Sandblasted Morta Cavalier Tobacco Pipe

When Chris Askwith started smoking a pipe in 2006, he needed to restore the estate pipes he purchased. A talented silversmith, Askwith discovered that many of his tools and skills lent themselves well to pipes. So, in 2007, Askwith pipes was born. An English artisan, Askwith draws inspiration from the Anglo-French shape charts, but incorporates modern twists, most notably his detailed finishes and colorful stems.

This Cavalier by Askwith is fashioned from morta, an alternative material to briar that Askwith utilizes quite often. Also known as bog oak, morta is wood that has been submerged for thousands of years, resulting in its semi-petrified state. Furthermore, many believe morta possesses different smoking qualities than briar, facilitating a dry, flavor-neutral smoking experience. However, the most distinct difference between morta and briar is their color and grain pattern. As seen here on this Cavalier, the detailed sandblast exposes the perpendicular growth rings and grain of the jet-black morta, producing a mesmerizing, geometric pattern. Additionally, Askwith includes one of his trademark acrylic stems and the Cavalier's traditional shank cap, which showcase a bright blue brindle.

Moreover, the Cavalier design here is as non-traditional as the morta material. Created to provide a dry smoking experience, the shank here dives at a sharp angle, extending past the bowl to a removable cap that collects unwanted moisture as one smokes. However, in contrast to the shank, the Billiard bowl is quite classic, its supple, tapered form highlighted in striking definition in profile. Additionally, a sleek tapered stem tops off the composition, providing a comfortable clench.