Bill Shalosky: Sandblasted Rhodesian with Tulipwood (652) Tobacco Pipe

Bill Shalosky crafted his first pipe out of clay while studying Fine Arts at the Columbus College of Art and Design. Today, Shaloksy crafts his own line of handmade pipes out of briar, while also working at BriarWorks as one of the workshop's in-house craftsmen. When making pipes, Shalosky draws on a wide range of influences but crafts predominantly traditional shapes, although his signature Brow Burners show his willingness to experiment. Furthermore, Shalosky's pipes feature streamlined profiles, modern aesthetic sensibilities, and superb engineering to ensure an exquisite smoke.

A compact and robust rendition of the Rhodesian by Bill Shaloksy, this pipe features a hearty bowl that gently flares to a high-set waistline, which is engraved with a single beadline, then tapers dramatically inward to the rim for the quintessential Rhodesian look. The bowl and shank are dressed in a rugged sandblast and a jet-black stain, which is a near-perfect match for the inky shade of the vulcanite stem. The black dress allows the pink and auburn hues of the tulipwood stem to provide a dazzling contrast, enhancing the natural elements in this pipe. Furthermore, the shank end extrudes past the flush joinery of the shank and stem, creating a thin briar ring that hides a vulcanite band on the stem's fore, creating a seamless organic transition from stummel to stem. The thick shank balances the compositional and physical weight of the brawny bowl and stout stem, imbuing this Nosewarmer-sized pipe with comprehensive muscularity.