Commissioning A Pipe

To start off you’ll want to reach out and get in touch with me, and we will talk everything out, email or Instagram messages work best for that. Below is an idea of what is needed and my general process.

I’ll add your name to my list, and will contact you when your name is getting near the top. At that time, we will confirm all the details and get started!

Expectations:

Because I have a wonderfully full life, and make pipes part-time, providing an accurate time estimate is difficult. Some months I just get more shop time than others. Please plan on a 6-12 month wait, but that time is usually shorter in reality.

I do not take up-front deposits for the vast majority of requests. For a particularly “specialty” request, I will ask for a non-refundable deposit. That will be specifically communicated on a case-by-case basis.

I’m very happy to give you progress updates and/or pictures as I go if you’d like, or keep the final product as a surprise. Just let me know!

When the pipe is completed, I will send high-quality final pictures. Full payment is required before shipment.

Please provide as much detail as possible on initial contact. Shape, general size preference, accent material, and stem color choices are great reasons to commission a pipe versus waiting around for something you like. I take pride in getting as close to your ideal pipe as possible. That being said, keep in mind that I work with natural materials, so some things simply cannot be guaranteed (smooth finish for example).

I’m always up for a challenge, but please take a look at my past work before committing to a commission to give you an idea of what to expect.

What to Provide:

  • General Size of the pipe and bowl
  • Shape: Your preferred shape
  • Block material choices: briar, strawberry briar, olive

  • Stem material choices: all colors and patterns of German ebonite, limited selection of resin

  • Accent materials: very wide selection of exotic hardwoods, bamboo, fossilized mammoth ivory, faux ivory, silver, fordite, horn, bone, and others. Unless you have something specific in mind to work into the aesthetic, I’ll usually suggest a few choices to choose from I think will look nice.