How the Pipes are Graded

While all S.E.THILE pipes are made by hand to exacting standards, and never contain fills, they do vary in style. Also, some shapes are more time consuming than others, and, of course, some briar just displays less interesting grain than others and may have small imperfections. Thus, we have series and grades.

S.E.THILE pipes are each assigned a series and a grade. The series indicates a certain cohesive style between its pipes, and the grade indicates the artistic and technical quality of the pipe. The finish also plays a role. In all series and finishes, the grades are, in descending order, S+, S, A, B, C, and D. Most high grade smooth finished pipes will fit in the As and Bs. Pipes with interesting grain, but that also have sand specs or small flaws are likely to be graded C or D. Sandblasted pipes will most often be graded C or D, with the very occasional A for an exquisite blast. Rusticated pipes will always be graded D. The S+ and S are reserved for exceptional ultra high grade pipes, the pinnacle of their form -- there will only ever be a bare handful of these (none so far).

The Etude Series

Etude is French for "study," and, in music, is a short composition designed to provide practice. Etude series pipes are those I've crafted while in pursuit of a new shape, or as a unique presentation of a classic shape. Often, an Etude series pipe will refine itself into a member of another series -- but its Etude counterpart remains as evidence of the creation process. The Etude series is marked by its unique pipes in new or transitional shapes, styles, and finishes. In the musical world, an etude will sometimes transcend its role as an instrument of study, and become something more, a lasting creation of fine art. The higher grade Etudes are of this nature. Early Etudes were not graded.

The Opus Series

Having completed phase I of my study in the art of pipemaking, I have embarked on the Opus series. These are catalog shapes, or pipe families I'll be making with some regularity.

So far we have Opus 1, the PokerBash, and Opus 2, variations on the theme of classic Bulldogs and Rhodesians.

Freehand Series

The Freehand series are pipes where the wood is given the primary role in dictating the shape.