Ye Olde Horse Pipes by John Dideriksen

In September 2016 I was retired from my career work due to my chronic illness. I worked as a chief Software Designer with speciality in User interface design.

While the retirement did help my general well being. It did, however, not help my urge to create.

So, there I was with a craftsmanship education. 20 years in software user interface, and industrial design background. And a health that can't handle an 8 hours a day job. 

I needed to get my creative energy out somehow. So, from that urge Ye Olde Horse Pipes was born. 


What'with the name? Why Ye Olde Horse?

That's something my wife calls me. In Danish its pronounced: "Den Gamle Hest" the words are directly translated. In German its: "Das alte Pferd" and in Italian it is "Il Vecchio Cavallo". 

But I choose the english version as it is most international. Actually I cheated a bit because the term "Ye Olde" is used in the english language for things that are not really old.

I drew the logo over a weekend. It is inspired by the old black and white tv series about a talking horse called Mr Ed. I always wanted Mr. Ed to smoke a pipe, dont know why. But the logo is my take on a pipe smoking old horse.

Why did I choose pipes? 

Well I've smoked pipes more or less regularly for the past 20 years, but never gave it much thought. Until a friend of mine lost his fine little pipe while he was fishing. I decided to make him a new one, a simple modified corn cob pipe called Aragon, he is a huge fan of LOTR and the pipe is a churchwarden so he cant lose it.


I noticed while working on his pipe that I needed to get back to my craftsmanship roots and work with my hands. I discovered that making pipes was really fun. So I found a pipe maker and bought a few predrilled pipe blocks and made a few pipes for myself and some other friends.

That was it. I was hooked on pipe making and I decided to use my creative skills to create pipes that are both wonderful flake destroyers and nice to look at.

Ye Olde Horse Pipes are my own design. But I enjoy doing the occasionally commissioned pipe. When I do commissioned pipes I try to interview my customers to ensure that I meet their pipe dreams. A commission means that I have to create their thoughts, and that is really fun. Below is an example of a commissioned pipe.


I get inspiration for my pipes from my everyday life. I can be inspired by reading an article, walking og simply by the shape of a pipe. 



An example is that while attending the M@sterpipe show in Tuscany I was inspired to draw two pipes, the first two images above. At writing these are both in my pipe shop being realised. The third one is a free hand sketch drawn directly on the briar block, I guess I thought that block had a poker pipe inside.

I draw a lot and aim to use my creative energy where ever possible. I even sew my own pipe bags. When creating a pipe I mostly do a preliminary sketch and then realise the pipe in briar. 

When I create a pipe I try to tell a story with that pipe about what inspired me. The video below tell the story of the ancient god Heimdal and his famous horn of Valhal: Gjarrarhornet.



How do I make the pipes?

You can always follow the process of my pipes on my instagram account @yeoldehorsepipes. Once The pipe is finished I always upload a video like the one above so you can see the pipe from block to pipe.

I make approximately 50-75 pipes a year. Each pipe is handmade and I use the simplest tools. Saw, Files, and sandpaper. The only powertools I use is a press drill and a fixed drill called the 'Scruncinator 2000'.

Both pipe head and stems are handmade from raw materials. I'm currently shifting from drilling my pipes using a press drill to freehand drilling. I found that freehand gives me the most control of the drilling process.

The stems are drilled using a press drill. This limits the length of the stems I can make. There need to be some level of precision. But I'm slowly working towards a system where I can drill slightly longer stems.

I use files and a rotating disc to shape my pipes. The rotating disc is fixed on my 'Scruncinator 2000' Machine. The 'Scruncinator 2000' is my main tool. Its used for drilling, sanding and buffering. 

Here is the 'Scruncinator 2000' in action:


Files in action:


It usually takes me about 8 to 10 hours to create a pipe, depending on the details, rings, paint etc. But due to my illness I have to spread this time over some days. 

I only use hand selected briar for my pipes. The wood supply is from Greece, Spain and Italy. I always inform what wood was used for a specific pipe and if you commission a pipe you get to select what wood you'd like and also what type of stem material.

Ye Olde Horse Pipes are of course tested on both animals and children. Smoking is political incorrect so why not take it to the edge. Without humor I'd never last.



You can find more information about my pipes here:

My pipes can be bought from my shop:

Or by contaction me on either of the social media platforms mentioned above. The same thing goes for commissions. Finally, you can always send me a mail on: 

I'll gladly answer any questions, enquiries, or what ever else you may be curious about. I love making pipes, and I love seeing them being used. 

If you own one, thank you for supporting my art. Welcome to the club! And please post your smoking pictures on instagram using the #yeoldehorsepipes hashtag. I really enjoy watching them destroying some flake.

Cheers,
John

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