Smooth Bent Brandy with Horn Tobacco Pipe

Hans "Former" Nielsen might well be in my top three carvers of all time. It isn't just a matter of meticulous attention to detail, stellar engineering, and quality briar. Any man should (rightfully) expect all of that from any world class carver. It is Mr. Nielsen's quiet, delightfully exquisite. nay, "perfect" shaping, that graces any pipe that leaves his shop, that draws me much like a moth to a flame. Unerringly spherical of bowl and graceful of line, this bent brandy shows a sophistication and balance in its totality that is rarely matched, even amongst the work of some of the most prestigious names in Denmark. The vibrant straight grain and birdseye form an amiable partnership with a magnificent piece of horn. Run you finger lightly over the border of the briar and horn. How many partners have you known that worked together this smoothly?

--Bear Graves