Discontinued The Okin by D.M. Pipes

[sasNW]

Awesome to hear, thanks @Stu

That's all I'm hoping for, I shall treat it like my expensive bourbon.

I'm going on a bouldering trip tomorrow for a couple days and would kill to have an okin with me. Going to be rock climbing and camping in Leavenworth,WA and feel like it's the perfect place for an okin around a campfire.

 

[grokit]

an okin around a campfire.

Speaking of camping I wonder about grabbing a chunk of an appropriately-sized stick out of the fire as it turns to coal, maybe being able to make some okin fuel on the fly as it were. Would it need holes?

 

[Dan Morrison]

Speaking of camping I wonder about grabbing a chunk of an appropriately-sized stick out of the fire as it turns to coal, maybe being able to make some okin fuel on the fly as it were. Would it need holes?

The okins will come with the drill to make the holes, so hole making isn't an issue.

You could totally find branches of hardwood that are dead/dry, and about 5/8" in diameter, and then put them into a small metal tin (candy or mint tin would be fine), close the lid, and put that into the embers for about 15 minutes (following directions that I will be providing).

If the wood was dry (if wet, it might crack and split inside the tin or shrink too much, experimentation would be needed), and you were using a domestic hardwood like maple or birch, you should end up with perfectly usable high quality charcoal for the Okin. You can cut the charcoal to size after it's been converted into charcoal.

Starting with "branches" might pose some problems, however. It might be best to start with a branch that's a bit over-sized, then whittle it down to as close to a perfectly round "dowel" as you can. Different species will all shrink differently when converted into charcoal, and they will all have different burn characteristics.

Soft woods like pine/cedar/etc. Seem to shrink less, but produces a softer fluffy charcoal that might break as you load it into the Okin tip, the charcoal also burns much faster, not very ideal.

I love the idea of being able to just create your own "fuel" out in the wilderness from things you can harvest in just about any forest.

 

[EmDeemo]

The okins will come with the drill to make the holes, so hole making isn't an issue.

You could totally find branches of hardwood that are dead/dry, and about 5/8" in diameter, and then put them into a small metal tin (candy or mint tin would be fine), close the lid, and put that into the embers for about 15 minutes (following directions that I will be providing).

If the wood was dry (if wet, it might crack and split inside the tin or shrink too much, experimentation would be needed), and you were using a domestic hardwood like maple or birch, you should end up with perfectly usable high quality charcoal for the Okin. You can cut the charcoal to size after it's been converted into charcoal.

Starting with "branches" might pose some problems, however. It might be best to start with a branch that's a bit over-sized, then whittle it down to as close to a perfectly round "dowel" as you can. Different species will all shrink differently when converted into charcoal, and they will all have different burn characteristics.

Soft woods like pine/cedar/etc. Seem to shrink less, but produces a softer fluffy charcoal that might break as you load it into the Okin tip, the charcoal also burns much faster, not very ideal.

I love the idea of being able to just create your own "fuel" out in the wilderness from things you can harvest in just about any forest.

Could one conceivably make charcoal from the flayed flesh of their enemies?

Asking for a friend.

 

[axakal]

this comment made my morning. but haven't your friend thought about amputation of some of the enemy's fingers? bones seem more suitable and the diameter and the lenght of the phalanges should be about right.

Could one conceivably make charcoal from the flayed flesh of their enemies?

Asking for a friend.

 

[SD_haze]

I love the idea of being able to just create your own "fuel" out in the wilderness from things you can harvest in just about any forest.

The off-grid vaporist's dream! Love it.

1x wilderness
1x tin can
1x embers

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

The off-grid vaporist's dream! Love it.

1x wilderness
1x tin can
1x embers

You forgot your 1x green herb

 

[pakalolo]

I've been so distracted by all the beautiful pictures that I kind of forgot this is a functioning vape thread! So speaking of, how are all you beta testers doing with your Okin's? Just wondering if you've all got the hang of it with some more testing time

I've been unable to participate much here lately so I apologize for being late with my response.

My Okin has assumed the role I always envisioned for it: it's a display piece that I use only on special occasions, or sometimes when the urge comes upon me. I have to conserve my charcoals too, so there's that.

Once you've determined your load size and how to pack it, everything depends on the charcoal. In the batch I have, there's been enough variation to make each experience a little different. Fortunately, if I've done the preparation right then the experience is a good one. That means drilling 4 holes and in my case, cutting about 2 mm off the length. I believe the charcoals that Dan is shipping will be the correct length, however.

 

[EmDeemo]

You forgot your 1x green herb

Plus 1x the charred bones of your enemies, and a 1000 x the lamentations of their women.

 

[Dan Morrison]

@Pak, I have decided that I will provide the charcoals as originally sent to you guys. The longer length.

I've tried many times to emulate your experience, but I prefer to start with a longer charcoal, I believe the startup draws, while coming up to full vaporization temperature, still give a pleasant flavour experience, and after a couple draws, when the charcoal is up to temperature, the additional length seems to produce a longer 'sweet spot' where the temperature is perfect. The added size of the ember at the start helps to drive the rest of the burn.

To me, it's worth it. I find this especially true with pipe tobacco as well.

If, in time, people demand a shorter length, I will offer it. But for now I need to go with my gut. Granted, It took some time to decide, because I value your (and the other testers) opinions greatly, couldn't have gotten to this point without them!

The final nail in the coffin was that...people can cut the charcoals down if desired (even though that is rather messy and not ideal) but they can't make them longer...

 

[pakalolo]

I agree, cutting is not a big deal. I think I'll give the full length a try the next time I load up my Okin. Maybe I just need more experience.

 

[VegNVape]

The off-grid vaporist's dream! Love it.

1x wilderness
1x tin can
1x embers

You forgot your 1x green herb

Er . . . . how about 1x Okin?!

Now we're good.

 

[Dan Morrison]

Everything is coming to an end, just the finishing touches now.

Here is a test of various finishes on the three main materials. From Left to right, shellac, linseed oil, beeswax/mineral oil blend, conservators wax. I like beeswax/mineral oil the best on everything.

Here's the water bead test. Beeswax/mineral oil wins on all three materials.

SS screens, formed and cut in house.

Time to carve that logo stamp... sort of been dreading this. The lines are so damn tiny.

Came out alright!

Now I just need some ink. I'm making a traditional ink from shellac (a resin secreted by the female lac bug) and powdered charcoal.. the same charcoal that's used to power the Okin. This recipe is very durable and fade-proof.

Here is the raw shellac resin.

Charcoal to be turned into powder.

Mixing with the shellac and alcohol.

First test prints! The ink will be filtered tomorrow, and then the boxes will be stamped and finished with beeswax/mineral oil. Oh man, I'm so excited to see them all finished!

 

[phattpiggie]

@Dan Morrison as you're aware I have been enjoying this thread and I admire all the work and attention to detail you've been putting in. I am also a visual junkie so all your fotos and videos have helped me get my fix.
A friend of mine makes violins, cellos, guitars etc. A while back he made some copies of a very, very famous and expensive violin for a customer. It was cheaper to make a copy for the guy to take on tour than to insure his original. When I get to see him I will PM you the details of the laquer he used. You will be interested to know how he came about the formula and the finish it gives is very nice.

 

[delloy]

Wow! @Dan Morrison you really do go the extra mile and fabricate everything from scratch which is the reason I love this thing and this thread so much! That stamp is amazing and to be making your own ink too....need I say more.....just fabulous stuff! Cant wait for mine to be ready

Biggest and bestest bargain of the year for me with the amount of love and craftmanship that goes into each and every one, these truly are a steal!

 

[stickstones]

you're making your own ink? I continue to be floored! I assume you make your own oxygen and water as well, yes?!

 

[caphector]

you're making your own ink? I continue to be floored! I assume you make your own oxygen and water as well, yes?!

Nah, he's got free-range O2 and H2O and doesn't need to go full Martian for those resources.

It's not like he's stuck on mars or something.

 

[°k]

you're making your own ink? I continue to be floored! I assume you make your own oxygen and water as well, yes?!

He also grew the forest where his cabin is located, the largest forest in North America by the way.

 

[NorVape]

After all he invented the tree.

 

[VAPEHUNTER]

I like this, it's kind of taking on the whole "Chuck Norris facts" type thing....

I hear @Dan Morrison doesn't do push ups, he pushes the earth down

Oh yeah, well I hear Dan Morrison once beat the sun at a staring contest.

Oh yeah, well I heard when Dan Morrison was born he drove his mom home from the hospital....

That's nothing. I heard the Boogie man checks his closet for Dan Morrison.

 

[BubbaGump]

Paul Bunyon.........?

 

[thekarmawhore]

I like this, it's kind of taking on the whole "Chuck Norris facts" type thing....

I hear @Dan Morrison doesn't do push ups, he pushes the earth down

Oh yeah, well I hear Dan Morrison once beat the sun at a staring contest.

Oh yeah, well I heard when Dan Morrison was born he drove his mom home from the hospital....

That's nothing. I heard the Boogie man checks his closet for Dan Morrison.

OMFG! Hand to God, I was just thinking about how it would be funny if Dan turned out to actually be Chuck Norris before you posted that! Synchronicity!

And Dan, everything you do is so incredible! Watching your creation evolve and come to life is one of the coolest things I've ever had the privilege to witness. I want the picture book as much as I want an Okin!

Can someone refresh me when we might next get the chance to sign up for one of these works of art?

 

[°k]

OMFG! Hand to God, I was just thinking about how it would be funny if Dan turned out to actually be Chuck Norris before you posted that! Synchronicity!

And Dan, everything you do is so incredible! Watching your creation evolve and come to life is one of the coolest things I've ever had the privilege to witness. I want the picture book as much as I want an Okin!

Can someone refresh me when we might next get the chance to sign up for one of these works of art?

I don't believe there's any date for the next round yet. You've missed the shot for the first 50 Okins; so far none have been sent but the first 10 are about to be complete (from what I've gathered here), then you can assume that Dan will make a couple of pipes for Gandalf and his friends after that you'll better have your yes I'm in for the next round mail ready to be sent because the spots go very very fast (I'm still surprised I managed to be in the first 50 seeing how I didn't reply instantly!

 

[thekarmawhore]

Thanks k, saved me some time. I was digging back through the thread but totally distracted by the incredible photos! Man, the photos are just top notch! What an eye!

 

[vapen00b]

OMFG! Hand to God, I was just thinking about how it would be funny if Dan turned out to actually be Chuck Norris before you posted that! Synchronicity!

And Dan, everything you do is so incredible! Watching your creation evolve and come to life is one of the coolest things I've ever had the privilege to witness. I want the picture book as much as I want an Okin!

Can someone refresh me when we might next get the chance to sign up for one of these works of art?

Actually Chuck Norris is just Dan Morrison's artist name he gifted himself after having invented art. At least that's what God told the dinosaurs back then, before Chuck had a sneeze of asteroids and burnt everything down... This story is too long, it has to be a matter of fact he is Chuck Norris. I think we all agree