Brad Pohlmann Smooth Lars Blowfish with Cocobolo (2016) Tobacco Pipe

Brad Pohlmann is known to place a strong emphasis on engineering when carving his pipes, resulting in pieces that not only look lovely, but also remain reliable after countless smoking sessions. Pohlmann's work is often marked by fluid curves and dynamic momentum, as is the case with this gorgeous Lars Ivarsson-inspired Blowfish.

Asymmetry in pipe making often looks effortless, but in reality, it's usually quite the opposite, requiring a tremendous amount of skill to get the silhouette just right. Pohlmann has certainly done so here, though, with each sweeping line and gentle curve of this Blowfish giving way to a different grain pattern. The quality of the grain itself is just as impressive as this piece's shaping; tight tendrils of flame grain and dense maelstroms of birdseye abound throughout the briar. Pohlmann has treated this exceptional grain to a smooth, contrast-rich finish, which is complemented by a striking, two-toned accent of cocobolo along the shank face. This disparate — yet cohesive — material adds further emphasis to said shank's iconic teardrop cross section: a defining characteristic of the Lars Blowfish. If you're in the market for a well-engineered, finely finished iteration of a Danish classic, this pipe is sure to be a venerable contender.