New Pipes from Wolfgang Becker

My pal Wolfgang built a new house this past year and along w/ that a new workshop. After some badgering, he sent me a few photos of his shop and some new pipes. He promises me at least a couple of these pipes will be with him in Chicago. I'm counting on it. -T

Concrete!

New Workspace!

I'm finally getting a roof ...and a concrete floor ...and electricity! The last few years I've had to work on an unroofed wooden deck and if you've read order posts here, you know I complain (ok, whine might be more accurate.) every winter. Hopefully by this time next week I should have a concrete pad with a roof and actual electrical outlets instead of extension cords snaking everywhere. I'm pretty excited. I should be able to work in all but the worst weather. So no more weather related excuses for why your pipe rack isn't ready on time. I'll post more photos soon. Gotta go now- the cement truck is here! -T

Dreaming of Chicago #2

Here's a couple of photos from Gregor Lobnik. I'm looking forward to seeing his new pipes "in the flesh". -T

Dreaming of Chicago

The countdown has begun. It started for me almost a month ago. 60 days until the Chicago Pipe Show. I wouldn't say that I am "giddy", but an outside observer might view my subdued enthusiasm that way. I can't help it. The Chicago show is great. Friends and pipes. Friends I only see once or twice a year and thousands of beautiful pipes. How can any pipe enthusiast not be excited?

Well, as I work hard to at least appear to be a sober right thinking adult, I must confess to needling my pipe maker friends for info and images of what they are working on and which pipes may make their way to Chicago. Fortunately people in the pipe world seem to be about the nicest folks in the world and several go out of their way to appease me. Anders and Martin (Vollmer & Nilsson) are goods examples of this. They are making some commissioned pieces for me but they were kind enough to send me some photos of their current production. -T

Lobnik Retro Holbek

While surfing the web late the other night I decided to take a look at Joel Shurtleff's site, The Briar Pipe. It had been a while since I had checked in and I wanted to see what was new. I clicked on Gregor Lobnik's name and not intending to buy anything, but dang if Gregor's take on a Holbek classic wasn't there! And at a very affordable price. Before I knew what I was doing (it was late and I was tired and on the way to bed) I clicked the "add it to cart" button. Like I said, I had no intention of buying anything, but I had seen this pipe on Gregor's website and was intrigued and a little in love. At the time Gregor was making pipes for his new Chinese dealer and I assumed it was heading for China, but here it was and I couldn't let it pass. So now it is mine and I am very happy w/ the purchase. I have thought for a while now that young pipe makers should take a look at the 1st generation of Danish pipes ( Holbek, Poul Rasmussen and Brakner, etc.). So many pipe makers seem to start w/ Lars and while I certainly think Lars is a master, I think there were some very cool designs that preceded him and could and should be explored. I hope to see more from Gregor. -T