Howdy all.
I know that other similar forums do a pipe of the year. They solicit an artisan pipe maker to craft a pipe specially for the members.
I've kicked this around with Raftergtex who is an active member here and a hell of a pipe maker. I speak from experience being lucky enough to own one of his pipes. It's the only pipe I have that is truly premium quality.
Rafter thinks he could likely make those interested some version of his nosewarmer sitter for around a hundred bucks give or take and dependent upon the number interested and options like hand turned stems, shank extensions, finishing etc.
It seems the nose warmer sitter would be a great choice for us. Clearly we have the ambassador of nose warmers in our own Phil. and I have noticed a great deal of interest in the new Pease Luciano pipes which are certainly right up the same alley.
Here's a picture of the first one he made as a general reference and a link to Tim's Website
We'd be looking at payment and delivery sometime late in the year. So we'll have a little time to save our pennies and maybe drop broad hints to spouses about the "perfect Christmas gift".
At this point I'm hoping to get an initial gauge of interest. You're not committing but please be somewhat realistic. If you say you're interested please be sure you think you have at least a decent chance of actually taking delivery.
And to be crystal clear. I'm getting nothing out of this (except a POY which I will pay full price for). I just thought this might be fun and a way to get what we know will be a very high quality pipe int he hands of our members.
I don't expect Tim will be turning a huge margin on these pipes either so he isn't in this for his retirement account.
So let's hear it.
Smooth finish only. 
