Smooth Asymmetrical Volcano Tobacco Pipe

Abe Herbaugh's experiences in long distance hiking and in woodworking as a guitar maker and restorer helped him to develop the determination and keen eye for detail that elevated him to his current status as one of the United States' most highly regarded pipe makers. His style is characterized by its Danish influences and unique, skillfully crafted accents.

This Volcano from Herbaugh packs a ton of beauty and intimate detail into a compact, Nosewarmer length. The first thing that catches my eye with this pipe is the curled point uncoiling from the shank's left side. This latter feature is reminiscent of some of Hiroyuki Tokutomi's interpretations of the classic shape. However, Herbaugh adds his own spin to the design cue. Instead of the entire shank curling smoothly into the point, the American pipe maker decided to have it flare dramatically out of the transition so that the left side curls into a point even as the right swells into a curve. When viewed from above and the right, these features evoke a swirling, spiraling motion that mesmerizes the beholder. The shank's face swells out to where it cradles the stylized stem.

As for the bowl, it rushes ahead with a dynamic forward cant, following the path of windswept flame grain into the minutely chamfered rim. A modest chamber dwells within, its shallow depth ideal for shorter smoking sessions. Beneath the upswept ridgeline underlining the bowl, the inflated heel conforms nicely to the palm, making this a cozy smoker for those who like to cradle their pipe in the hand. Awash with densely clustered nests of birdseye, the heel lifts from its lowest point into the aft of the shank face, traversing through a brief patch of plateau for a touch of stimulating texture.