Author: Mark Irwin

PSA: See end of blog for special announcements It gives me great pleasure to announce that in tomorrow’s regular drop at SPC, Peterson’s Austin Quinlan will make his debut as an artisan pipe maker.  If you haven’t read his story, stop and go back to Post #329 and circle back. He thus joins Giacomo Penzo (Posts #199 and #200) as the second artisan pipe maker at K&P. This is a remarkable achievement, making it possible for us as Pete Geeks to obtain contemporary hand made pipes from not one, but two of Peterson's craftsmen under their own names. Austin is currently head of Smokingpipes Europe’s Estate Restoration, does QC for Peterson, repairs, stem bending and papering in the factory--and everything in between.  Between his job, his work as artisan and his family, Austin stays remarkably focused and committed, taking time out only for something as important as the recent appearance of Rammstein in Dublin’s RDS Arena. After his hearing returned and his head cleared from the pyro fumes, he and I did a bit of a chat to get you ready for tomorrow. I, for one, can hardly wait!  Mark: Austin, when Pete Geeks look at your work, the first thing they’re going to ask is whether, after you’ve worked all day long in the Peterson factory, you find inspiration from Peterson in your work as an artisan. Smooth Bent Egg (and one of Austin's favorite shapes) Austin: I think Peterson always has some inspiration on my work. It's in my DNA. I think every pipe maker is inspired, whether consciously or unconsciously, by the big houses like Peterson, Dunhill, Stanwell, or anything from St. Claude, because before we were pipe makers, we were pipe smokers, and these were the houses we loved the most. But specifically, in addition to the Quinlan Handmade stamp, you’ll find the Deanta in Eirinn (Made in Ireland) on the bottom of all my pipes, as well as the Irish Heather color I chose for the leather pipe sock bag that Claudio Albieri makes for them. Smooth Apple M: What about other artisans? Where do you find your greatest inspiration? Smooth Dublin w/Olivewood  A: As for the artisan side of things, my biggest influence has been Tom Eltang.  It all started for me with him. Vladimir Grechukhin and S Bang big time, because for me these personify perfectly the aesthetic that I love—chubby! And Kei'itchi Gotoh, because the way he reads briar is like no other. The man is a genius, and the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship. And, ironically, my two favourites of his that I would love to own, are his renditions of a full bent ball. Smooth Bent Apple   Then of course “the usual suspects,” artisans like Jess Chonowitsch, Adam Davidson, J. Alan, Tokutomi, Micke, the Ivarssons, Former, and many others. There's such a well of inspiration to draw from. Sandblasted Tulip   M: How do you go about designing a pipe? It’s a huge question, I know. A: I'm sure all…