Icon

Exotic Materials, Special Editions & Unique

Icon in Copper, Steel & Brass

click picture to enlarge.

the Icon
Classic size (± 4 inches/10.4 cm):
$55.00 each
USA shipping FREE
Please email with details
for international shipping.

Full money back guarantee. If you are not smiling after the first 5 tamps, you may send it back within 2 weeks. Yes, you can actually use it, try it out with a few of your favorite pipes, and still send it back if not completely satisfied!

I designed the Icon tamper to be modern and functional. There are no decorative angles or shapes. Very Modernism or Bauhaus. It has been undeniably beautiful in aluminum. Now solid heavy metals, takes the humble pipe accessory and makes it a proper tool. Originally only available in aluminum, the Icon is now also made from solid Copper and Stainless Steel. These metals are about the same weight (Copper feels the heaviest) and I've chosen to not worry about exact costs. They are priced according to the two sizes, Classic or Table Top. The choice is simply up to your preference. They are a hefty tool in the hand. Copper and Stainless Steel are much more expensive and more difficult to work with (especially Stainless Steel), but you and your friends will definitely know where that extra cost went. The Icon in Copper or Steel weighs much more than the aluminum version.

If you like the heft of a solid, reliable tool in your hand, like a classic fountain pen or a silver lighter, you will enjoy the feel of the Icon in solid heavy metal.

Copper will patina. In Copper, the high polish, like a new penny, will change to a copper-brown without occasional polishing.

Stainless Steel will not change too much, retaining most of it's polish, especially with regular use.

There is only a thin application of vegetable oil which is just for traveling and is not permanent. These are not lacquered or coated in any way to prevent oxidation since they will be in direct contact with fire and burning embers. Some people like the patina of antique metals like on older silver items, some do not. Polishing with household metal cleaners (some use toothpaste) as you use on your silverware and copper pots and pans is recommended if you prefer to keep them bright and shiny.

These tools are extremely strong and will be your beautiful and unbreakable companions that you can rely on in any circumstance, from working in the shop or camping to private clubs or a night out.

Exotic Hardwoods

Cocobolo rosewood from Central America, Mexico and some parts of the western United States, is a true rosewood (Dalbergia retusa.) When freshly cut it can be bright orange or yellow, and this is interwoven with black and dark brown grains. In time it may oxidize to a rich orange-red becoming more and more appealing.

Icon in solid rosewood

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Icon in Solid Rosewood 2008 - Classic

approximately 4 inches long (10.2 cm)

$45.00 each, US shipping FREE

Please email me with details for international shipping.

The above rosewood Icons have been sold, but are here as an example of the general look of the piece you could have. The grain and colors of course can not be exact as we are dealing with wood, a natural product that is not predictable.

The Icon shape and it's classic Modernism themes of minimal aesthetics and total functionality have become well known. However mix that with the powerful reds & oranges, browns & blacks of the rosewood grain and you're just in an whole other space.

These are solid pieces of wood, made from rosewood boards which are cut down to size, lathed, sanded to final shape and finally finished with a coat of carnuba wax. Engraving of the minimal nomenclature is the last thing to be done. These exotic hardwoods while being strong are more difficult to make than the aluminum tampers because they require more hand work. Wood is too delicate to be taken down too far on a powerful machine like a lathe.

click picture to enlarge.

Icon in Solid Aluminum 2007 - Classic

approximately 4 inches long (10.2 cm)

$35.00 each, US shipping FREE

Please email me with details for international shipping.

Icon in Solid Aluminum 2007 - Table Top

approximately 5 inches long (12.7 cm)

$45.00 each, US shipping FREE

Please email me with details for international shipping.

After thinking on designing a tamper for a while, I came up with a shape I call the ICON, a double-flared (patent pending) tamper that has both an angled and a perpendicular tamp face. The name comes from the pure, super clean design while presenting both types of popular tamp faces, angled and flat. Icon tampers are pure Modernism in design.

• The classic size for these tampers is about 4 inches (10.2 cm) long and .5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. Though longer than most other tampers they give one more to hold -and thus more control- while tamping, especially in deeper bowls. There is also a Table Top version measuring in at about 5 inches (12.7 cm) tall and are about 5/8 (1.5 cm) in diameter. For those who like larger, taller pipes or those who tend to loose smaller tampers. Although only an inch longer and a little wider at the ends, it makes a substantial difference in the look and weight of the tampers.

• The classic Icon's long side flares down a good 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) from the wasp-waist to the tip of the foot (tamp face). The foot is wide at approximately 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) across.

• This wider side is steeply angled which gives one more control of the ash and tobacco around the bowl wall. Remember, you can use the tamper at any angle. I often start my bowls tamping with the larger side, but holding the tamper off to one side so that the face approaches almost even with the top of the bowl.

• The shorter flare has a smaller foot and is designed to slip down into a smaller bowl or reach the bottom of a sharply tapered chamber. It has a flat, perpendicular face (not angled) and is about the diameter of a standard pipe nail head. This makes the Icon Classic design suitable for all pipes; large to small.

• The wasp-waist is a perfect place to hold and maneuver the tamper. Though angular and modern it feels organic and natural in the hand.

• The conical sides of the tool give you more room for maneuvering inside the tobacco chamber without fouling the rim. The conical shaft combined with the steep angle of the tamp face allows the "toe" to be aimed downward. In this position stirring or loosening of the surface of a tight pack can be done.

- End of bowl dottle can also be easily broken up and dumped out. Simply aim the tip down the center of the bowl while gently twisting the pipe back and forth in a reaming fashion. The longer body of the tamper makes this very easy and natural.

• One more thing is the engraved nomenclature. It's positioned on the short tapered end, opposite from the toe of the larger tamp side. This allows you to see and feel where the point is when it's inside the bowl. Handy when tamping with the pipe in your mouth.

These tampers are each made from one solid piece of aluminum. They can never come apart because of glue failing from heat or stress. They will never corrode, shatter, or burn. They are very sturdy, light for their size and easy to use. All surfaces are polished and they look like they've been dipped in chrome. They will patina matte with use. Since these are all hand made, there will always be minor size variances, however this will not affect normal use. It's simply your proof of a unique handcrafted tool.

Totem n. 1. An animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol of a clan or family. 2. A venerated symbol. Anthro; Native American peoples.

Star n. 1. A luminous celestial body consisting of a mass of hot gasses held together by it's own gravity. 2. A graphic design having 5 or more radiating points. 3. stars: The future; destiny.

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I have spent my life getting to this point. I created all artwork here, unless otherwise noted. Please respect all intellectual and creative property.