Yeti: Sandblasted Standing Egg with Bakelite (349) Tobacco Pipe

Micah Cryder has achieved great success with these dynamic sitter shapes, and for good reason. The actual engineering of something like this is quite difficult to pull off, for one thing; it's tricky to get anything this canted and steeply rising of shank and stem to balance on such a small foot. For another, while very complex and impressive in profile, Cryder still keeps these unique pieces ergonomic and comfortable in hand. This Standing Egg, for example, is actually quite diminutive, measuring just over 31 grams overall — making for an easy clench in the jaw. The high-set, rounded waistline fits naturally in the palm as well, with the bit still presented at a natural angle. Add in its ability to sit steadily on any flat surface, and you've really got the best of both worlds — a surprisingly sculptural piece that can still serve as your most prized desk pipe.

- Andrew Wike