Smooth Long Shank Bulldog Tobacco Pipe

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and such mimicry is inherent in pipemaking and, even, encouraged. Current artisans look to those of decades past for inspiration, while contemporaries riff off of each other's ideas. This particular style of long-shanked Bulldog from Hans "Former" Nielsen is one that the Danish master has fashioned before, and from which Portuguese artisan Sabina Santos drew inspiration for a Calabash rendition of the design. Sabina is one of the more recent carvers to have spent ample time learning from Former in his workshop, and her rendition paid homage to his tutelage.

Well, almost like a game of telephone, Nielsen himself returns to his own shape. Compared to his previous iteration, this one is considerably more genteel through the transition, curling softly into the forward-canted bowl. Traditionally, the Bulldog is an inherently firm and rigid shape; however, Former's execution here renders it elegant and svelte — the only harshness coming from the conventional beadlines and diamond shank, though even the latter is softened somewhat by Former having slightly rounded the panels. The elongated shank pairs a sleek disposition to the elegant form, beautifully exemplifying Nielsen's ability to subtly tweak classic designs while still showcasing traditional Danish shaping cues.