Partially Sandblasted Bent Apple (1425) Tobacco Pipe

One can't view this pipe without thinking, "Lars Ivarsson," but it isn't. When one borrows design cues from someone with the experience and talent of Lars, the pipe better be good, because any deficiencies are going to appear egregious. Few can pull that off, but here Jeff Gracik does it, and does it spectacularly well. the quality of finish is outstanding, and the choice of combining sandblast and smooth surfaces is excellent. Where the two join is the good part. As if the shank had been slid onto the bowl and pushed the skin of the briar up, the meeting line is raised, providing an impression of two separate elements. Asymmetry plays a part as well, as the shank has a crisp ridge on the left side and a less pronounced ridge on the right. The shank expands from transition to stem, as is often seen, but here it is subtle, refined and exactly right.