For the purposes of this contest, a professional carver is anyone who has made or sold pipes.

Eligibility is restricted to carvers who are exhibitors at the show only - no third party representation is permitted.

Winning entry will become the property of TAPS and will be auctioned to raise funds for improving the Raleigh Pipe Show. 

Entries will be judged on the following criteria: 

1. 1.Overall design and shape
   

2. 2.Workmanship ( finish, stem-shank junction, engineering)
   

3. 3.Comfort (how it feels in the hand)
   

4. 4.Creativity

The winner will be awarded a plaque naming him or her the Triangle Area Pipe Smokers’ Professional Pipe Carver of the year.  An announcement of the award and a photo of the pipe will be published in the summer issue of Pipes and Tobaccos magazine.