Claudio Cavicchi: Ambra Smooth Bent Dublin with Claudio Albieri Travel Case (01/07) Tobacco Pipe

Coveted number one of seven pipes in the annual collaboration between Claudio Cavicchi and Claudio Albieri, this pipe leads a bespoke limited edition of Ambra 2021 pipes. Claudio Cavicchi has been crafting fine pipes for over 40 years, and Claudio Albieri crafts bespoke, luxurious smoking accessories. Each year since 2018, the two Claudios have collaborated on a special, limited edition series, and this year's entries frankly make my eyes water.

The Ambra 2021 project presents something truly special: Cavicchi's first contrast-stained pipes. While he is known for his iconic blonde smooth finishes and fine sandblasted renditions, this is the first time we have had the pleasure of seeing him employ a contrast stain, and wow, is it ever stunning. For the uninitiated, contrast staining is a process of staining the briar one color, which soaks deeper into the slightly softer grain elements, then sanding it down just enough to expose virgin briar on the harder striations, before staining it a second, lighter color. From the effect Claudio achieved with this pipe, every moment of the extensive process was worth it, as this briar displays exemplary straight grain all around the bowl — equal in grade to Cavicchi's Perla and Diamante pipes — complemented by a two-tone, lightly sanded concentration of plateau on on its broad rim.

The shaping is no less perfect, a neatly neoclassic bowl, rounding seamlessly around the heel and through transition to meld with a structural, paneled shank. The effect is one of mind-boggling juxtaposition, as my eye is unable to determine where curve becomes ridgeline; it's a master stroke of stunning expertise and skill. While the pipe is no less than a masterpiece, the hand-stitched bright red leather case is an art form of its own, a custom, zippered protection chamber fit for this king of pipes, complete with a pipe sock, and stamped 1/2021.