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Comments from the pipe community
"One new carver to watch is named Bruce Weaver. He's from Nashville. He took Von Erck's seminar at Chicago, then took a course from Tim West. He had his first 2 months work (about 10 pipes, I think, maybe more) at the show, and he definitely has potential. He has a great eye for symmetry, and he has the passion for making pipes. He bought one of those lathe chucks from Ken Lamb while he was there. His pipes were *very* impressive for someone who's only been carving since May. We had a lot of conversations about what tools to buy, techniques, etc. I convinced him that he needs to start hand cutting his stems immediately." ......... Rad Davis
"It is incomprehensible to me that anyone could produce the quality of product that you are in such a short time. At the recent Kansas City Pipe Show your table drew me like a magnet because so many of your creations were intriguing to me. The pipe shown here at right really talked to me and I am now enjoying it immensely. It will be fun to see your future creations as you perfect your techniques." ...... Cam Schutte
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My pipe background...
While on a business trip to Lexington, KY, I stopped at the Tinder Box and was immediately enthralled by the pipe collection displayed. I had originally gone in to get a couple of cigars. There I purchased my first pipe; a Comoy’s which I have to this day. After that I become acquainted with Mr. Ed from Ed’s Pipe shop in Nashville. He introduced me to Dunhill pipes, new and estate. I was hooked as a collector and pipe smoker. Along the way Edsel James was also instrumental in my passion for pipes.
My excursion into pipe making came when I attended the course in Chicago and was introduced to the skills of Lee von Erck and his willingness to give back to the hobby through this course. Immediately I was hooked and wanted to tap, hopefully, the creative persona within. Following the course I studied with Tim West and then followed up with an extended visit with Lee von Erck.
During that study period with Lee, I learned what it takes to craft a fine smoking instrument. Without a doubt Lee has been a force in my drive to make the finest briar pipe I can achieve. It has been through his guidance that much has been learned, mainly take your time and create a pipe that as close to flawless as possible. His creativity and passion toward detail, in crafting works of art, has been extremely beneficial. I consider him a friend and mentor. I owe him a great deal of gratitude.
There is something new with every piece of briar and I will constantly endeavor to create something new with clean aesthetics and offer the collector, quite simply, a pleasurable and relaxing smoke.
Bruce
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