German Estates: Frank Axmacher Smooth Freehand Pot with Bamboo (2014)

The oval width of this Freehand from Frank Axmacher is considerably greater than the bowl's profile suggests, presenting a piece that is remarkably comfortable to hold despite its relatively small stature. It's compact in length, suggesting comfortable pocket carry, though its width will cause a bulge in one's attire, although it is certainly not excessive. The plateau rim offers an undulating and natural-esque attitude appropriate to the woodsy, mahogany coloration of the stummel, which ably highlights the excellent vertical grain around the bowl. The shank is muscular and short, joined by a short extension of bamboo with a single knuckle of bamboo at its end, which imbues the shank's shape with an expanding attitude before introducing the stem of jet-black vulcanite with a single dramatic expansion ring. The lifting heel does much to provide a sense of forward momentum, giving this convenient smoking instrument a sleek sense of acceleration despite its abbreviated and robust proportions.