First things first - this is the first Nobleman grade pipe since October 2008. I honestly didn't expect to produce one given the outward appearance of the briar block, but that's how these things go. You really never can tell exactly what's inside a block of wood.
This pipe is the third pipe in working on a theme of the same basic bowl shape, with minor differences and distinct tweaks that make each pipe radically different from each other. The first was the Chunkyfish, a robust example with stout proportions. That was followed by Racerfish One, which was almost an exact opposite of its predecessor. You can see the similarities in the bowl shape, as well as the differences that make them unique. What's interesting is how moving a curve or line just a fraction of an inch can make all the differenct in the overall feel of a pipe.
This pipe took the theme and refined it to a more curvaceous direction. There is flow and harmony, and at the same time, preservation of movement and direction. I opted for a different style of stem as well, and this stem you see is actually not the first stem I made for this pipe. The initial stem was far too short, and threw off the entire balance of the pipe. This one really compliments the size and shape of the bowl very well.
This Tigerfish gets its Nobleman grade from a combination of criteria. The wood is absolutely flawless, with not even a single pinprick. The grain matches and follows the shape incredibly well, with straight grain on the sides, and acres of wonderfully tight birdseye on the bottom and top. I also judged this pipe to be a personal triumph as far as artistic composition, and I simply couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out.
Important Info
Length: 5" (12.7cm)
Height: 1.75" (4.5)
Chamber Diamter: 3/4" (2cm)
Chamber Depth: 1.5" (3.8cm)
Stem Material: hand cut ebonite
Bit Thickness: .16" (4mm)
Airway Diameter: 5/32" (3.9mm)
Weight: 2.6oz (74g)
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