Nørding: Valhalla Smooth (501) Tobacco Pipe

Nording's Valhalla series presents us with pipes that are quite a bit more reserved in style than his more easily recognizable Fancy Freehand works. This "501" from the Danish carver is a firm-lined Bulldog that presents with a classic disposition, its shank framed by a quartet of ridgelines in a diamond shape that continues through the stem. The bowl sits atop a crisply outlined heel and flares to a wrapping ridge that additionally marks the taper to the rim, providing plenty of curves to ensure a comfortable feel in hand. Dressing this pipe is a vibrant ruby stain that brings out some handsome grain and works well with the black acrylic stem and matching shank end band to offer a classic aesthetic.