Yeti: Smooth Acorn with Bakelite and Bronze (612) Tobacco Pipe

While we've received a handful of Acorn renditions from Micah "Yeti" Cryder over the years, this particular offering is truly a standout piece from the American artisan. Though Micah is renowned for his use of antique Bakelite as a stem material, he's rarely used this variety of blood red Bakelite and never on a smooth pipe wearing this type of dark contrast stain. This piece also marks the first time Cryder has utilized bronze as an accenting material on one of his designs, using it to great effect in between the stummel's dark, glossy stain and the colorful Bakelite stem. Over time, the bronze ring will gradually patina and develop more of a warm, coppery gold tone that will make this composition even more visually captivating. While Micah doesn't often work with metal for his pipes, he stated that he plans on using it more in the future, and I'm certainly excited to see the results after examining this design.

Aesthetics and accenting materials aside, this compact Acorn does a wonderful job of showcasing the American carver's signature style of pipe making. Measuring just over five inches in length, it's a conveniently sized piece with a muscular bowl that flares in Dublin-esque fashion toward an undulating rim crowned in craggy, dimpled plateau. Such shaping emphasizes the Acorn's organic nature, while also adding visual and physical texture to an otherwise smooth composition. The heel spur is extremely subtle, drooping slightly past the shank's underside in a reserved manner while the rest of the shank expands outward from the transition. From shaping to finishing and accent work, this is a stellar piece from Micah and is a landmark pipe within what is already an impressive portfolio.