Knight Billiard (2026) Tobacco Pipe

Tonino Jacono got his start in pipe making in 1981 when he joined forces with his brother-in-law, who shared his interest in the craft, and his father-in-law, who owned a briar-cutting mill. At first, the trio would share in the pipes' production, with his father-in-law drilling the pipes, his brother-in-law shaping them, and Tonino finishing them. These days, however, Tonino heads production on his own, utilizing charmingly old-school tools and techniques and sustaining the workshop's legacy of excellent pipes at fair prices.

This Apple from Jacono showcases the artisan's keen eye for rustication: The majority of the stummel is replete with deliciously craggy texture and a dark, smoldering hue, while the rim and junction are bounded by rings of lighter stained, smooth briar for a playful pop of contrast. The stummel's mostly dark complexion is also juxtaposed against a light, airy stem of swirled acrylic, resulting in a composition that's thoroughly eye-catching from stem to rim.