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Eells: Difference between revisions
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John says it would be easy to go on and on with more examples of what to look for in a quality hand-made pipe, but he'll stop here with some general advice for pipe smokers. "Educate yourselves very carefully. Learn what is good and what is bad because it isn't necessarily true that a beautiful pipe will yield a great smoke and not have hidden flaws. Always remember that poor quality can be hidden or disguised." John says that he really wants to emphasize this point: "Don't be fooled by a great-looking pipe without very careful examination because there are people out there who are very talented at disguising/hiding imperfections. And they are selling those pipes at very high prices." | John says it would be easy to go on and on with more examples of what to look for in a quality hand-made pipe, but he'll stop here with some general advice for pipe smokers. "Educate yourselves very carefully. Learn what is good and what is bad because it isn't necessarily true that a beautiful pipe will yield a great smoke and not have hidden flaws. Always remember that poor quality can be hidden or disguised." John says that he really wants to emphasize this point: "Don't be fooled by a great-looking pipe without very careful examination because there are people out there who are very talented at disguising/hiding imperfections. And they are selling those pipes at very high prices." | ||
''' | === Don't Hurry The Process == | ||
John believes that the amount of time you spend making an individual pipe shouldn't enter into your thinking. It should not be in an artist's nature to rush the process. "If we hurry, we lose focus on quality. This can lead to cutting corners and producing substandard products. In the end, our reputation will suffer, and our work will not be in demand." | |||
Many people have asked John how long it takes him to make a pipe. He is retired now and out of the rat race, where success is based on how many units are produced per hour and what the production cost per unit is. In his present situation, time doesn't really matter that much. What does matter is that each pipe he makes is the best it can be and that no act on his part should limit its potential. "If it takes a little longer to get it there, it just means a few more pleasant hours of relaxation in the shop." It does matter that each pipe is faily priced based on its own merit and that whoever purchases it is confident that they got good value for their money. It matters that each pipe finds its way into the hands of someone to whom it will bring as much pleasure somking it as John had making it. It matters that it will be more than just a tool to burn tobacco. John's hope is that every owner of one of his pipes will testify that it is the sweetest pipe they ever owned. "Maybe they will pause from time to time to savor the look and feel of it and send an occasional pleasant thought my way." | |||
=== Poplar Ridge Pipes === | |||
John notes that, in fairness to himself and other pipe makers, it is important to make the point that sometimes, even though they strive to make perfect pipes, things happen that cause some of them to be less than a first-quality piece. If such flaws or mistakes will not adversely affect a pipe's smoking or usable life, destroying it would be a shame. Examples can include fissures, sand pits, poor grain, small hairline cracks, or minor misalignment in the drilling and boring. These things will happen and, for the most part, are outside the pipe maker's control due to the fact that briar is a naturally grown substance that will often have flaws. Sometimes a soft spot in the work will guide a flexible drill bit a tiny bit "off." | |||
For this reason, from time to time, John will be making some of these pipes available under the name "Poplar Ridge" Pipes by J.H. Eells." Some of these pipes will have hand-cut stems, while others will have molded stems, the choice being determined by how far along john is in the process when he makes his decision. These pipes are made of the same quality briar that he uses to make all his pipes and will have the same smoking characteristics as his first line. John intends to offer these pipes at reduced prices in natural finishes so that potential buyers will be able to see exactly what they are paying for and will acquire good value relative to the cost. If a buyer wants one of these pipes finished out, John will be happy to do so. That is, John's intention is to make Poplar Ridge pipes available "au naturel," with no stain or finish. However, he does honor requests to stain and polish them. | |||
=== The John Eells Giant by Ardor === | |||
''The idea that we had to do a John Eels profile actually hit me when I saw the Monjure international ad in Pipes & Tobaccos that introduced "The John Eells Giant." As Steve Monjure wrote, "We are very proud to honor this great man and master [pipe makers who is responsible for the creation of the Ardor Giant Series. This wonderful shape, designed by John, is a special pipe' named after a 'special man'. Here's how John explains how this all came about. [Ed]'' Here is how this thing got started. About six years ago at a show, I saw some of the Ardor pipes in the light Meteora finish on Steve's table. This new finish really caught my eye. After some discussion, I purchased one and was very pleasantly surprised by the feel and incredibly sweet taste and aroma of the pipe. (I add that it was a surprise because I had a disappointing experience with a three-pipe Detective set made by Ardor I had purchased back in the 80s. In no way are my remarks directed at the fine craftsmanship in the creation of these pieces. All three pipes were beautiful, and they were splendid examples of the pipe-maker's craft. Unfortunately, however, they all were quite bitter and bit the heck out of my tongue. I worked hard with them, but in the end they just didn't make the grade.) | |||
Because the experience of this new-found pie was so pleasurable, I made a special request of Steve to have one made for me in the same shape, only larger. Well, when I got it, it was another pipe the likes of which dreams are made. The I got carried away and requested an even larger one of the same shape, and it too was fantastic. Since then, I have kept these pipes close, and , although they are not for sale, I have made a special point to have them visible on my tables at shows. When inquiries were made about them, I always sent or escorted the people to Steve's display. | |||
Somewhere in this whole sequence of events, Steve and I had a discussion about pipe size. I like a big pipe. That's not to say I want them to be as large as what "Esserman, Robinson and Morrison" are accustomed to, but I do like them a little larger than the norm. Anyway, somewhere in this dialog (which is probably better described as a mingling of words and thoughts over time) between Steve and myself, he decided to request his carvers to send him some larger pieces in some of the already "tried and true" shapes as well as some new designs to see how thy would sell. From what I've seen and heard, it turned out to be very successful. I was delighted to see it happening because I like Steve and the support he gives the industry. He is truly one of the "Good Guys." Now, somewhere in the midst of all these goings on, Steve asked me if they could make a shape similar to a large billiard that is one of the most requested shapes I make and if they could put my name on it. I should make it clear that my rendition (of a shape that has been around for many years before I was born) is certainly not a design I can take credit for. Anyway, I agreed. | |||
Honestly, I am flattered to have been given so much credit for pushing Steve into the "Big Pipe" arena, and I am grateful that he had such nice things to say in the Ardor ad. Also, I must confess that I really like the way he tells it a lot better than my recollection of events, but I must truthfully say that I really don't deserve that much. Everyone who knows Steve will agree that this kind of thing is in his nature. I am proud and honored that he considers me a friend. | |||