Scott Thile: Sandblasted Lovat with Ivorite (489) Tobacco Pipe

A former piano tuner and musician by trade, Scott Thile has been fascinated by pipes since he was 16. Now a pipe carver and influential member of the pipe smoking community thanks to his establishment of Pipedia, an excellent online resource for all things pipe-related, Thile has carved a sizable niche, and plenty of pipes, for himself in the world of briar.

This Lovat made by Thile is an elegant rendition of the classic shape. A tapered bowl rests pertly at the fore of a supple round shank, with a flat bottom and curvaceous, balanced heel that allows the pipe to sit upright. A vulcanite saddle stem completes the ensemble, elevated by an eye-catching Ivorite accent, adding a splash of color while maintaining this pipe's organic aesthetic. The stummel is dressed in a rich sandblasted finish, revealing excellent ring grain that ripples up the tapered bowl. Lightweight and perfect for clenching, this handsome piece makes an excellent walking companion.