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'''Will's [http://www.willpurdy.com/ website]''' | '''Will's [http://www.willpurdy.com/ website]''' | ||
[[Image:willpurdy1.jpg|thumb|300px|Nosewarmer Garlic, Grade BX]][[Image:willpurday2.jpg|thumb|300px|Nosewarmer Garlic, Grade BX]] | |||
[[Image:willpurday3.jpg|thumb|300px|Tadpole Europa, Turtle Grade]] | |||
[[Image: | [[Image:willpurday4.jpg|thumb|300px|Tadpole Europa, Turtle Grade]] | ||
[[Image:65thwillpurdy.jpg|thumb|300px|Bent Brandy, 65th Anniversary set, [http://www.smokershaven.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3748 Smokers Haven]]] | |||
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'''History (from Will's site[http://www.willpurdy.com/])''' | '''History (from Will's site[http://www.willpurdy.com/])''' | ||
I was born in 1958 with a pipe in my mouth. Well, not quite, but I do come from a family that has had a lot of pipe smokers throughout the years. Several are featured on this page. My first pipes were acquired after graduating from high school, and have been a part of my life ever since. At the turn of the century, pipes switched from being objects of comfort and pleasure to an absolute passion. I began to express the passion by crafting several kit pipes, beginning in 2001. By 2002, I had invested in a couple of lathes, some briar and rod stock, and began learning how to make hand made pipes. | |||
I have taken a different approach than many. Stubbornly, I decided to work a little bit every day, learning how to carve on my own. I promised myself that I would not bug the professional pipe makers, knowing they have better things to do than answer questions from guys like me. It is not that I didn't have help though. I was blessed that I was able to get to know some collectors who were kind enough to help me hone my style, offer me suggestions, and tell me honestly what worked and what didn't. I am eternally grateful to Greg Pease and Erwin Van Hove for the countless hours they have spent exchanging e-mails, looking at photographs, and steering me in the right direction. They are not alone. I also must give a humble bow and hearty thanks to: | I have taken a different approach than many. Stubbornly, I decided to work a little bit every day, learning how to carve on my own. I promised myself that I would not bug the professional pipe makers, knowing they have better things to do than answer questions from guys like me. It is not that I didn't have help though. I was blessed that I was able to get to know some collectors who were kind enough to help me hone my style, offer me suggestions, and tell me honestly what worked and what didn't. I am eternally grateful to Greg Pease and Erwin Van Hove for the countless hours they have spent exchanging e-mails, looking at photographs, and steering me in the right direction. They are not alone. I also must give a humble bow and hearty thanks to: | ||
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These fine folks truly helped me “keep my batteries charged” over the past several years. | These fine folks truly helped me “keep my batteries charged” over the past several years. | ||
Early in 2004, I felt that my work was where I wanted it to be to enter the market. I took some pipes to the Los Angeles and Chicago pipe shows and my feelings were confirmed. And so it begins! | Early in 2004, I felt that my work was where I wanted it to be to enter the market. I took some pipes to the Los Angeles and Chicago pipe shows and my feelings were confirmed. And so it begins! | ||
'''About Will's Pipes''' | |||
My briar is aged a minimum of 5 years, acquired from a dear friend in Italy . My stems are | |||
always hand cut from German ebonite rod I purchase from Tom and Pia Eltang. I use Black as | |||
well as Cumberland rod for my stems. Smooth pipes began shipping in 2004, and sandblasts | |||
will be available in 2007. | |||
I craft some pipes in standard shapes from the French, British, and Scandinavian schools, | |||
but strive to bring something different to each one. Unique pieces also come along. I base the | |||
shape of each pipe on the grain of its briar block, so each pipe will be a bit different. | |||
Your pipe may be drilled with round, conical, or a tapered tobacco chamber, depending on its shape. | |||
Special orders are not accepted, but I will maintain a wish list. So, if you see a pipe in the gallery | |||
that you want, please drop me a line and I will contact you when the next similar pipe is available, | |||
in order of requests received. | |||
I insist you are happy with your pipe when it arrives. I try to do the best job possible through | |||
photographs and dimensional description to give you an accurate look at the pipe you purchase. | |||
However, if it arrives and it doesn’t meet your expectations for ANY reason, I want it back | |||
before you smoke it. I will even refund the shipping charges. | |||
'''Contact information:''' Email: mailto:will@willpurdy.com | '''Contact information:''' | ||
Email: mailto:will@willpurdy.com | |||
'''[http://www.willpurdy.com/ Website]''' |