Smooth Almond with Mastodon Ivory Tobacco Pipe

During my nearly three decades of being associated with the tobacco business, I have seen a lot of nuts (and I don't mean just the pipe smoking ones at the Chicago Show). I have seen acorns (both bent and straight) walnuts and even brazilnuts, but an almond? Sometimes Adam Davidson "ain't right" and, as lovers of pipes, we wouldn't have him any other way. Utilizing a spooky-perfect symmetry, Adam creates two almonds (seriously, look at the shape, there couldn't be another nomenclature) and juxtaposes the same in a deft manner that allows the critical shaping elements to shine, but does not detract one whit from the overarching unity. The gutsy move of allowing the shank such a proportional presence pays off in a big way, by creating a delightful sense of the compact as well as an utterly irresistible charm. The ivory is stunning, the bit work is impeccable and this grain won't fail to put a grin on your face. As a concluding note, when I first saw this briar, I was a bit concerned about how the pipe would feel in the hand. Once you have your index finger and thumb on the fore ridge and back slope, your middle finger resting easily near the heel, I will wager that you will regret having to put it down.

--Bear Graves