Scott Thile: Sandblasted Strawberry Wood Lovat with Ivorite (OP2) (532) Tobacco Pipe

In addition to being an accomplished musician and a piano tuner, Scott Thile is also a talented pipe maker, and a self-taught one at that. Thile has had a deep love and admiration for pipes since the age of 16, when he bought his very first piece. His admiration for pipes is evident in each of his designs. This Lovat showcases Thile's distinctive style, which, according to him, is inspired by "The Danish neoclassics as interpreted by the North American greats."

Though crafted from strawberry wood instead of traditional briar, this piece retains the form's characteristic features, including an upright Billiard bowl, a protracted round shank, and an abbreviated saddle stem. Sleek and streamlined, this piece boasts a lightweight in-hand presence and an undeniably attractive profile, its reserved build allowing the gorgeous finish and stylish accent to take center stage. A crisp sandblast dresses the stummel and highlights striking grain across the bowl's flanks, while an ivorite accent adorns the base of the saddle stem and tie the composition together with a touch of vibrant color.