Habits in Pipe Making

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...