Originally Posted by
KeithS
My understanding, with the MM freehand, is that it is the only pipe in the MM line that is made completely by hand, start to finish. Apparently, often by one person at the factory as well.
Again, my understanding of "freehand" pipes in general is that they have the characteristic of departing from the standard known shapes like billiard, Dublin, Rhodesian, or apple, etc. They often follow the whim of the hand carver and the natural characteristics of the particular briar they are carving. They are most always unique in some ways, even if similar. Eric Nording ( a Dane, i believe, as mentioned) is a good example of a pipe manufacturer today that makes affordable freehand designs (many get quite expensive) more than any other shape/type of pipe.
I'm no authority on the subject by any means. This is just what I've learned so far as I enjoy resarching these type of things. My research is always expanding, and therefore, limited.