Davide Iafisco: Sandblasted Cherrywood Tobacco Pipe

Davide Iafisco learned from an impressive array of premiere pipe makers including Teddy Knudsen, Claudio Cavicchi, Jeff Gracik, and Adam Davidson on his way to developing his own unique style of artisanal pipe making. This Cherrywood displays his penchant for melding organicism with classic designs, offering a tall bowl that flares to a broad, domed rim as it surges forward with implied momentum. A relatively narrow heel lends a sense of trimness, and the high-set shank flares from a slightly pinched shank to amplify the profile.

Iafisco has shaped perfectly to the grain here, following the vertical orientation with an asymmetric left-leaning curve to showcase rippling ring grain, while leaving the rim smooth to display abundant birdseye. A dark stain makes the sandblasted flanks undulate with remarkable fluidity, while a brighter hue lets the mesmerizing rim glow with contrast. The stem work is exemplary as well, the base of a handcrafted vulcanite mouthpiece continuing the shank's flaring profile before reducing to a svelte saddle configuration as it curls downward to complete a gentle S-curve. A bold piece with plenty of bespoke detail to admire for years to come, it yet manages to keep the overall weight quite light, edging toward Nosewarmer territory for a piece that feels great in hand and also promises a comfortable clench.