Jacono: 40th Anniversary Knight Volcano (B17/50) Tobacco Pipe

Tonino Jacono is quite a talented carver, and, in his time, has displayed a firm grasp on a great many shapes, though the Volcano is one which stands out to me especially so, as each iteration of it is different in a unique way. It is appropriate, then, that he has chosen it as one of two shapes made to celebrate his 40th anniversary as a pipe maker — alongside a distinctive Author rendition. This particular Volcano is quite chubby, with a thick shank and an equally stout stem that makes a gentle, subtle downturn at the bit, following a gradual taper from the wide transition. The base of the bowl is rounded by a a firm ridgeline which flattens its underside, the fore sweeping up in an arc from the heel before tapering to the rim. Said bowl is quite large, with a full two inches of height, and holds a capacious chamber that is sure to provide lengthy smoking sessions. There's a palpable muscularity on display here which is present in each element of the pipe's construction, yet Tonino has still managed to temper this with a degree of subtle softness and gentle flow to the lines. Dressed in the craggy Knight rustication, the stummel is stained a smoky walnut, with flecks of lighter briar peeking out to match the smooth band at the shank end and thin strip just below the rim. A total of 50 of each shape was made for this celebratory release, and this pipe comes complete with a special certificate serialized out of the total.