There are few makers around that have been carving pipes as long as Hans 'Former' Nielsen. As his nickname implies, he does look a bit like George Formby (an actor), but his skills were meant to shine on briar, not the silver screen. Only last year, we sold a limited edition of Former's 50th anniversary pipe. This might be a little hard to believe, but he began carving pipes at the shop of Poul Rasmussen when he was just 15 years old. His skills were noticed at an early age, and he eventually was in charge of the W.O. Larsen pipe factory, before leaving to set up his own name.
Making mostly classic shapes, or classic variations, Former's sandblasting style and staining process combine to dress up some of the most beautiful briars made today. The bent Billiard before your eyes is a shape that we've only had a few of over all these years, and it's still as pristine in the bowl as it was when it left his shop.
-Adam Davidson
