Sandblasted Pickaxe (Two Clubs) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

Federico Becker represents the third generation of his family turning pipes, following in the footsteps of grandfather, Fritz, and father, Paolo, who founded the Becker workshop together in 1974. The self-titled brand Federico carries on today is known for organic renditions of classic shapes, most commonly featuring sharp, angular heels. In many ways, the straightforward style of the English school can be observed through Federico's sandblasted pipes, such as this Pickaxe.

Sinuous curves draw the lines of this piece, which has a very pointed heel (true to the title of its shape) and a profile similar to a flat-topped shield when viewed from the fore. The stummel is dressed in a shallow sandblast and a glossy, dark stain that plays with the light at each turn. The shank is lightly upturned and quickly transitions to a bent cumberland stem. It's a very straightforward piece on Federico's part, but one that is notable for its great craftsmanship.