"Castello" Bent Apple (KK) Tobacco Pipe

While some might prefer the super light, almost wash-like, stain used on the Collections and some of the Castello "Castello" pipes, I find myself quite drawn to this light brown stain found on some of the Trademarks and Castello "Castello" pipes. I just really like contrast stains and this is such a good one that (unlike Castello), I see it as 'better' than the lighter stain (proof indeed that preference and price do not necessarily go hand in hand). The straight grain, especially on the right side of the bowl and up the shank, is nothing short of spectacular. It flames some on the front and left side of the bowl, but is still impressive there. The bottom of the bowl even sports some great birdseye. Almost visually delicate by Castello's normal standards, the small-medium sized shape is just charming. I usually make some attempt at objectivity in my descriptions (though I usually fail), but I think you can probably guess what I, the fan of contrast stained smaller pipes with great grain, think of this one.

-- Sykes Wilford