GH.ZHANG: Sandblasted Blowfish (David Huber) (03) Tobacco Pipe

Guo Hui Zhang's passion for pipes began with his work as an importer and purveyor of pipe-making materials. Zhang's understanding of large-scale pipe logistics inspired an exciting idea: the mass production of high-quality, artisan pipes. In 2017, he opened the GH Zhang workshop and partnered with pipe makers around the world to achieve his vision. Each GH Zhang pipe is designed by a famous artisan pipe maker and shaped on a CNC machine before being finished by hand and fitted with stems by the team at GH Zhang. Offering more than 40 shapes in smooth and sandblasted finishes, GH Zhang presents pipe smokers with a rare opportunity to procure artisan-style pipes at an accessible price.

Taking inspiration from the Danish and Japanese pipe-making traditions, David Huber crafts highly organic compositions that prioritize sculpted lines and precise shaping cues. His distinctive style is represented by this "03" Blowfish from GH Zhang. This take on the Blowfish is a slightly more compact rendition of the profile compared to Huber's "04" iteration of the shape that G.H. Zhang also produces, though only in terms of length, with the shank being shortened a fair bit. This paneled shank flares out toward its domed face before being inlaid with a band of brass, sturdily fitting a black vulcanite saddle stem in a practical military mount. Up front, the bowl is expanded, with more substance about its build than the "04," offering a hearty bit of substance while maintaining the asymmetrical paneling iconic to the Blowfish shape. Here dressed in a ruddy stain and sandblasted finish, the stummel showcases handsome grain throughout.