Hobby Blocks

My son got this to make me a pipe, as a carving project. He hasn't made it yet, but I figure I can review the block anyway. Seems like a good quality start on a pipe. I have half a mind to say no to the carving and smoke it as-is, lol.

Easy to carve. Makes a nice smoking pipe !

Decent block of wood. Stem was drilled at an angle so that it is crooked. Like the hole for the stem is at an angle in the block. So that visually is very obvious and ruins the finished project. These are super fun overall still. I prefer using a dremel and various grinding / shaping bits.

Really really cool. I had a great time making my own pipe. I also learned a lot in the process, by joining a pipe making forum. Only issue I had was a number of pits in the briar, which I can’t really complain as I just modified my original design and continued on. Nothing is more satisfying than your own creation and utilizing it as I’m doing while writing this review. I will definitely order another one soon. Thank you for the fun experience.

This pipe-to-be has received a tentative 5-star rating as I am currently smoking it as is! It is a conversation piece to be sure. I'm sure it will be transformed into a fine looking pipe once I get around to it...unless I decide to leave it alone. In any event it looks, smokes and feels good in my hand right now!

Looks like a good place to start making a new pipe. Have not started to work on it yet.

This is my third block. If you do your part, these blocks can be fashioned into a pipe worth two to four times it’s price. The bits are really good and fit well. Sometimes the grain orientation may not be perfect for the shape. This may be why one can get such a nice piece of briar ready for carving, with all the holes drilled correctly, for such a good price. These make excellent, cool ,dry smoking pipes.

Best Pipe I've had in a long time.

Very nice quality block no cracks or flaws smokes great nice size bowl as well. Just finished it up the other day and has become a favorite of mine to smoke out of

I recently bought 3- 2 for hubby and 1- for friend. They both enjoyed being being able to create their own. It would be a great gift too!

I have been buying these for six months and have had no trouble at all. The grain is normally good to very good

I purchased to fiddle with but I am going to leave it as is, it cracks me up as is and absolutely love it. I’m going to purchase a few more!

I’m not a carver but I have produced 3 pipes using a hand saw, files and sandpaper. Each new pipe is prettier than the one before. Will try number 4 when they are back in stock.

Good for the money. Stummel is not straight sometimes

Excellent block for working! Thought I'd try my hand at carving my own pipe! Excellent stem fit, perfectly drilled. Excellent value!

I was excited to receive this Hobby Block pipe. I enjoy carving custom pipes and have been looking for a pre-drilled block to start my next pipe. This exactly filled the bill. I am looking forward to the full-bent stem set being available.

Should be a really interesting carve. Can not wait to start cutting on it.

I’ve really enjoyed creating a unique pipe to add to my collection. This one in particular I was making for a friend. The designs you can make are only limited by you imagination and possibly by any plateaus that may be on the block. My PAD is strong when I’m making my own as my thoughts turn to the next one and when I’ll be able to buy another hobby block. Thanks for making these available again!

the blocks are a little small for my style of pipes and limit my fashion of stem. The Briar is such that it has to maintain a reasonable thickness to contain the heat, plus it seems to char when lighting ,more than other briars I have used in the past. However, everything is as advertised, delivery and service was prompt and no hastle, I will purchase blocks in the future and likely reset my creative endeavors

Will start carving when I am done with carving my rocking horse. Looks like a fine piece to work on. Will try and make a hand holding the bowl.

What a great project! It’s wood, of course there will be flaws in the grain etc, but there is enough briar here, that you can really shape it into just about anything!

I've been been smoking it like it is, smokes great. Hard to carve.

Not done yet but it’s been a lot of fun. Worth every penny!

Really enjoyed shaping the pipe and making it my own. It smokes great too.

I purchased this with the intention of carving a dogs head pipe, using my own coon hound as my model. When I received it, it was apparent I would need a new plan. Unlike the block pictured, the was drilled very close to the front of the block, This positioning prevented me from doing the carving I had planned, but I am still happy with the product. I just changed my plan to a shape that could better take advantage of the geometry of the block. While it is still in progress, it is looking good.. I have it in a shape I like and just have to decide on a smooth finish, or decorative carving, The kit itself is very nice. the holes are clean and the stem fits very tight. I'll probably buy another sometime in the future.

I like it a lot but I ordered and paid for 2 straight blocks and 2 bent blocks and only recieved 1 of each. What happened, are you sending 1 more of each?

Bought one of these with EVERY intention of carving into it. NOPE! Plans have changed! I LOVE how it feels as just a solid chunk of briar in your hands! I smoke mine just the way it arrived!!!

Block looks nice, it has nice grain lines and birdseye pattern, fir the cost. My only comment is it took 14 plus days to receive and I needed sooner because it was a birthday present. Maybe next time

I thought the briar would be harder but it’s surprisingly easy to carve with a rotary tool. Smokes great, large chamber.

Fun little project and smokes really well

Not that I know anything about it, but I have wanted to make my own pipe for a while. I just don't have a way to drill the bowl or the stem properly. But this is perfect. I'm still working on it and can't wait until I'm able to smoke it.

This was a blast while on COVID-19 lock-down. Shaped my first pipe and now I'm hooked. As one site put it, "Pipe makers aren't addicted to tobacco, but they are addicted to making pipes." I get it now. And I'll be getting more of these.

I bought this as a gift for a friend, the item seems like it is quality built, the only thing that kept me from rating 5 stars is that it just comes loose in a box, it seems like it would have some sort of packaging

Wow these are fun. I carved a couple with a Dremel type rotary tool and they turned out great ( wood spirit and a skull). People laugh and think they are great. Going to buy a couple more.

I like it!!

I bought this for my husband done he is artistic. He will have a unique pipe.

Beautiful Wood! Bulky! Plenty of workable mass! Stem fits great! Can't wait to carve them up!!!

Had fun this weekend shaping my first hobby pipe. Went with the straight block and then shaped my version of a poker. Opted to finish as a rusticated pipe with teh Dremel to mask several imperfections on my part. Opted to stay natural and use beeswax which will darken over time. Ordering more and looking forward to more weekends of fun.