Jackstraw
Forum member
Global user
Registered: 01-2006
Posts: 2615
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Review on the "Bears Den" Dragonsfang
I am writing this pipe review on the "Bears Den" Churchwarden Pickaxe that T-bear custom hand made for me that I have named the Dragonsfang. While T-bear is a friend, I am writing this review soley from a customers point of view and I assure you it is honest and I am not cutting him any slack. I'll try to keep this as informative but as short as possible. Here goes...
I wanted a Churchwarden Pickaxe for a long time. I had seen a few of Ted's Axes and liked them, so I asked him if he would make me one. He said he was busy with other stuff at that time, but he said "I'll do what I can". The commission began.
Shortly after that (less than a month) he posted picks of the finished pipe here which we all looked at, and to my surprise he made two stems for it. A CW and a regular length stem. He did this on his own, without me asking and that was a major plus in my book as a customer.
When I got the pipe, I was very happy to see that the contrast stain looked even better than it had in the pictures. The pipe had a very nice aesthetical and physical balance, with either stem in place. The bowl, draught hole and mortise were all drilled spot on and it easily passed a cleaner with either stem. Major plus times 2 as these things are pet peeves of mine.
Now the real test, how does this beauty actually smoke? To keep a long story short, she broke in and developed an even cake very easily and has smoked cool and dry for each of the 21 bowls now smoked in her. She smoked burleys very well (first 10 bowls). I then tried Wilke #10 and she started to hum softly (next 5 bowls). From the first bowl of Squadron Leader on (bowl 15 to present), she sang away and let me know she had found her prefered baccy. I dig it.
The only constructive criticism I honestly feel I can offer is this. The actual fit is fine, nice tight and flush. But, I feel Ted needs to focus on improving his shaping through the shank to stem transition point. I'm not saying it's bad, it's just not perfect, but then again, very few pipes are in this area. All in all, I think that says a lot for Ted. After all He is still "young" as a pipe carver.
One last caveat, I have been buying DeJarnett pipes for a while and have watched Horace's skills improve as he developed his own style and unique characteristics. Because of this, I am also seeing A LOT of natural potential in T-bears work and I am thrilled to have the third pipe he ever sold. I mean this as a sincere compliment and it is not one I'd make lightly.
Bottom line, am I happy with the pipe? Most certainely!
Will I buy another pipe from T-bear? Hell yes, in a flat second!
I give T-bear an honest two  out of two!
|
|
May/5/07, 11:57 am
|
Send Email to Jackstraw
Send PM to Jackstraw
|
Timbo67
Forum member
Global user
Registered: 09-2006
Location: Armpit of Hell
Posts: 369
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Review on the "Bears Den" Dragonsfang
Nice review Jack I like the honesty you put into it. I guess I can be proud to be his son.LOL 
---
If it's a political war, send the politicians to fight it. Semper Fi
|
|
May/5/07, 2:04 pm
|
Send Email to Timbo67
Send PM to Timbo67
|
DAWGR
Administrator
Global user
Registered: 12-2005
Location: An Ozark river bank!
Posts: 1726
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Review on the "Bears Den" Dragonsfang
Tim, I don't know if I'd go that far......  
|
|
May/5/07, 4:03 pm
|
Send Email to DAWGR
Send PM to DAWGR
|
Jackstraw
Forum member
Global user
Registered: 01-2006
Posts: 2615
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Review on the "Bears Den" Dragonsfang
Ted, your very welcome. I simply call them like I see them. You Sir, make a fine smoking pipe.
|
|
May/5/07, 6:13 pm
|
Send Email to Jackstraw
Send PM to Jackstraw
|
tommyboy1
Forum member
Global user
Registered: 05-2005
Posts: 759
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Review on the "Bears Den" Dragonsfang
Great reviev, Jack The ol' man has impressed me ever since he started making pipes
Tom
---
"There is only one type of discipline........perfect discipline." (General George S. Patton)
http://tobaccocellar.org/tinlist.php?cellar=356
|
|
May/6/07, 9:28 am
|
Send Email to tommyboy1
Send PM to tommyboy1
|
