J. Alan Sandblasted Calabash with Boxwood Cap (964) (2014) Tobacco Pipe

Jeff Gracik learned pipe making from the likes of Todd Johnson, Tonni Nielsen, and Jody Davis. His desire to make the best pipe he possibly can has led him to make some incredibly unique smoking instruments over the years, including this Calabash. Though historically carved from gourd, there is no gourd to be found here — gourd Calabashes are increasingly hard to find these days — but Jeff's work with briar on this particular piece is nothing short of excellent.

The sandblast that Jeff applied to the briar draws out some excellent straight grain crossed with tightly packed growth rings, both making their way across the conical bowl and upturned shank with grace and accentuated by a lovely mahogany stain. A removable cap of boxwood tops the bowl in the traditional shape near that of an upside-down bowl, in this case featuring a ring of briar at the very center to compose the rim. Out back, the shank fades into a vulcanite stem with low shoulders and a long mouthpiece with a substantial, gradual bent on its way back to the bit.

Jeff's work with both boxwood and briar is well-done in this piece, allowing for a great modern take on the classic Calabash that honors the shape of the original gourd-style pieces while making it very much his own. It's a piece certain to satisfy fans of his work or just Calabashes at large, with a wonderful texture to the stummel that simply couldn't be matched by a gourd Calabash.