Abe Herbaugh: Sandblasted Billiard with Silver Tobacco Pipe

Before establishing his pipe-making career, Abe Herbaugh gained a thorough understanding of woodworking after years of crafting and repairing guitars by hand. During his time working with guitars, Herbaugh would take up pipe smoking, and his skills would translate naturally to crafting his own pipes. He would first learn the craft through self-practice, studying the shaping of a range of old estate pipes and recreating them in his spare time. In 2010, Herbaugh would decide to pursue a full-time career in pipe making, drawing on an eclectic set of inspirations, especially from Danish and Japanese masters. Herbaugh's portfolio spans from timeless shape-chart standards to expressive freehands, each crafted with a deft hand and a keen eye. In addition to his precise woodwork, many of his pieces boast elegant silverwork, as seen here.

Measuring just under five inches, this Billiard by Abe Herbaugh features a lightweight, streamlined build, making for a pipe that's both sleek and practical. Standing with a slight forward cant, the bowl is formed by supple walls gently curving from the rounded heel and rising toward the rim. The transition of the bowl shows some subtle definition as it gives way to an arrow-straight shank, fashioned with a silver military mount as it joins to a trim stem with a set of stylish expansion rings at its base. Dressing the stummel is a crisp, inky sandblast that reveals fine growth rings across the fore and aft of the bowl.