I've started with pipemaking in winter 2004 / 2005. With the help of some experienced carvers I could improve my skills, and 25 years experience as a stonemason are helpful as well.

My ambition is to make good pipes: acceptable smoking tools in combination with a proper design. That sounds quite easy, but actually it's a hard nut to crack, and I'm still learning my lesson.

I'm working with best Spanish and Italian briar. All my stems are handcut of first-class ebonite.

Of course I'm smoking my pipes. I am my own quality control manager, and I try to improve the smoking qualities of my pipes constantly – seems to be a never-ending story.