All Hail Tyler Beard

[LatakiaLover]

I mean that for real.

It took ten years, and all manner of hassles, adjustments, and challenges to be overcome to get there, but the conceptual mission he imagined for this board was officially accomplished this past weekend when the students of his online, interactive pipe-making school---because that's what it actually is---swept 6 of 7 spots in the KC carving contest.

The apprentice-journeyman-master model for craft and tradesmen became effectively extinct in the latter half of the 20th century, and that, compounded by the diminished role of tobacco and pipes in society in general meant that about 15 years ago there was a very real chance that the creation of artful pipes would disappear completely from the American landscape. The few who made them were aging out without apprentices, and their quality of work---with a few notable exceptions---took a back seat to the Europeans in any event. American pipe making was on the ropes, taking body shots, and looking longingly at the canvas.

Today, though, there are MORE pipe makers than ever, and their quality of work is BETTER than ever.

It can be argued that many people could have seen what needed to be done, but what CAN'T be argued is that only one person actually DID it. Made it happen. Created an army of hungry, Perfection-Seeking Whippersnappers Who Make Mind-Blowing Shit. And the world will never be the same. You guys are now sharing with each other and trying to top each other like maniacs, and the rest of the planet is shaking its collective head in amazement and appreciation.

All Hail Tyler Beard

[Joe Hinkle Pipes]

I concur! Thanks Tyler! I'm sure you had no idea the type of impact you would have on the pipemaking and collecting world.

[fiddlestix]

I was already a huge fan of Tyler's pipes, but after meeting him in KC this past weekend, I found out what I genuine person he is by how freely he shared his time and wisdom. I left KC inspired to be better.

While I'm on the subject of genuine, helpful people, I must say that I was so pleasantly surprised at how many of you folks from PMF took time to visit for extended periods of time and offer advise in KC to a guy that hasn't been here very long and nobody knows. It was a testament to the charachter of the folks here. Thanks!

[Ocelot55]

I couldn't have said it better myself, George. There are few people in the world so honest, genuine, and helpful as Mr. Beard.

Tyler is like the Godfather of American pipe carvers!

[BigCasino]

And he is a fantastic teacher, When we were at pipe makers meet up he did a tutorial on drilling with spoon bits, and he took the time and explained the whole process very well, Thank for everything Tyler

[N.Burnsworth]

I couldn't have said it better myself, George. There are few people in the world so honest, genuine, and helpful as Mr. Beard.

Tyler is like the Godfather of American pipe carvers!

+1 and beyond!
Thank You Tyler Beard for you passion, inspiration, selflessness, and time put into this hobby. Your contributions have changed many of our lives, and for that we are all truly greatful!

[Alden]

It was a testament to the charachter of the folks here. Thanks!

Interesting observation. Honestly, Tyler may be the only pipemaker whose Character I could testify for Ok, Rad too. But I aint going to court for none of you other malcontents.

[fiddlestix]

It was a testament to the charachter of the folks here. Thanks!

Interesting observation. Honestly, Tyler may be the only pipemaker whose Character I could testify for Ok, Rad too. But I aint going to court for none of you other malcontents.

Well... The few of you that I met seemed pretty cool. That may be a more accurate assessment.

[Sasquatch]

Who the heck is Tyler Beard?

[Ocyd]

Who the heck is Tyler Beard?

I dunno it seems like a fake name to me.

[Sasquatch]

I have a gweat fwiend in Wome named Biggus Dickus. Just wait till Biggus hears of this.


He has a wife you know.

Incontinentia is her name...

[Alden]

I have a gweat fwiend in Wome named Biggus Dickus. Just wait till Biggus hears of this.


He has a wife you know.

Incontinentia is her name...

Incontinentia Buttocks ! You Sillius Soddus.

[Nate]

I only know a Tyler Lane...weird.

[baweaverpipes]

Bravo!
I hold Tyler in high regard.

[jogilli]

It was a testament to the charachter of the folks here. Thanks!

Interesting observation. Honestly, Tyler may be the only pipemaker whose Character I could testify for Ok, Rad too. But I aint going to court for none of you other malcontents.

Nicely said Ryan... congrats to all those that made the list... although I'm not as active as I used to be I do visit daily.. it's just too bad Tyler had to move from Midland.. made me miss my visits... luckily Ryan doesn't live to far from where my Mom is now, so I can still get some pipe time in when I'm back in Texas

james

[scotties22]

After finally meeting Tyler this year I can say he is a pretty mean guy....really, he even took the time to shake my hand and everything. After missing me all weekend last year he made it a point to sneak up on me on Friday night. Too bad too as I had a plan to avoid him all weekend

Without this place I really don't know where I would be as a pipemaker. You guys have become family in one form or another (right down to Crazy Uncle George talking to himself in the corner ). The willingness to share your knowledge, horror stories, successes and failures is very humbling. One would think that between the lot of us there would be more hurt feelers and more cutthroat competition. Instead we rib eachother just the right amount and drive eachother to succeed on a level I have never seen before. There truly is no "oneupmanship" here and the support and encouragement offered is amazing.

Thank you Tyler for having the foresight and drive to make such a wonderful place a reality!

[Alden]

One would think that there would be more hurt feelers and more cutthroat competition.

I can NOT believe you said that !!! I am so offended. I will crush your business !
Actually, I think there are a lot of hurt feelings. It's not usually intentional, but it happens when you think you're awesome and someone explains clearly and precisely why you are not.
What happens is, they get over it and fix the mistakes, or their skin isn't thick enough for making pipes and they go back full time at McDonalds.

[scotties22]

Good thing no one cares what you think, isn't it?

[pipedreamer]

I hold Tyler in high regard also .Come to think of it, I've only known one total ass in Pipe Carving. No problems, I'm not into putting jewels on my pipes.Thank you Tyler for having a dream and making it come true.

[Alden]

Good thing no one cares what you think, isn't it?

Yes !