Sometimes it’s the smallest detail that gives a pipe its character. Notice the finished ones at the top of the picture with the curved stems. Such a small detail really makes a difference in the overall appearance. I’ll finish buffing the stems on the lower four tomorrow then heat and bend them.

You can see the subtle differences inherent in hand-made, freestyle pipes. Although I used a common template and took pains to make them all similar, variences in the wood and an attempt to pursue the greatest grain display causes each to assume a subtle character all its own. Do you really want one exactly like a million others anyway?