brass on shank

[notow1]

This pipe had 3 or 4 pits on the shank so I decided to put a longer brass tube on it. I thought the long piece of brass might look weird but a stem with a half saddle would help balance it. I would like to get some opinions as to whether this was a good idea or not. I may have to adjust My way of thinking in the future and Your opinions will help. Thanks for any advice, Norm.

[RDPowell]

I think the pipe looks pretty good but, I would have rather see it with a full saddle but, what the hell do I know?

[Pooka]

I think it has a pretty refined, old-worldy sort of respectable look to it. I'd smoke this one during events that have serious tones, like theological debates or philosophy bouts. Or when reading a serious book. Nice pipe.

[clickklick]

I think it works but would worry how it looks after some age, as in, I likes it now while it looks nice and shiney.

[W.Pastuch]

The brass sleeve looks very nice. I think this shape really needs a full saddle mouthpiece, it would be a very good pipe with one.
There are ways to keep brass from tarnishing, you may want to look into art conservation supplies, there are special anti-tarnish coats for metals.
Also, whenever using metal on a shank, make sure you keep the line even on both the wood and the ring. Metal rings are very difficult to shape with abrasives so if you sand together with the briar the ring will often stay a larger diameter while the briar gets removed more quickly, so keep that in mind.

[caskwith]

Generally I don't like half saddles so full saddle would be better I think, but otherwise it looks smart!

[finster]

IMO the length of the accent doesn't harm at all- I'd prefer a taper bit, think it'd look sharp, but I agree with previous comments, full saddle as opposed to half. Would be pleased having that hanging from my lip .

[sandahlpipe]

The other thing I'd recommend on this pipe besides the saddle is that the shank should not dip below the brass towards the bowl. Usually, a straight shank looks right when it tapers one or two degrees so the shank is wider near the bowl than near the stem face. All in all, though, it's not a bad pipe. I wouldn't be ashamed to smoke that in public.

[notow1]

Well, thanks for the advice and it is looking like half saddles are not popular. This is something I will keep in mind for future pipes. Thanks to All, Norm.

[sandahlpipe]

Half saddles are good when they make sense with the shape.

[pipedreamer]

Norm I'm glad to see such improvement! I also, don't like the saddle on that one. : Jeremia covered most of it! Nice to see you at it!

[baiguai]

I'm gonna be weird (weird) and say I like the half saddle, it gives it a nice twist... or maybe I just like half saddles. Great looking pipe, I love brass.

[andrew]

I typically only use a half saddle if there is a line on the underside/top of the pipe I'm desperate to preserve. Other than that, I'd say most are clunky and look like they should be on a diet.

[PremalChheda]

Brass is ok. Silver is better.

[pipedreamer]

I like Gold, Lots of it! The smell, the taste. Just kidding silver is classy!!!!!

[Thomas Tkach]

Platinum.

[Ratimus]

Hardtofindium, procurium, or strongmantium are the only metals you should be using.

Edit: unobtanium is also nice, if you can get it.