Fat Bastard Pipes
Hi, I'm Alex... a pipe carver.
I started making pipe for myself in 2010. I had made close to 50 pipes, and never thought they were good enough for sale. Actually I had never even thought about making and selling pipes. One day a few friends saw the pipes on my rack, and were really impressed. They kept asking me where I had purchased them. When I told them that I made them all, they were amazed. (they are simple folk) ; ) So I sold them 6 of the pipes that day.
All my pipes are unique. Not two pipes are alike. Even when customer ask for a specific pipe, I tell them that it will not be the same, similar, but not the same. Its not because I can't duplicate them. Its that I don't want to duplicate them. I want each piece to be original, and unique.
I do not use a lathe. It is too automated, and it takes the fun out of pipe making. I shape my pipes on a shaping wheel from a square block.
Why "Fat Bastard" you ask? It was a nick name I gave myself in high school... long story. But it fits well with my pipes. Most of them are bastardly big. So there you go.
I use Italian briar wood, and black cherry wood. My bigger pipes are made with cherry wood, because I can get bigger wood blocks. I also like cherry wood because its less dense, and very easy to work with, and is half the weight of briar, which makes bigger pipes easier to hold in the mouth. But briar has its place and most of my pipes are made with briar.
I make about 20-25 pipes per month. Prices range anywhere from $69 to $200. And they are available for sale on my website at http://www.FatBastardPipes.com
If you have any question please contact me, alex@FatBastardPipes.com
You can also visit me on FaceBook, and see pipe presentation on my YouTube Channel.
