American Estates: Scott Klein Smooth Freehand Bent Dublin (2017) Tobacco Pipe

This Freehand bent Dublin from Scott Klein packs a lot of intricacy and detailed design cues into a small overall package, being just under five inches in total length. Much of this compactness is due to the tight-knit shaping of the shank, which actually connects to the bowl's aft side. Though the rim is raised slightly higher than the shank face, the profile resembles the Fan shape with its splayed form, and the grain follows that trajectory. Ridgelines add firmness to the lower flanks of the shank, and the left side protrudes outward in almost Blowfish-like fashion for subtle asymmetry and enticing detail. Lastly, the stem base's expansion perfectly parallels the triangular-esque shaping of the shank face, cohesively incorporating the mouthpiece into the overall composition in a manner that pays homage to the style of Japanese master Hiroyuki Tokutomi. This is a piece with something to observe and admire each time it's smoked, dressed in a grain-defining stain, with plateau along the rim to add texture against the smooth finish.