Askwith: Sandblasted Nosewarmer Pot Tobacco Pipe

Plymouth, England's Chris Askwith is well regarded for his unique approach to traditional pipe making. The English carver is known for his prodigious use of materials like morta and strawberry wood in crisp finishes, as well as his extroverted color palettes and employment of hand-cut polyester stems. This pocket-sized Pot is one such example of the artisan's style. A thumb-sized bowl is the composition's focus, with a subdued heel and slim round shank, maintaining traditional English style and proportionality. The silhouette is completed by one of Askwith's signature polyester stems, rendered in a swirling, cumberland-like pattern that matches perfectly with the dark red stummel. Despite its size, this pipe lacks nothing in detail and workmanship. The briar stummel is dressed in a rich contrast stain, achieved by applying an undercoat to the wood, sandblasting it to reveal the grain, and applying a second color to create an eye-catching, dual-toned finish. The stain is further elevated by the crisp sandblast, creating an abundance of texture for the fingers to explore. Both visually pleasing and eminently functional, this well-made Nosewarmer will make for a travel pipe of distinction.