Discontinued The Okin by D.M. Pipes

Breathemetal said:

@Dan Morrison
What about cleaning and maintenance? Resin will build up inside the walls..Especially with concentrates

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The metal tip can be cleaned any way you like, pretty much.

The wood stem can be cleaned with a pipe cleaner. You'll never be able to get the wood stem spotless, but that is the point. It's a material that will always be changing in taste and smell. Like any good tobacco pipe, it should taste better with age!

The metal screen can be replaced with the standard steel mesh screens available at any smoke shop.

The filter is replaced with any cotton fabric, coffee filter, silk...etc.

The two O-rings are replaced with any fine sewing thread.

The wood is maintained by the oils on your skin, which contained lanolin. This is how Japanese Netsuke carvers would finish their pieces of art. If you live in a very arid/wet climate, or plan on taking the okin on a trip to a different climate, you should give it a thin coating of mineral oil (baby oil, unscented) or other food grade oil like linseed or walnut, but don't use oils like canola or olive, as those may spoil.

Your skin oils will give the wood a deeper, darker grain over time that will look really great!

Wow! @pakalolo your right about my name. Lol. Didn't peep that. I guess it is my destiny.

For those wondering what the heck I've been talking about with the "custom charcoals".

Where, here is one I just quickly prepared. Holes were drilled in the sides, and the butt end was flared outwards and indented with slots. These indents seem to let a tiny bit of fresh air in through the sides to mix with the hot air from the ember. The flared end helps to expand the hot air stream evenly into the chamber.

The end closest to the holes is the one that you light.

Again, this is completely unnecessary, and more for the person who wants to tinker with the experience. But I found it so fun and it really does change the way the ember burns.

I will include a tool that will be a do-all for both loading and cleaning the vaporizer and also modifying the charcoals with holes, chamfers, and slots. It's like... a drill-saw-poker-spoon...thing...







The ember stays together really well as it burns. I bet if you drilled a bunch of holes into the sides, it would look like a burning hunk of swiss cheese, hahah.

@Dan Morrison The do it all tool sounds like perfect accessory for this piece. Well Done.

Dan if the Okin is as successful as it's shaping up to be, is there any chance we'll see a waterpipe variant like with the lotus? I imagine just the metal tip with a little wood or metal glass joint would look pretty slick on waterpieces

This is awesome...eventually we are going to need a thread just for pics of all our charcoal art!

The Okin is like...the Grasshopper's weathered and wise grandfather.
Then again...this grandfather's children sure do suck at making a child...ha...(get it?) anyways...

Forgive me if this has been asked before, but will this be available in exotic woods? I can't wait for another excuse to get my grubby paws on some more exotic wood from @Snappo

@Ratchett , At this time I am just focusing on the bamboo stem. Though, once things get rolling I may add exotic wood options at a slightly higher price point.

Though, bamboo is the toughest material for this application because of its uniform grain structure and fibers that run the entire length of the stem. With exotic hardwoods you'll have grain that isn't completely straight, and with burl woods you'll have weak points in the twisty grain. These are more likely to fail under stress.

The bamboo stems that I am using have very thin walls, yet, I am unable to break the stem under my own hand strength, no matter how hard I try. That's pretty darn good.

it's these same qualities that makes bamboo an excellent material for arrow shafts.

I would also like to do some more fancy stems, with carvings, and inlays of lichen or rough gemstones, these would be one of a kind pieces.

As for a waterpipe variant, I imagine that eventually I will want to do an entirely new design that combines glass and wood together in a less portable vaporizer that uses the same bamboo charcoal heat source. Who knows what this will look like...but the possibilities are exciting!

As for adapters and the like, to attach the okin to already existing accessories, well, that interests me less. I like to design stand-alone pieces.

Dan Morrison said:

@Ratchett , At this time I am just focusing on the bamboo stem.

Though, bamboo is the toughest material for this application because of its uniform grain structure and fibers that run the entire length of the stem. With exotic hardwoods you'll have grain that isn't completely straight, and with burl woods you'll have weak points in the twisty grain. These are more likely to fail under stress.

The bamboo stems that I am using have very thin walls, yet, I am unable to break the stem under my own hand strength, no matter how hard I try. That's pretty darn good.

it's these same qualities that makes bamboo an excellent material for arrow shafts.

I would also like to do some more fancy stems, with carvings, and inlays of lichen or rough gemstones, these would be one of a kind pieces.

As for a waterpipe variant, I imagine that eventually I will want to do an entirely new design that combines glass and wood together in a less portable vaporizer that uses the same bamboo charcoal heat source. Who knows what this will look like...but the possibilities are exciting!

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All of this made me very happy! Love the idea of a new design for a WPA, even though in the long run it will cost more money. You have such an eye, I know a new design would probably be way better than an adapter, and will probably look very pretty on any piece of glass.

I also LOVE the idea of you carving into the stems...seems much more custom. So excited to see more pictures, and more postings as you progress.

I'm visiting this forum every day now, ha!

BTW, will testers be allowed to post their experiences once they receive their test units?

@Dan Morrison As you know I absolutely love your work; your top shelf, and after looking at the pictures over and over, (can't help it) You've shown the original Okin with a slightly different stem and mouthpiece placement and one that is a re figured smoother, cleaner line version. Will there be a choice of the two? Both are excellent imo, but with a choice of the two fine pieces, I love the original stem slightly better;but please believe I'll take either.
The original stem imo appears more....organic and natural looking to me. I love the slight imperfections of the wood. Just curious. Either way Okin...you belong to me.

Unisonruss said:

BTW, will testers be allowed to post their experiences once they receive their test units?

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Oh yes of course!

ANOKHI said:

You've shown the original Okin with a slightly different stem and mouthpiece placement and one that is a re figured smoother, cleaner line version. Will there be a choice of the two?

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For now I just plan on offering the newest design, with the smooth bamboo stem. But with custom options for painted rings.

I'm getting more and more excited as well. Dan's presence here and the way he goes about this design is challenging the way I see vapes...for the better. For the most part, with the exception of some of the glass that some of us use, we tend to chase the end result around here. We get lots of vapes and mod them and report back on the cloud production or the smoothness of the hit, and i like it that we focus on the vapor quality. But this vape will call me to relax and reflect on a deeper level, i believe. It's simplicity will calm my desire to change it and it's artistic qualities will get me thinking about something other than what's on tv. I can't get this thing soon enough!

@stickstones ,

double, tripple and so on like

stickstones said:

I'm getting more and more excited as well. Dan's presence here and the way he goes about this design is challenging the way I see vapes...for the better. For the most part, with the exception of some of the glass that some of us use, we tend to chase the end result around here. We get lots of vapes and mod them and report back on the cloud production or the smoothness of the hit, and i like it that we focus on the vapor quality. But this vape will call me to relax and reflect on a deeper level, i believe. It's simplicity will calm my desire to change it and it's artistic qualities will get me thinking about something other than what's on tv. I can't get this thing soon enough!

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Dude what a great idea! If the main portion were sold cheap enough - which it could be it would be great for converting 'hoodlems' to vaporization! Think with a $10 (super basic) okin instead of spending 50 cents on a blunt wrap you could get an and a charcoal for 50 cents and get much better flavor and efficiency. Wonder if the capacity/longevity could be increased.... Not really right? Idk You should definitely make a cheap version to get people into vaping and a fancier version for those who are passionate. Similar to tobacco or earrings.

Hey Dan, I'm glad you are enjoying it with tobacco. My older brother smokes cigarettes and I would like to introduce vaporizing and it's benefits to him. This looks like a perfect device for that, and he appreciates the more expensive luxuries in life. But love the fact that you made it affordable to the masses.

pjwalm said:

Dude what a great idea! If the main portion were sold cheap enough - which it could be it would be great for converting 'hoodlems' to vaporization! Think with a $10 (super basic) okin instead of spending 50 cents on a blunt wrap you could get an and a charcoal for 50 cents and get much better flavor and efficiency. Wonder if the capacity/longevity could be increased.... Not really right? Idk You should definitely make a cheap version to get people into vaping and a fancier version for those who are passionate. Similar to tobacco or earrings.

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It's a neat idea that I've thought about quite a bit. The idea gets sweeter with age, but, I'm going to have to wait and see how people respond to the bamboo charcoal heat source before thinking about taking on new design challenges.

Speaking of design challenges, I've been deep into the box design for a while now... I've done away with the cardboard box design for something more substantial. I realized that the box would never really fit into a front jeans pocket that well, so I might as well shoot for the larger pocket size up from that.... the jacket pocket.

The box could be 6" x 3" x 1". But, it would hold at least 50-100 charcoals, herb, lighter, sewing thread, beeswax, replacement filter fabric, screens... This box would hold enough stuff for a good month of use off-grid at least. And it would still fit into a jacket pocket.

OR, I could make the box skinnier, say 6" x 1.25" x 1". It would be easier to slip into a pocket (a jeans pocket even!), but it won't hold a lighter or much herb, or any of the other stuff. So, essentially you still have to carry a lighter and auxiliary materials, but... you would be spreading the bulk between other pockets. I like the idea of everything in one place much more!

The aesthetics of a larger rectangle are just better as well. I don't know what it is about a long skinny rectangle, but I don't like them. I like a nice balanced rectangle, hahaha. And if it could hold a month worth of materials, then it would be perfect to just slip into your backpack and go at any time, no need to worry about packing extra boxes of stuff.

So, I'm definitely leaning towards the larger box.

This would make it less portable... though, if you imagine any other portable on the market, and what you would need to pack into a box to make it truly a complete package (power outlet, cord, batteries) you'll end up with a much larger box no doubt.

Thoughts? Oh, and p.s. this box will probably add about $15 to the final cost, oops. But, when you see this box, I think you'll agree that it'll be worth it. For a product designed to last a lifetime, why skimp on a box that will only last a couple years?

mixchu69 said:

Hey Dan, I'm glad you are enjoying it with tobacco. My older brother smokes cigarettes and I would like to introduce vaporizing and it's benefits to him. This looks like a perfect device for that, and he appreciates the more expensive luxuries in life. But love the fact that you made it affordable to the masses.

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Sweet!

I am of the opinion that luxury and expensive should not have to be synonymous!

I don't mind the box being larger especially if it'll hold everything I need in it, sans lighter. Really looking forward to reviews and the box design. It's gotta be better than the boxes I've witnessed on other threads. Anticipation is the worst. Haha.

How hard is it to apply the thread properly? That's one of my few reservations about Okin, although I dig the concept, it's just that I am clumsy with things that require more finesse and finger manipulation.

Mister G said:

How hard is it to apply the thread properly? That's one of my few reservations about Okin, although I dig the concept, it's just that I am clumsy with things that require more finesse and finger manipulation.

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Good question.

The wood tenon has a groove cut into it for the thread. You basically just hold the end of the thread with your thumb pressed against the wood, and then wind the thread around the wood. It will overlap itself, so you don't have to worry about tying off the first loop. You wind a few more times until the thickness is right, and then make a final loose turn, allowing the thread to slack, then slip the end of the thread under the loose turn and pull tight, the loose thread will pull tight. Then trim the ends off.

You can wax the thread a bit to make it easier to work with, or wax the thread after winding it to make it slide and compress better. After inserting the stem into the metal tip a few times, the thread will be thoroughly compressed and the fibers will all stick together, almost looking like a solid mass.

For tying on the fabric filter, it's the same process. The fabric is first cut in a rough square and placed over the airway opening. The stem is inserted into the metal tip. This wedges the fabric tight, and keeps everything snug and in place while you wind the thread. When you're done winding the thread, you trim the excess fabric with a razor blade.

I know, I know, it seems tedious when I have it all typed out like that, haha. But it's not that bad!

Also, once you get the thread in place and the thickness is correct it will last a long time before you need to replace it.

I will be posting detailed instructions about this with photographs to make it as easy as possible.

The main advantage of using thread is that the groove cut into the wood can be much shallower than a groove that would have to be cut to use a rubber O-ring. This makes for a larger inside diameter of the airway, and a stronger tenon. Also, a rubber o-ring would just ruin the vibe of the entire thing, haha.

It's like tying a hook onto your fishing line, yes.. it's a bit fiddly, but once you've done it a few times it becomes second nature.

Hi @Dan Morrison, I'd be on the smaller box personally as I intend to use my good old zippo with it, plus if the box isn't smell proof I'd rather put my material in a JyArRz (not the same aesthetic but a damn good container if you ask me). Also if in the same box, wouldn't the charcoal somehow absorb some of the herb flavor?

°k said:

Hi @Dan Morrison, I'd be on the smaller box personally as I intend to use my good old zippo with it, plus if the box isn't smell proof I'd rather put my material in a JyArRz (not the same aesthetic but a damn good container if you ask me). Also if in the same box, wouldn't the charcoal somehow absorb some of the herb flavor?

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Sorry if this has already been addressed ...is a torch the prescribed charcoal ignition device, or will a standard lighter do the trick? Thanks!

I absolutely love the level of craftsmanship you bring to your work, not to mention thought process, function, beauty, attention to detail, all of it. I will most definitely be getting an Okin after its been released. As a person who over analyzes, designs, and engineers everything I work on. I have the utmost respect for you Mr. Morrison, and how you perform your craft.

I mean seals from freaking sewing thread who does that?! So incredibly smart and functional. When I saw it I immediately thought of someone up in the mountains with no sewing thread and literally stripping fibrous bark (redwood like?) to improvise a seal. The Okin looks like it's going to be so incredible on so many different levels. I can't even describe my anticipation for this heirloom piece to be in my collection.

Dan Morrison said:

The funny thing about your fibrous bark comment is that... if you really had no thread, you'd have to completely naked... since it would be so easy to just pull a thread out of your clothing. And that makes my mental image sooo much more funny, hahaha.

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Touchè, my good man, touché but desperate times call for desprate measures hahaha

°k said:

Hi @Dan Morrison, I'd be on the smaller box personally as I intend to use my good old zippo with it, plus if the box isn't smell proof I'd rather put my material in a JyArRz (not the same aesthetic but a damn good container if you ask me). Also if in the same box, wouldn't the charcoal somehow absorb some of the herb flavor?

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Ah yes, that's a good point! You got me thinking now... hmmm..

Okay, riddle me this! I could make the box even smaller if you place the okin into the box in two pieces. But, while the device is separated into two halves, you can't have a pre-loaded bowl all ready.

Do you think that the convenience of a pre-loaded chamber is worth the additional box length? I am on the fence....

Snappo said:

Sorry if this has already been addressed ...is a torch the prescribed charcoal ignition device, or will a standard lighter do the trick? Thanks!

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A standard lighter is just fine! A single wooden match will also work.

In windy conditions a jet lighter would be best, however.

Puffers said:

I absolutely love the level of craftsmanship you bring to your work, not to mention thought process, function, beauty, attention to detail, all of it. I will most definitely be getting an Okin after its been released. As a person who over analyzes, designs, and engineers everything I work on. I have the utmost respect for you Mr. Morrison, and how you perform your craft.

I mean seals from freaking sewing thread who does that?! So incredibly smart and functional. When I saw it I immediately thought of someone up in the mountains with no sewing thread and literally stripping fibrous bark (redwood like?) to improvise a seal. The Okin looks like it's going to be so incredible on so many different levels. I can't even describe my anticipation for this heirloom piece to be in my collection.

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Thank you! Those are some mighty kind words.

And, to be fair, cotton thread has been used as a traditional o-ring for many years in flute making!

The funny thing about your fibrous bark comment is that... if you really had no thread, you'd have to completely naked... since it would be so easy to just pull a thread out of your clothing. And that makes my mental image sooo much more funny, hahaha.