Bamboo Semi-Churchwarden Review

A couple months ago I saw a thread in the Pipe WTS thread for a beautiful short churchwarden with a bamboo stem. Rob ( @rx2man ) had decided to take a crack at pipe making and this was his first piece. I commented to him that I thought it was very attractive, and after exchanging a PM or two I forgot about the thread. Low and behold a month later I find the pipe still up for sale. I took this as a sign that I was supposed to find room for such a handsome piece in my collection, so I jumped on it and shortly thereafter it arrived at my door. Rob has been nothing but fantastic in checking up with me to ensure I'm liking the pipe and seeking feedback as I have broken it in. It's pleasant because it says to me that he's interested in learning how to improve and continue to turn out quality work. I have to say that upon receipt I was immediately impressed, and even more so when I considered it was the first pipe someone had made. One of the things that initially sold me on the pipe was the way he emulated the "gnarling" of the bamboo in both the bowl and the stem. It creates a continuity that flows beautifully down the length of the pipe. The stem itself fits snugly on the metal tubing that lines the bamboo stem and extends out to receive it. The draw is perfect, so I believe he did well in choosing the diameter he selected. If I had one frustration it is simply that feeding the pipe cleaner through the stem and catching the tubing is not always something that happens on the first try. In reality though, this is quite a small price to pay for all the pipe's benefits. It is surprisingly lightweight, which actually makes it clenchable when necessary, in spite of its length. The bowl is sized for about a 45 minute smoke (21mm X 33mm), and came to me with a fresh carnauba wax shine. I've smoked variety of leaf in it so far (Edgeworth Match, Burley blends, etc.) Upon the first smoke the bowl burned a little hot, but I simply sat it down, let it cool, and patiently worked my way to the bottom. The second and third smokes were much cooler as the briar became charred and cake began to develop. I have to say that this is quickly becoming one of my favorite pipes. It’s unique appearance, quality craftsmanship, and weight all make it a great pipe for enjoying at home, or when out and about! In addition to the pipe, Rob sent me a matching tamper made from some remaining bamboo- unfortunately I don’t know where the pic I took of that is right now, but here are some nice ones of the pipe.

UPDATE: Just to provide a little update to my review- when I purchased new churchwarden length cleaners, I didn't buy the Berber shag variety, and I'm no longer having issues threading the stem. Still smoking great

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4005197_2.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4005197_1.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4005197_0.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4005197_3.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4005197_4.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4005197_5.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r..._4005197_6.jpg