Askwith: Sandblasted Pickaxe Tobacco Pipe
Product Number: 002-499-0518
English artisan Chris Askwith is one of few artisan pipe makers in the country, and his personal style often hews close to classic Anglo-French design, with sleek, precise shaping and balanced proportions displayed throughout his portfolio. It's rather seldom that we see the Pickaxe from Askwith, though his interpretations of the shape are consistently sharp and dynamic, with plenty of sleekly curving lines to appreciate throughout. This piece is a good example, showcasing the form's central, pointed heel with ample sharpness, its spurred outline naturally drawing the eye to the fore. From this point, the lower line of the heel flows into the shank, which lifts out of a tight transition and tapers to meet a similarly tapering stem of demurely curved, multicolored, brindled vulcanite. The arcing trajectory of the shank and stem lends the combination an impressive verticality, coupled with a consistent undercurve that enhances the fluid look of this piece, all while being poised for comfortable smoking. Up front, the heel supports the bowl as it grows flaring walls that rise to a high-set waist marked by a single ridgeline, reminiscent of the Rhodesian as it subsequently tapers to the rim. Dressed in a crisp tanblast, the stummel showcases handsome grain throughout, while the stem offers a wealth of expressive contrast to appreciate.
-John McElheny
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SoldMeasurements & Other Details
- Length: 5.58 in./141.73 mm.
- Weight: 1.44 oz./40.82 g.
- Bowl Height: 2.67 in./67.82 mm.
- Chamber Depth: 1.81 in./45.97 mm.
- Chamber Diameter: 0.79 in./20.07 mm.
- Outside Diameter: 1.40 in./35.56 mm.
- Stem Material: Vulcanite
- Filter: None
- Shape: Freehand
- Finish: Sandblast
- Material: Briar
- Country: England