I should keep this pipe! I fell in love with this as soon as I started working on it. Then when I saw the blast, well let’s just say I like this piece and it was a pleasure to make. As time goes on I am becoming fonder of the black stain. I think this stain is a rugged, forgiving and a nice utilitarian color. Not to mention all the tops of my pipes are black regardless of the stain. I took some extra time with the file on the silver but I my opinion, it really adds to the look of this piece. Hand cut traditional Cumberland mouthpiece w/Delrin tennon, hand made solid Sterling fitment. Thank you very much for looking.