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Having habits is crucial in Pipe making! Over the past 14 years of pipe carving I have found two things to be absolutely critical to keeping my pipes consistently accurate in their smoking capabilities.
First, putting artistry aside for a moment, pipe carving is simply a journey of introducing little habits/steps along the way. For instance I remember the first time I began to put some rubbing compound onto a pipe cleaner and running that through the airway to polish the inside making for a smoother flow of smoke and removing any tiny fragments of material. Just one tiny step that takes only a few seconds. Then passing a dry pipe cleaner through to make sure no compound was left. Little habits, each one contributing to the overall production of a pipe. Secondly, release any bad habits or steps that may not be necessary. I found it simply a better strategy to square up the blocks and draw my lines directly onto them instead of making a paper template first. I just found that I could be more accurate that way for me personally. I know other carvers that continue to make paper templates and that's fine for them and works for them. I, however, found it one little thing/habit I didn't need in my pipe carving journey. Over years the solid habits that I incorporate into my processes have become part of my muscle memory. The habits I no longer use are but a memory. Going into 2026, I'm proud to be 2&1/2 years sober from Alcohol (definitely a bad habit!), we joined a new church this year and love being part of that community (a good habit indeed!) More good habits I hope to impart this year are to be more patient, more forgiving, more kind, more cardio in my fitness goals, stronger in my convictions yet more open minded to others convictions to understand, and so on and so on...
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For many of you that visit my website and are wondering just what I will receive when I purchase a Paulspipe, here's some information.
First of all you get a money back guarantee that the pipe you receive will function properly. Entering my 14th year of pipe making I have only had two pipes returned to me and those were during the first pipes I made! One pipe that was returned was because of a misunderstanding of pipe filter size, and the other pipe is one of my best smoking pipes so I don't know what was up with that? Customer service is top priority to me and I am available to discuss any discrepancies that may occur and will correct immediately. Secondly, each piece of wood I hand craft will be free of any internal flaws. I refuse to let a pipe out of my shop if it doesn't meet my strict standards. For instance If I see an inclusion inside the bowl I won't cover it with a bowl coat to hide the imperfection. Third, My Hand cut mouth pieces are flawless. Each pipe will have an unrestricted airflow allowing for a perfect smoke even single time! I spend hours meticulously paying close attention to every detail. I want my buttons clean, bite zone comfortable, with no visible scratches. The insides are polished and each pipe passes a pipe cleaner. Fourth, My bowl coats are simple three ingredients with food grade charcoal being the main part. I rub the coats into the bowl walls to get a coat that is even and smooth. The airways are free of bowl coat so you can see my precision drilling coming into the bottom of the bowl perfectly. The bowl coats are tasteless even to the most discerning pipe connoisseur and aide in creating a cake. Fifth, I pride myself and using only the finest materials that I can obtain. The finest Croatian morta I use is ONLY available to me as an American pipe carver. This is a very special wood and tends to cost more on the average. Six, I hand make all my leather pipe socks. I source fine leather here locally in Bend, Oregon from Maverick Leather. Each pipe bag is then cut to fit the individual pipe. I hand punch each hole and double stitch with waxed line. The top is secured with paracord and beads. These are very durable soft leather bags that protect your precious pipe from harm while storing them away. Seventh, Finally, I include a hand written note, some high quality decals and maybe some other swag that I get from time to time like buttons, etc. I want each piece I send away to be treasured as I pour myself into each one. My main goal is that the customer is completely satisfied with their hard earned money. If the customer isn't happy I'm not happy, period. Most people tell me that the pipes they receive have exceeded their expectations! That keeps me motivated and inspired to create more!! Thank you for visiting and perhaps I ca serve you up a fine tobacco pipe one day! Blessings, Paul Hello my friends,
I'm am thrilled to announce that I have partnered with the Country Squire Tobacconist in Mississippi. They will be carrying some of my select pipes for sale as well as some of my favorite tobacco blends! So, whether you need a new Paul's Pipe or some delicious tobacco feel free to visit their store! Link below!! Here's a quick update on the pipes and other happenings.
Well, It's been a very busy fall season and now we are already into December! Wow, Time flies! Fall demands a lot of preparation here in the high desert. As we prepare for the colder winter months I'm cleaning out leaf gutters, burning debris, raking up leaves (We have a lot a large Maple trees), blowing out the irrigation lines and RV water lines, prunning trees and shrubs, processing firewood, etc etc. Having the shop here on the property is handy because I can work around the place and still make pipes. I'm hoping to soon handoff some of the Bend Pipe Club responsibilities. I can still produce club pipes and attend meetings. This should help a ton with it being a consistent meetup! Details to follow... Over Thanksgiving we visited family in California and I was able to swim with the grandkids and play games! That was great fun and made us all work up our appetites for the delicious dinner that ensued that afternoon. We brought Kris's 95 year old mom with us and she met up with some cousins. Although a short getaway we all had a wonderful time! I Just finished ordering a bunch of pipe making materials and will not be traveling over Christmas/NewYears, but instead I will be busy in Santa's Workshop making all you wonderful folks some sweet pipes! PS Make sure to check out my online store for new arrivals ;) |
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