Notes:  As soon as I finish posting these new LBs, I'm going to write a pipe blog entry about sandblasting (a continuation from my last sandblasting article) which will feature this pipe as an example of one of my favorite grain arrangements.  Instead of the more common stacked ring layout, the grain flares out across the bowl forwards, giving a great ring display on both sides and fun pointy bird's-eye bits all across the front.  Also, the top and bottom of the shank look just excellent - very gnarly - as can be seen in the extra close-up photo above.  The effect is enhanced by this new stain/finish, which gives the whole pipe a golden brown tint while darkening all the recesses - contrast without having to buff the edges down.  The pipe will even sit balanced on its oval shank.