Alex Florov Smooth Discus with Masur Birch and Rosewood (Slonim) (1) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

With a background in restoring antique furniture and over two decades of pipe-making experience, it's no wonder Alex Florov possesses a keen eye for detail and an unwavering sense of craftsmanship. Florov's skills are on full display with this impeccable Discus — a shape that's not only rare within the artisan's portfolio, but quite uncommon as a whole.

Even compared to other Discus renditions from Florov, this one stands far apart, mainly due its impressive use of negative space and seemingly gravity-defying construction. The broad, elliptical bowl is the defining feature of the Discus across the artisan's portfolio, but this is the first one to come to Smokingpipes that takes that same shape and repeats it, floating just above the bowl and attached to it by a mere kiss of briar. Both of these disc shapes are pierced by a cylindrical shank fashioned from masur birch, which is joined by a sleek stem with a tilted expansion disk that runs parallel to the slant of the bowl and floating pseudo-shank. This alignment makes for a thoroughly satisfying sense of visual rhythm throughout the composition, and speaks to Florov's thoughtful and inventive approach to shaping.

This pipe is not only impressive in shaping, however; it also boasts some stunning finish work. The grain is masterfully oriented, and the briar's natural hue pairs well with that of the masur birch. The underside of the bowl reveals a small patch of plateau, which offers a subtle flourish of rugged texture for the hand to appreciate. Sculptural, architectural, and organic all at the same time, and an exceedingly rare shape from Florov, this Discus is sure to make an inimitable addition to any pipe collection.