Hey guys,

I just got back from China and had several great surprises waiting for me when I got back. I mentioned in another post that I would like to draw attention to pipe makers that some people may not know or are just below the radar. However, I wanted to start the reviews off with someone, I believe everyone knows, Mr. Mark Tinsky. He just made one heckuva a pipe for me and I'd like to give a brief review.

A couple of months ago, I bought an earlier WO Larsen prince that I believe was designed and possibly carved by "Former" Nielsen. I LOVE this shape and it smokes like a dream. I like the shape so much, in fact, that I wanted to design a pipe inspired by it. I'm a designer by trade, but don't know the first thing about making a pipe, but as you all know, Mark Tinsky certainly does. He agreed to help me out and here are the results below:



As you can see, it's absolutely beautiful. I'm a big fan of VaPer blends, so I loaded this up with one of my favorites, Anniversary Kake from pipesandcigars.com. Man, does things smoke well.

When, breaking in a new pipe, I always take it slow, but this pipe never got the slightest bit warm. It stayed cool the whole time and was a breeze to keep lit. I could set it down for several minutes and it would continue to smolder on it's own. It's also extremely comfortable to hold. Now, if that were it I would have been supremely satisfied. However, Mark had the great idea of not gluing the ferrule in place and made me a separate shorter stem, so it could convert into an author; another one of my favorite shapes!!! He even put a band in the stem to match the bone ferrule!

Here's what the converted pipe looks like:



I haven't smoked this iteration yet as I'm letting the pipe rest for a few days, but I'm sure it will still smoke like a dream.

Thanks Mark, for making such a great pipe!

p.s.

stay tuned for more pipe reviews. I have a beautiful volcano by Brian McNulty, another danish prince by Steve Liskey and a dublin by one of my favorite artisans, Mr.David Jones.

All I can say is - Wow - that is one superb prince

You gotta love a Tinsky and especially if it's a twofer.

Super Brilliant score you made there. Those are just .........WOWOWOW!

Yeah, I couldn't be happier with this pipe. BTW, these are Mark's photos and I wanted to make sure I gave him credit!

Wow, what a beauty. I really like the author version as well. Mark makes a mean pipe.

Oh, wow! (There's a reason everyone keeps saying that!) That is some awesome work! The prince style is just too awesome!

Thought I would chime in just like all the others, wow. That prince in awesome and that you can change the shape to suit your needs is even cooler.

.....dang brother, I keep coming back to have another look, I wonder why?????? brilliant

Ultraman....... bad idea, by the time you are done on the board I will need a pacemaker!!!

Hobie, the drooler rocks!

wow that Tinsky is very amazing.
I cant add much that hasnt been said already.
So Ill say congrats on the purchase, maybe one day I can save up the green and get one.
I keep hearing alot about Tinsky pipes, and they all look beautiful.