Davide Iafisco: Partially Sandblasted Bent Dublin Tobacco Pipe

Davide Iafisco's portfolio boasts quite a diverse assemblage of pipes ranging from Freehands to those that show more classical inclinations. Inspired by the likes of Claudio Cavicci and Teddy Knudsen, the Italian artisan has also attended pipe-making conferences conducted by American carvers Jeff Gracik and Adam Davidson.

This bent Dublin is a fine testament to Davide's shaping and finishing skills, with Danish and subsequently American, influences indicated. Of a compact size overall, it will easily tuck into a pocket, and features a rather muscular, forward-urging bowl, its supple curves and softened lines displayed throughout. It's paired to a gradually rising, rounded shank that's then topped by a trim saddle stem for a svelte combination in back. The aforementioned rim wears a smooth, walnut stain smothered in handsome birdseye, mirroring that of the pipe's underside, while the carver has added an organic touch with a bit of plateau showing for contrast, the darkened hues matching that of the well-executed sandblast and mouthpiece. The grain here is stunning, as in addition to birdseye, the briar's growth rings are equally striking.