Bill Shalosky: Smooth Rhodesian (723) Tobacco Pipe

Bill Shalosky is an American artisan with a deft understanding of shaping, having spent years making pieces for Smoker's Haven, Chheda Pipes, and BriarWorks. In terms of influence, Shalosky points to "every pipe ever made," whether factory-made or artisan-crafted, and that wide range of influence can be felt in this Rhodesian. Shalosky has crafted a number of Rhodesians over the years, and he tends to produce them in the same streamlined manner, retaining the form's tell-tale characteristics, namely the domed rim and beadline-wrapped waistline, but with a sleek, arrow-straight shank-and-stem arrangement that's balanced and gradually tapered. Such is the case with this iteration, a lightweight, ergonomic design that conforms naturally to the hand. Dressing this piece is a rich, contrast-stained smooth finish that highlights stellar birdseye and cross grain around the bowl.