Sandblasted Pickaxe (Two Clubs) Tobacco Pipe

Sometimes I get the feeling that, outside of smooth pipes at least, Paolo Becker briars are getting to be the exception, rather than the rule. Certainly Paolo pulls more strawberry wood and morta pipes out of his hat than most any other artisan. Well, here we have a Becker sandblasted briar nonetheless, and in his signature Pickaxe-Acorn hybrid at that. Crisp yet organic, smooth in flow yet sporting wild changes in proportions along the way, this long-heeled, wasp-waisted design is pretty difficult to mistake.

- Eric N. Squires