soap stone for pipes

[Shadow Hawk]

Hey all
 I have access a few pieces of soap stone and was wondering if it would make a good pipe?
Any input would be appreciated

[Sneakon]

I've made a few pipes out of red pipestone and it is a fairly easy process to make a simple pipe.  My guess is that soap stone would work up the same.  Cut the stone into the basic shape with a hack saw or some other fine blade saw.  Use a series of rasps and files and sand paper down to 600 or 1200 wet paper grit.  Make a stem and you are ready to fire it up.  There are more detailed instructions out on the good ol www.

[Shadow Hawk]

thanks Sneakon
 ive heard the red pipestone makes a great pipe i was wondering if soap stone make a good smoking (and safe) pipe?

[pathfinder]

Wouldn't think so or you'd see 'em around. Just say'in

[Sneakon]

Witthoft, J.G., 1949, "Stone Pipes of the Historic Cherokees", Southern Indian Studies 1(2):43–62.
Here is one reference for Cherokees making pipes out of soapstone or Steatite.  Also, Darwin & Christine Wallenburg at Lakota Creations (http://www.thepipemaker.com) sell soapstone and a few pipes made of soapstone, but most of their stuff is pipestone.