Becker Smooth Lumberman (Three Diamonds) (Replacement Tenon) Tobacco Pipe

Paolo Becker's pipe making aesthetic is difficult to categorize, though his work is unquestionably beautiful. Becker seems to borrow stylistic elements from the various pipe making traditions. With this delightful canadian, he has made a decidedly conservative pipe in the English tradition, with some very slight neo-classical Italian elements thrown in.

At first glance, the pipe is immediately and obviously presented as a traditional canadian. Only very small stylistic elements keep it from being truly classical (like the saddle stem = lumberman). The shank narrows ever so slightly as it approaches the bowl. The bowl itself is slightly narrower and taller than a classic English style canadian would be. These minute details, though, make all of the difference. With these subtle touches, Becker has highlighted the particularly elegant elements presented in the classical shape.

-Adam Davidson