Ozark Mountain Briars
Welcome! I am David Johnson, carver from the Ozark Mountains. I started pipe making in the fall of 2004 while laid up from an accident at work. My beginning was modest, with a couple "pipe kits", files, sandpaper and a lot of elbow grease.
Bent Rhodesian
After I butchered the first two "kits" I purchased, I went on a web search for more information on pipe making. I really wanted to find better briar and have the knowledge to drill the pipes on my own. Kits are ok but will only take a person so far! My search led me to the site of Tyler Beard. At the time Tyler hosted what is now Pipemaker's Forum
Smooth PokerDawg
I found a wealth of information on Pipemaker's Forum, and the chance to learn from many great pipe artists. I built up tools and equipment I needed and dove right in. And have been hooked ever since.
Smooth Dublin w/Cumberland Stem
I've been a pipe smoker since graduating from high school in 1982. My love of art and creating things ultimately led me to crafting pipes. A hobby that is both rewarding and frustrating. My pipes lean more toward traditional shapes, although I do venture beyond from time to time. I enjoy working with wood, so many of my pipes have decorative elements made from domestic and exotic hardwoods. My ultimate goal is to carve good quality, good smoking pipes that are affordable, yet at the same time will bring pride and pleasure to the owner!
Rusticated Bent Dublin w/Smooth Top
I also like to play with my lathe, and turn out a few pipe tampers as well. I use briar for the foot of my tampers to protect the exotic woods from the heat of burning tobacco. (Its also a great way to use up the "scraps" left over from making pipes.)
Baseball Bat Pipe Tamper
HAPPY PUFFING
David Johnson Ozark Mountain Briars E-mail: mailto:david@ozarkmountainbriars.com Website: www.ozarkmountainbriars.com