Partially Sandblasted Stealth Bulldog Tobacco Pipe

Even at a glance, it's not hard to tell the inspiration behind this "Stealth" Bulldog from Chris Askwith. In its hard, pronounced lines, broad cross-section, squat profile, and sleek taper, the whole composition seems to evoke the streamlined, minimalist look of various stealth aircraft — i.e. those designed with specific stealth technologies to avoid detection by reducing reflection, radar emission, visible light, and audio frequencies.

While the majority of Askwith's work does fall somewhere into the realm of classical English shaping, this is quite the modernist take on the age-old design — really showcasing not only Chris's creative chops, but his talent for clean, precise execution as well. A truly stand out briar, I doubt this piece would have as much luck avoiding detection at your next pipe club meeting. In fact, the reverse effect might hold true. Excellent piece.

- Andrew Wike