American Estates: Scott Klein Smooth Bent Billiard with Bamboo (2017) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Scott Klein's background lies in the trades, and not just one, as he has had his hand in the fields of plumbing, construction, automotive technology and others. After his education in these fields, he worked for six years in various other trades, before he was introduced to Alex Florov. Florov introduced him to the world of artisan pipe making and he was immediately enamored with the process, with Klein later spending five years working alongside Alex, skipping the usual beginnings of pipe kits and delving into artisan carving with raw blocks and vulcanite blanks. This bent Billiard showcases his style well, with a compact overall build that's still quite sophisticated, coming in at just a touch over four and a half inches long and boasting an impressively light weight. This pipe is primed for travel carry, easily able to fit into a pocket, and its lightness in hand also promises effortless clenching, a feat helped by the stem's demure downturn at the bit. Said stem is a sleek saddle of black vulcanite that's paired to an extension of bamboo comprising three knuckles of the dense grass, the angled base of the stem mirroring the rhythm of these knuckles. The bamboo extends an extremely short shank and pairs to the stummel at a trim band of black vulcanite, this pair taking on a slight lift that poises the shank and stem for more apt clenching. Up front, the bowl stands on a rounded heel and grows stolid, cylindrical walls that rise toward a chamfered rim, the underside of the bowl displaying a rounded build that makes for a comfortable feel in hand. Dressed in a rich, warm stain, the bowl showcases handsome grain, with wrapping flame and a basin of birdseye at the underside.