The pipe isn't totally finished. I still have a bit of sanding to take care of in the tobacco chamber and I need to make it nice and shiny.. I'm leaning towards shellac for that. Anywho.. here she is:
![Image](http://www.pipecrafter.com/images/hazmat/pipe_0207_01.jpg)
This was a commissioned piece for a friend of mine. He allowed me much room to play with the shape, stem, finish, etc.. so long as it was poker-ish, which it is. I was shooting for a "tree stump" look and think I've achieved that well enough, though I'm not very thrilled with the rustication. I think it could have been better and less machined-looking. Several people, including the pipe's intended owner, have been disagreeing with me, but I see what I see and it's just.. meh, I don't like it.
The stem came out well, though there is a bit of a bulge just past the initial taper behind the shank that I could have spent more time on, though it doesn't take much away from the look of the pipe when taken as a whole. This 2nd stem caused less frustration in the making than the 1st I did and I managed to do it without taking a mulligan. That's a good feeling. I even fanned out the airway with a 1mm bit.. something I've been a-feared of from past bad experiences.
All in all, I'm happy with it. I appreciate your comments and/or criticisms.
Matt