BUT IT LOOKS STUNNING!

There is one pipe I am working on for a friend. It came from a man who hotboxed 1-Q while sailing his boat on the Bay, and by all reasonable measures it's a complete ruin. But it is handsome, feels good in the hand, and speaks to my friend. The inside is gutted, with craggy heat fissures, two of which nearly extend to the outside. The tobacco (that being 1-Q, from Lane) is one of the most popular mixtures in America, and responsible for more crimes against briar than anything else on the planet.
When the pipe was still new it was a work of art.
It must have been truly charming then.

Despite the outrages that he has committed on this and many other pipes, the man who got rid of it as a lost cause is actually a very nice chap.
And he enjoys his pipes. I have worked on several of them.


Careful reaming, then alcohol and the salt cure. Shorter than usual.

Multiple thin applications of a pipe mud solution, for a laminated effect inside the bowl. Sand down the lumpy surface, then apply more liquid. Repeat. Unlike many pipe muds, this one contains no honey or maple syrup, and is quite different from the pre-carbon that several "artisans" utilize, which relies on casein (from yoghurt!) for durability.


It is a very slow process.
Two weeks already.
Not done yet.


I hope this works.

It's worth the attempt.

TOBACCO INDEX


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