stem length. The trim ring on the stem is masterful. To top it off, it's really well finished. Nice figure in the wood too. I'll stop now.

work there. And I like the tamper too!

Nuff said!

Now don't let all this applause go to your head ... get back down in the dungeon and make another ... and another ... and another.

Looks sharp. Keep up the great work.

Not likely, if the number of rejects I smoke fails to remind me I have but to visit the dungeon and see the number of blocks that could not even pass for rejects.

Thanks for all the complements, I also was very pleased with how it finished up. There was some discussion about the quality of briar on PMF and it was Todd Johnson who put it something like this "The quality of your pipes will dramatically increase once you start to use quality briar." He then generously offered to handpick briar for all who wanted any on his next trip to Mimmo's mill. (Not a small undertaking and not without problems)

This pipe was the first piece I have used of that stock. Todd was absolutely right. There was not one pin prick of a pit on the pipe. No changing shape to chase a pit out, no walls reduced, no rusticating needed or any other tricks to hide a flaw. Just clean wood and such a pleasure to work I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I also liked the fact the block was a cross-cut rather than the normal vertical grain and I found the abundance of birdseye even more interesting.

Anyway, thanks again. Back to the dungeon.

Well, our Mr Reynolds is as generous as he is skilled, a fact to which I can attest. Unbeknownst to me, our Mr Reynolds sent me this very fine pipe, with only one admonition: "Now light it up and take it for a spin and see if smokes as well as it looks". After 10 smokes since I received it, I can pronounce the pipe to be a serious 'kick-ass' smoker. 10 smokes with OJK, 5Bros, Morley's and 'Bookshop. Used but not abused for the last week and the pipe is holding up like I have rarely seen a new pipe. More like a seasoned smoker, an old wood smoker. It is coloring slightly, deepening and darkening with the patina of hand oils and absorbed tobacco.

The pipe is light in weight, not a feather-weight pipe, but a light, well-proportioned and sleek. Balanced, with an old school charm. In my hand, I was reminded more of the ubiquitous billiards of the 30s and 40s, clenched in the jutting jaws of a scientist or a renowned explorer. This is a well-crafted pipe. Our Mr Reynolds is a fine craftsman. I will never be able to thank him enough, but I will extol his virtues and skill to whomever asks. And, if no one asks but I think they need to know. I'll write about the rather extraordinary tamper in another post. Thank you.

Jolly Good Show! A fine display of generosity from one true gentleman to another. I hail you both. (Dofs cap reverently)

Chris is my father. I love him so!

pipes in the 30's - 40's was purely accidental but I am very glad that it is there. Since mentioned, I do have a vauge recollection of a gentleman in the early 60's, felt hat and taking the trash out every evening and putting it in the barrel. First he would light a billiard, black and rough, filled with Prince Albert and toss the match to the trash. It is funny how a comment can trigger long forgotten memories and how clearly those moments have remained in my mind for almost fifty years. I spent quite a few evenings out back with my grandfather watching the fire while he contentedly puffed away. I hope that that pipe can give those type of moments for you.

However, it is I that should be thanking you; for subjecting yourself to one of my pipes and living to tell the tale. Enjoy it comrade, may she continue on in faithful service for a good long time. It is good to hear that its blessings were not only skin deep and that knowledge, to me, holds more value than a block of wood.

Thank you, sir.

IMPRESSED by that pipe!