Sandblasted Morta Poker with Brass Cap Tobacco Pipe

Chris Askwith has been crafting pipes by himself since 2007, making him one of the very few artisan pipe makers in England. Not only this, he is also one of the most accomplished artisans in the pipe world, with a portfolio that spans not only a myriad of shapes, but of mediums, stem types, and accenting materials. Out of all of these materials, perhaps outside of briar, Askwith is the most well known for his excellent morta renditions, such as this Poker, a profile which pairs a tall, proud bowl with a svelte, trim shank and lengthy tapered stem. Canted forward and resting on its slanted heel, the angle of the bowl kicks the shank upward a bit, but its height gives the impression of significant momentum, as if the entire form were rushing forward. The chamber is narrow, but deep, and the fairly thick walls should ensure comfortable smoking, while the attractive brass ring around the rim discourages charring and contrasts the deep, inky blackness of the sandblasted stummel. The tapered stem is a brindled, cumberland hued stretch of polyester, and its muted hues blend with the stummel at first glance, but, when looked at more closely, the contrast afforded by the brown swirls is welcome and alluring.