Jacono: Olivewood Bulldog Tobacco Pipe

In 1981, Tonino Jacono and his father-in-law began developing an idea for a pipe-making workshop. Tonino's father-in-law would supply the briar from the mill where he worked; Tonino's brother-in-law would shape the pipes; and Tonino would finish the pipes. Two years later, Tonino and his family were crafting pipes centered around a core philosophy: offer the highest-quality smoking instruments at the right price. Four decades later, Tonino now heads the workshop and has taken over carving the pipes himself, though he maintains the same adherence to that core value system. Here, Tonino showcases his impeccable ability to craft pipes from alternative mediums. While some carvers utilize olivewood as an accenting material, Tonino fashions entire pipes from the striking hardwood, as evidenced by this Bulldog. A striking rendition of the classic form, this Bullodg offers a stout, muscular bowl that stands at the fore of a diamond shank and a sleek saddle stem. The bowl's expansive waistline is accentuated by a crisp ridgeline, which additionally demarcates the tapered rim from the rest of the stummel. The bowl's ridgeline is mirrored by the shank's paneled, angular frame, creating a sense of visual unity across both ends of the stummel. A warm, smooth finish dresses the ensemble and highlights a gorgeous mixture of inky grain across the bowl and shank alike.