Not as cool as Walles but....

[DaGamba]

...here we go. In need of some good, honest, harsh, butt kicking critique. Posting two pipes. Both with 9 mm filter (I do live in Germany...). One Billiard and one Bent brandy. So guys. Go at it!

Billiard:








Brandy:











Thanks for looking,

Pär

[baweaverpipes]

I think the shank is a hair too long on the billiard.
Is that a sandblast? If so, the rim should be blasted, or rounded and smooth.
I like the brandy, but am not a fan of the diamond on the heel. It detracts from the beauty of the birds eye. You did a great job on the stem bending. It's bent just right.
Take my observations for what they're worth, I have ten thumbs, wear glasses and have two left feet, so what do I know?

[SchmidtN]

...Both with 9 mm filter (I do live in Germany...)...

Does German has emission standards for pipes?!

Seriously though, I really like both pipes and the birdseye on the bottom of the brandy is really pretty.

[R.H.]

Billiard is a beaty pipe, but my friend, brandy is gorgeous.

I like the brandy, but am not a fan of the diamond on the heel. It detracts from the beauty of the birds eye.

+1

[hawky454]

Very handsome pipes! I love the diamond shape on the heel.

[DaGamba]

I think the shank is a hair too long on the billiard.

If only I had the skill to shorten the stem and keep a good fit after the shape is done. I guess that would be easier with a lathe....

Is that a sandblast? If so, the rim should be blasted, or rounded and smooth.

No, it's rusticated. But the same might apply, or?

You did a great job on the stem bending. It's bent just right.

I'm glad you say that. I changed it in the last minute. It was a bit less bent before.

Take my observations for what they're worth, I have ten thumbs, wear glasses and have two left feet, so what do I know?

They're worth quite a lot to me. And how do you incorporate your feet in the pipe making process?

[DaGamba]

...Both with 9 mm filter (I do live in Germany...)...

Does German has emission standards for pipes?!

A lot of Germans smoke pipes with 9 mm filter. Around 90% I read somewhere.

[DaGamba]

Thanks for your comments. The diamond thing on the bottom was more of "I wonder if I can do this" than an actual design thought regarding the grain. In hindsight it might have been better to not do it. And easier to...

[taharris]

I think the diamond on the bottom enhances the pipe because you executed it with a high level of precision.

It's a beautiful piece IMHO.

Todd

[billiard]

Obviously take my hobbiest comments for what they are worth, I am speaking more as a collector than maker in this case.

I like the rustification on the first one. I like deep craggy rustifications most, really have come to dislike the ones that I can tell what dremel accesory was used to make them, but this rustification is uniqie and light and keeps the shape very intact.

I liked the diamond myself as I have a bunch of brandy's and another brandy regardless of grain would not interest me but this one is different, done well, and eye catching.

Good stuff

[wdteipen]

Both very nice pipes. I really like the rustication on the billiard. It looks like a shallow sandblast which is what I thought it was. Reminds me of a Dunhill tanshell finish. The symmetry looks a tad off on the billiard and the waist is a touch low but otherwise it's well done. The brandy is also well done. It's a bit heavy for my personal preferences but it's still pleasing. I don't mind the carving on the bottom although I do agree it detracts from the beautiful birdseye you have there. Nice job.

[frazeeg]

The brandy is a very nice looking pipe. I was particularly drawn to the crease between the shank and the bowl and love what you did with the diamond on the bottom. The pipe kind of reminds me of a Botero painting.

Aside from the shank on the billiard being a little long, it looks like a great pipe. I'm sure it smokes fine. Heck, I wouldn't mind giving it a try

[DaGamba]

Thank you for your kind words, gentlemen.

One thing I'm wondering is how much you guys think that that blind spot on the side of the brandy disturbs? I thought about rusticating the whole thing but I made it for a friend and he wanted it smooth.

@frazeeg. Well, I'm selling the Billiard on ebay right now and so far no one have shown any interest...

[flix]

I love the detail on the bottom of the brandy. Looks very artfully done.

[Boekweg]

I'm a novice, so no critique here. But i do want to encourage you to, keep up the good work!
I look foreword to seeing new pipes from you.

[Charl]

Wow, you're pulling out all the stops here, hey!
Not crazy about the diamond on the brandy's bottom, and I'm also not too crazy about the bowl back to front.
The billiard is really cool, I thought it was slightly blasted.
All in all very well executed and finished!

[bandkbrooks]

I love that type of blast. It reminded me of a Dunhill as well. The diamond shaping s very cool but I think it takes away from the grain.